A’s, Giants unsurprised to be full of surprises

Instead of today’s planned discussion on the ramifications of the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, let’s veer off and talk about how the Athletics and Giants are suddenly the buzz of baseball.

Both teams were expected to struggle this season — rebuilding, retooling, treading water, meandering. Then came June and, like the Warriors at playoffs time, the Giants and A’s flipped a switch.

Going into Sunday’s games, the Athletics had won six in a row and 12 of 14, while the Giants went 18-10 in June and finished the month 9-2.

Why be modest? The Bay Area is the sports excitement capital of the world.