Ben Margot / AP

It didn't seem like Milton Bradley's fiery personality would be a good fit for the carefree Athletics, but things have worked out this season, MSNBC.com contributor Gary Peterson writes.

The war of words between Thomas and Chicago GM Ken Williams continued this spring. They stopped when Thomas, in his first game in Comiskey Park as a visiting player, homered twice to the adoring cheers of the Sox faithful.

His troubled left foot improved to the point where he was able to start 79 consecutive games. His bat turned back the clock, evoking chants of "M-V-P!" in Oakland. P.S.: He's been a model citizen.

If Thomas was a head-scratcher, the trade for Bradley was a jaw-dropper. The man who had raged his way out of Cleveland and Los Angeles was the negative image of the prototypical Beane acquisition — undeniable ability, unpredictable personality. At the cost of prized prospect Andre Ethier, no less.

Bradley's first problem in Oakland was his inability to stay healthy. Dogged by knee, side and shoulder ailments, he managed just 94 at-bats before the All-Star break, hitting .213. He caught fire after the break however, and has won the No. 3 spot in the order.

He still burns hot, temperamentally. He was ejected from a who-cares game against Anaheim last week after complaining about a third strike — to teammate Bobby Kielty. But he gives the A's an energy and edge they haven't had since, when? Rickey Henderson? Reggie Jackson? Elmer Valo?

Thomas gives the A's a presence they haven't had since a young Jose Canseco. It's quite a switch from the playoff A's of recent vintage. Those players may have been frat boys off the field, but they were monks on it. Maybe that's why they were 0-9 in potential series-clinching games.

Guess what? Now they're 1-10. And in the ALCS.

Maybe there has been enough turnover from those teams to create a new, positive energy this time around. Maybe this team's edgy presence is the missing ingredient. Maybe Beane should take even bigger risks this coming offseason.

Word has it a certain power-hitting left-fielder from just across the water might be available.

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