Avila lets hair grow for 2013 postseason

OAKLAND -- What had been a playoff beard at times last October is now playoff hair for catcher Alex Avila.

Avila spent most of the season's second half letting it grow, almost to the point of puffing out. The way he has hit since coming back from a concussion in August, he has no plans on cutting it.

By contrast, he walked into the clubhouse in Oakland clean-shaven.

"The beard is getting some gray," Avila admitted. "I'm only 26."