The playing conditions at O.Co Coliseum in Oakland have been a growing concern for MLB dating back several years now, but the issues have really come to the forefront over the past 12 months after flooding and sewage backups in the coaches rooms marred a handful of A's home games.
Not a good situation, but that's more of a long term issue. The issues that led to Friday night's game against the Seattle Mariners being postponed were much cleaner, clearer and could have easily been avoided with a quick fix or a better weather report.
All the grounds crew had to do was to apply the tarp following Thursday night's extra-inning game with Seattle. Unfortunately, the team's weather consultant informed them it wouldn't be necessary, but a heavy early morning rain combined with a poor drainage system left the field unplayable despite a tireless effort all day to repair the field for play.
Here's more from the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea:
It just became official. Tonight’s A’s-Mariners game was called off because the field at the Coliseum is unplayable.
It’s an embarrassing situation all around, and the fans who showed up booed — and had every right to do so — when the PA man announced the cancelation at about 15 minutes after the 7:05 p.m. scheduled first pitch.
Apparently, the tarp was left off the field overnight, and the rain soaked the field. The grounds crew has worked on the dirt for hours, especially where the shortstop and second baseman play.
The A's announced on Twitter that tickets and parking receipts for Friday's game will be honored at the announced make-up game, which probably won't make too many fans feel better about their experience. Not helping matters is the fact a make-up date was not immediately announced.
All right…still no decision on whether #Mariners and A's will play one or two on Saturday. Up to the players (labor rules).
— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) April 5, 2014
Another factor in this mess.
Also, #Mariners don't sound confident that field will be ready for day game tomorrow. Club officials say field needs a lot of work.
— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) April 5, 2014
What an undeniable disaster for the A's and MLB.
More McClendon on field: "I was walking toward shortstop and my ankle turned and went down, I’d say, probably two inches."
— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) April 5, 2014
As always, just a reminder here.
5 years and 5 days after Selig named task force to solve the #Athletics stadium issue, A's game is postponed because of a wet INFIELD.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 5, 2014
When it comes to stadiums, the A's can't catch a break. But one has to wonder how much more embarrassment they can take before seriously pursuing options that may not be ideal geographically, but provide them a stadium they can proudly call home.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -
Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @Townie813