Jones has a story you've got to love: it's not cool to be a fan when you're in this business. But I happily admit this: I root for Todd Jones, one of the most special regular dudes in sports

RELATED ARTICLE: Parallel paths.

October 22-the start of the World Series-is just over two months away, but it's never too early to think about potential matchups. One scenario pits two clubs that have traveled similar roads in 2005: the A's and the Astros.

* Both teams were 15 games under .500 in late May.

* Their turnarounds coincided with either the return of an injured player or, in the Astros' case, the return to form of an injured player: Bobby Crosby for the A's, Lance Berkman for the Astros.

* Both are built around their rotations. Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte are among the N.L's top five in ERA. The A's Rich Harden is emerging as the A.L's best pitcher, Barry Zito has relocated his curve, and Dan Haren took an eight-game winning streak into the week.

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* Both have a leading contender for Rookie of the Year: closer Huston Street for the A's and center fielder Willy Taveras for the Astros.

* Both have a significant nemesis. The A's, don't forget, can't get past the first round of the playoffs. The Astros can't beat the Cardinals-they've lost nine of 11 games against St. Louis since last year's NLCS.

smcneal@sportingnews.com

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

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