OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Athletics are hardly accustomed to playing in first place at the All-Star break. Yet the top spot seems to fit them just fine at the moment -- even if its quite a change for the low-budget club long known for those second-half surges that make for a dramatic September. The As are all alone atop the AL West at the break for the first time since 1990. And thats saying something for the defending division champions, who last June 30 trailed the Texas Rangers by 13 games before rallying to capture the West crown on the seasons final day. It didnt hurt for momentum that outfielder Yoenis Cespedes won the Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities Monday in New York. At 56-39, the As are making another statement after surprising everybody with a stunning sweep of the Rangers to end the 2012 regular season and steal away the AL West title from Texas. "I really believe that the guys in this clubhouse really believe that we have one of the best teams in baseball," third baseman Josh Donaldson said. "Its just one of those things, where when we get an opportunity to play a good team like the Red Sox or the Pirates or the Cardinals, were out there sending a message that we are a good team, that were for real." Cespedes has continued to make strides in his second major league season, and perhaps winning the Derby will help propel him into the second half. The second-year slugger from Cuba has 15 home runs and 43 RBIs. And Oakland announced Wednesday it would open the gates an hour earlier to fans for remaining Friday home games so they can watch Cespedes and others take batting practice. "Hes not happy about his average right now but his productions still there for a guy whos hitting (.225)," manager Bob Melvin said. "Hes always on the verge of a hot streak." Oakland has seven wins in 10 extra-inning games, and six walkoff victories already after 14 last season led the majors. The As also have their first winning first half since 2008 -- with plans on making another run at an underdog division title. "Everythings rolling pretty well," Donaldson said. "Weve got a lot of guys in the lineup that can do some damage, not only just hitting home runs but getting on base. ... From 1 to 25, we feel like we can put anybody in the game and theyre going to be successful." Who would have thought Angels stars Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Co. would sit a surprising 11 games back at this stage? The As lead Texas by two games. "Theyve got a pretty good team to work with, too," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "It was very impressive what they did last year, because I dont think they envisioned theyd make the playoffs. At the beginning it was kind of like, Do the best you can and well worry about the future later. I dont think BoMel (Melvin) got into that, because you cant have that attitude as a manager, because that transfers to your players." General manager Billy Beane did acknowledge his club was in rebuilding mode, so the As overachieved. They lost in the deciding Game 5 of the AL division series to the Tigers, who went on to be swept by the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Melvin has done an admirable job mixing and matching to cope with injuries to key players such as centre fielder Coco Crisp. Oaklands substitutes have done their share. "It shows that there are 25 guys in this room that, when used properly, can compete and win games," said Nate Freiman, who singled home the winning run against Mariano Rivera in an 18-inning win over the Yankees last month. "And it shows that the guys making the decisions are good at making the decisions and they know how best to use guys." Donaldsons steady bat is a key reason the As are in the lead. He is hitting a team-best .310 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs and 107 hits, most in the first half by an As player since Carney Lansfords 118 in 1988. Donaldson is the first As player to bat at least .300 with 15 or more home runs before the break since Jason Giambi in 2001. Donaldson didnt make the AL All-Star team, with closer Grant Balfour the lone representative in place of 40-year-old, 12-game winner Bartolo Colon. These young, unselfish As are accustomed to being snubbed, and certainly dont mind the role of overlooked opponent. Though that image might be wearing off in a hurry if they keep this good thing going. Along with Donaldson, Brandon Moss also has 16 home runs. "Its fun to watch our lineup hit," lefty starter Tommy Milone said. "Theres no easy out. That makes it tough, especially for other pitchers. Its good for us because we go out there and feel comfortable with any lineup that we put out there." Chris Conley Jersey . Burke is expected to miss two to three months after breaking a finger in the teams third preseason game. Tinsley, a 10-year veteran, spent the last two seasons in Utah, where the point guard averaged 3. Quincy Williams II Womens Jersey . Tevez, who has had conflicts with coaches in the past, has not been called up since Sabella was named coach in 2011. Argentina boasts Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria. http://www.authenticjaguarslockroom.com/Youth-Taven-Bryan-Elite-Jersey/ . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. Custom Jacksonville Jaguars Jerseys . The 20-year-old Pelicans big man glanced up and smiled widely at the well-wishers -- a fitting end to a day he wont soon forget. Davis responded to his selection earlier in the day as a Western Conference All-Star with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-91 on Friday night. Josh Oliver Womens Jersey . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.Ireland failed to pick up a consolation victory over Netherlands in the World T20 after losing a rain-affected, six-over-a-side match by 12 runs in Dharamsala. William Porterfields sides hopes of reaching the Super 10s stage were shattered on Friday when their game with Bangladesh was washed out, two days after they were beaten by Oman, and they suffered another hit on Sunday to finish bottom of Group A. William Porterfields side have finished bottom of Group A George Dockrell took 3-7 as Netherlands posted 59-5 from their six overs with Stephan Myburgh (27 from 18) and captain Peter Borren (14 from 9) giving the Dutch innings some impetus.Paul Stirling (15 from 7) hit two sixes for Ireland but their chase wilted after he held out and they could only muster 47-7, Max Sorensen and the extras column the next highest scorers with nine. Paul van Meekeren starred with the ball for Netherlands, the paceman picking uup Stirlings wicket on the way to figures of 4-11, with former South Africa spinner Roelof van der Merwe chipping in with 2-3 from his solitary over.dddddddddddd. Ireland and Netherlands game was blighted by rain Netherlands, who lost to Bangladesh before their clash with Oman fell four of the weather, leap above the Irish into third spot in Group A on three points, with Porterfields men at the foot of the pool on one point. Ireland captain William Porterfield: We havent been good enough for the last week. We have been beaten by better teams on the day but we should have played smart cricket and seen the games home.Netherlands captain Peter Borren: I was pretty happy with some of the skills that we showed with the ball - Van Meekeren bowled two sensational overs and used the pitch very well.Sky Sports is the only place you can watch all 35 games in 27 days of the 2016 ICC World T20. Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV. ' ' '