The A's "could be headed to Mexico City" in spring '19 to play multiple exhibitions as part of MLB's "efforts to expand its international audience," according to Joe Stiglich of NBC SPORTS BAY AREA. A's Dir of Team Travel Mickey Morabito said that the club was "in discussions to play in Mexico City this upcoming spring," but that idea was "scratched because a new ballpark being built there is not quite ready yet." The A's "remain in play for two exhibitions" in Mexico City in '19 against a "yet-to-be-determined opponent if the plans come to fruition." The A's "always ask to be considered for international play," and their '19 schedule may "include quite the globe-trotting itinerary." In addition to potential exhibitions in Mexico, it was confirmed that the A's also are being "considered for a return trip to Japan to open the '19 regular season." The A's began the '08 season with two games against the Red Sox at the Tokyo Dome and "returned there" in '12 for an opening series against the Mariners (NBCSPORTSBAYAREA.com, 1/2).
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION: In San Jose, Martin Gallegos writes the A's yesterday announced that fans wanting to attend their free April 17 home game against the White Sox "can register at athletics.com/50 for free tickets" starting Jan. 10 at 8:00am PT. Season-ticket holders "will automatically have tickets for the game loaded to their account and will not need to sign up." The free admission "could bring a rare packed house" to the ballpark. The game will mark the 50th anniversary of the club's first game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 1/4). NBC SPORTS BAY AREA's Stiglich wrote whether this free game is "indeed the first of its kind is unknown, but at the very least it's extremely rare." The A's "caught some good fortune with the schedule." The White Sox "wouldn't be a big draw as a visiting team, particularly on a Tuesday night, which is when this anniversary game falls." So the A's at least have a "chance to generate some buzz on what would otherwise be a humdrum date on their home schedule" (NBCSPORTSBAYAREA.com, 1/3).
