Well A's fans, it was another bad week. We went 2-4 this week, losing 2 of 3 to both the Tigers and the Angels. We are now 8-11 on the year and 2 games back of both LA and Texas.
We actually won our first series opener of the year as Esteban Loaiza gave up 3 runs over 6 innings and the pen did the rest. In game 2, Blanton blew up again allowing 8 runs in 4 1/3 and Kenny Rogers owned us as usual. In game 3, we got a gem from Barry Zito who allowed one run over 7 innings only to be for not as Justin Duchsherer, filling in for injured Houston Street, could not close the game giving up 3 runs in the top of the ninth while only getting one batter out.
Onto Anaheim. We won the series opener again. This time getting a solid outing from Rich Harden, 3 runs over 8 innings, and Kiko Calero finished things off in the 9th. Games 2 and 3 were both close but we lost by pretty much getting dominated by a single guy from the Angels as Garrett Anderson went 4 for 4 with a HR in game 2 and Vlad Guerrero went 2 for 4 with a HR and 3 RBI in game 3.
What I liked last week:
--- We won both series openers. That sets the tone for the series and eventually our pitchers will get back to what they're capable of and we will start winning series' again.
--- Swisher still swinging a hot bat going 6 for 17 (.352) with 4 home runs. The average may just be a hot streak but the power is for real folks.
--- Zito's strong performance against Detroit. 7 innings, 3 hits, and 1 run. We need these starts from him.
--- Another good outing from Rich Harden. 8 innings, 5 hits, and 3 runs. He didn't have his best stuff, only 2 strike outs, but he still managed a win. This kid is special.
What I didn't like last week:
--- Houston Street getting hurt. Now this is something that really ticked me off and I could go on for a long time about this but in my opinion Ken Macha messed up. He threw Street in a game that didn't matter and then he was called upon in the next 4 games which I think is what caused the strained pectoral. Now I may be wrong about this, but for a team that is expected to win it all, our closer does not need to get into game just "to get some work."
--- Joe Blanton still getting rocked. I know he started slow last year but here's to hoping he figures it out soon.
--- Justin Duchsherer not the answer for the 9th inning. Houston Street may be available as early as Tuesday so hopefully this won't be an issue.
--- Oakland bats still cold. The Big Hurt, Milton Bradley, Mark Ellis, and Mark Kotsay are all still struggling. I can live with Kendall not hitting as I think he is the most overpaid player in the game. Now I'm not one to criticize Billy Beane very often but how can we be paying this guy $11 million a year? Anyways back to the bats. We have faced tough pitching so far so hopefully the bats heat up soon.
Up next for the A's:
The A's head out on the road this week as they have 3 games at Texas and at Kansas City. These games are extremely important as I don't think the A's can afford another single digit wins in April. With that said, if Joe Blanton can get the win tonight against Kevin Millwood I think the A's can sweep both series and we should be starting May with a 14-11 record and hopefully be atop the AL West. Also, our bats should start heating up with games at Arlingotn and against the lowly Royals so we shouldn't have the worst average in the AL when this week is through. See you guys next week.
DJ - Don't worry, catchers aren't usually counted on for offense. It would be nice if he started playing like a major leaguer without his face gear on though.
So we're almost on the clock again. I am of course open to suggestions. It looks like Scott (OT-Texas) might be there and heck even Brian Calhoun (RB-Wisconsin) is a bit tempting. Rod Wright (DT-Texas) is who I took in the guru draft, but of course we already got Bunkley. Perhaps Jon Alston (LB-Stanford) is another consideration. What do you think?
Norcal - Even if Kendall were batting .300 he would not be worth $11 million/year.
As for the draft, Rod Wright is easily the highest ranked guy on board. I know we already got Bunkley, but having these 2 may not be so bad. Next on my board is CB Alan Zemaitis from Penn State. I think he or Asumghua could easily move over to FS so there's options with him. My third guy is Jon Alston from Stanford. A bit undersized and would have to play WLB or maybe even SS. This versatility would also be helpful. The call is yours my friend but I think if Wright is there, he's the guy.
Yeah I almost said the same thing about Wright in my above comment (that we need 2) but then I stopped myself.
I think the only hesitation on my part would be that in this scenario we have almost an overload this season at DT. Hawthorne is doing well (playing NFLEL) and Sapp is still on board. That means 4 guys who are definitely on the 53. Are they really ready to flat out cut Kelly & Sands?
I like those guys, but I will drop dead before I take a corner even with the potential to slide a guy to FS. It seems like the guys I want at that spot are gone after I let TB take Bullocks (I should have been selfish on that pick so we could get him!).
Would you rather have Alston over Havner at LB? I really believe another linebacker would help over an additional DT. On actual draft day the Raiders can get Claude Wroten who will be on the drug suspension list (a la Hawthorne) by the way.
I like Alston over Havner but I still like Wright over Alston. I understand we have a load of DT's but Sapp is no longer an every down DT and we're not sure about Hawthorne, Kelly, and Sands. I'm willing to gamble.
As for Zemaitis, I actually have him ahead of Bullocks, grade wise. But I understand your concern with taking a CB. My view is that I just don't see two starting safties on our roster, period.
The call is yours my friend but once again my vote is for Wright.
I think Rod Wright has the size to mature into a Ted Washington type. Bunkley is closer to the kind of guy who will be elusive and rush the passer whereas Wright is a massive hole plugger.
I really need to head out for a while and have been lounging around hoping MrNFL would pick.
I have alerted the next few guys already, so I guess once a viable SF pick gets on the board you can post Rod Wright if I'm not around.
I'm a young kid, just graduated from college and I am a die hard fan of the Oakland Athletics and Oakland Raiders. I bleed green and gold and silver and black. Nothing makes me happier than watching those two teams win. As the man Al Davis says, "Just Win Baby!"
