So over on the Chronicle Drumbeat, they have quite a lengthy thread (by Drumbeat standards) going about who the A's biggest rivals are and who we A's fans would like to beat the most.  I figured us, being us, could have our own discussion (mostly because I'm too lazy to register to comment in their thread).  I did a search for 'rivalry' but didn't find any devoted threads, so here we are.  So here's my question - who's our biggest rival?  who do we want to beat the most?  are they the same team?

Prime Candidates
Yankees - The Evil Empire.  Buys divisions championships.  Tries to buy the pennant/title (unsuccessful for a little bit now)  The Goliath of the AL.  Plenty to despise (Jeter, Giambi).  Some to begrudgingly admire (Rivera, ARod)  Their fans are frickin' everywhere when they come to town and incredibly obnoxious (Random question - are there Yankee fans that don't come from New York?  If yes, why?)  Knocked us outta the playoffs twice this decade.

Boston - The Evil Empire, Jr.  The Yankees ugly kid brother.  Win one title after a drought of 80something years and their fans get a big head.  Knocked us outta the playoffs once.

San Francisco - The cross-bay rivals.  A sorta new park with an empty trophy case (still).  Plenty of casual fans that hang out until Bond's last at-bat.  The dominant team in terms of media coverage in the Bay Area.  The only team/city that loves Barry (roids!) and Barry (overpaid!  haw-HAW!).  Pretty evenly matched in terms of head-to-head games since inter-league.

Anaheim / OC / Los Angeles - The neo-rival (in the last 5 years or so).  Very evenly matched despite differences in offensive philosophies.  Plenty to hate (Scoscia, KRod)  Also uses home-grown talent.  Most impact on our success as a division rival.  Has celebrated on our turf.

I've left out other teams like Texas, ChiSox, Twins, Seattle because they're just not disliked on the level as the four teams above.