Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey

With the trade deadline less than a week away, I think it's time to start thinking about potential additions/subtractions.

There seems to be this misconception that our mighty Athletics need to add a power, right-handed bat. Even Mychael Urban, in his recent interview on Athletics Nation, said that he would make a move for some right-handed pop if he were GM. I, too, used to think that we could use a slugging right-hander to stabilize the middle of the order. Then I checked at the stats. We're pretty damn good against lefties.

Just look at the line-up we could throw out versus a lefty with the current guys on our roster:

2005 Stats vs Lefties

C. Kendall (.304 Avg/.368 OBP/.343 Slg%/.712 OPS)
CF Kotsay. (.314 Avg/.359 OBP/.424 Slg%/.783 OPS)
SS Crosby. (.322 Avg/.394 OBP/.576 Slg%/.970 OPS)
3B Chavez. (.280 Avg/.338 OBP/.441 Slg%/.778 OPS)
DH Kielty. (.340 Avg/.417 OBP/.500 Slg%/.917 OPS)
1B Johnson (.361 Avg/.457 OBP/.528 Slg%/.984 OPS)
LF Payton. (.318 Avg/.359 OBP/.482 Slg%/.841 OPS)
RF Swisher (.192 Avg/.276 OBP/.321 Slg%/.596 OPS)
2B Ellis.. (.297 Avg/.375 OBP/.453 Slg%/.828 OPS)

The only regular who clearly struggles versus lefties is Swisher. But there's about three guys who absolutely crush lefties and a couple more that can more than hold their own. Does that really merit a trade for a right-handed slugger? I don't think so.

If there is a right-handed bat we could use, it's one for the bench. It's time to give up on Keith Ginter. He sucks. Trade him, send him down, whatever. Just get rid of him. Given what he's shown this season, I don't want Ginter pinch hitting for ANY of our lefties in a close game. Not Hatteberg. Not Johnson. Not Swisher. And considering that he only has five pinch hit appearances all season, neither does Macha. So what's Ginter good for?

Absolutely nothing.

Now IF we had a quality righty on the bench, I think pinch hitting for Hatte or Swisher late in close game would be the "right" move. But that isn't an option right now.

So if I were Billy Beane, I'd be looking at Olmedo Saenz. I'd love to see him back in an A's uniform. The guy can still hit. And I think he'd be the perfect guy to have coming off the bench and starting at DH versus lefties.

Is he available?

I'd say yes.

Even though, the Dodgers are just five games back of the division lead (just like our mighty A's), they're 45-54 (unlike our Athletics, who are 54-45). DePodesta has to realize that his team just isn't very good. And given Saenz's age, I'd have to think that DePo would move him if the player he got in return made it worth his while.

I don't see why Seth Etherton couldn't get it done. He's got a 2.72 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 75 K's and only 25 walks in 86.0 innings down in AAA. With the plethora of starting pitching we all of a sudden have, I don't think he's got much of a future with the big club. So he's expendable, imo.

What I think we really need is someone who can hit righties. Check out the line-up most likely to be out there versus a right-handed pitcher:

2005 Stats vs Righties

C. Kendall.. (.263 Avg/.348 OBP/.318 Slg%/.666 OPS)
CF Kotsay... (.250 Avg/.306 OBP/.391 Slg%/.697 OPS)
SS Crosby... (.308 Avg/.374 OBP/.474 Slg%/.848 OPS)
3B Chavez... (.268 Avg/.333 OBP/.472 Slg%/.805 OPS)
DH Hatteberg (.293 Avg/.371 OBP/.378 Slg%/.749 OPS)
LF Kielty... (.244 Avg/.356 OBP/.356 Slg%/.712 OPS)
1B Johnson.. (.282 Avg/.360 OBP/.479 Slg%/.839 OPS)
RF Swisher.. (.265 Avg/.329 OBP/.515 Slg%/.844 OPS)
2B Ellis.... (.303 Avg/.350 OBP/.382 Slg%/.731 OPS)

There's a couple of guys who are pretty bad and a lot of guys who are just pretty meh. Adding a power, left-handed bat would do A LOT more than adding a slugging righty.

The most high-profile name floating around the rumor mill is Adam Dunn. No doubt this guy can mash. He hit 46 homeruns last season and is on pace to reach that number again this year. And he's only 25 years old.

Adam Dunn has the patience and power that a lot of teams covet, but I thought maybe his homerun total was inflated by that bandbox of a park the Reds play in. I'm still not sure. In 2004, 21 of Dunn's homeruns were hit on the road. However, this year only seven of his 28 homeruns have come on the road. Either way, he may not be a 45 homerun a year guy in EVERY ballpark, but I think it's pretty safe to say that in ANY park, Dunn's a legitimate power hitter.

Now for the financial side of things. Dunn's arbitration-eligible for another two years. I'd say he's scheduled to make anywhere from $14 to $17 million in that time. That's a lot of money.

Would that sum keep us from re-signing Zito?

I don't know.

If we assume that we'd only keep Dunn through his arbitration years and that we'd sign Zito to a contract extension (which could be a WAY OFF assumption, but bear with me here), Dunn's arbitration-determined salary would only overlap with Zito's new contract salary in 2007. 2007 also happens to be the final year of Jason Kendall's contract. And a stipulation in Jason Kendall's contract has Pittsburgh sending us $5 million in cash. So IF we could afford the contracts of Kotsay, Kendall, Chavez, Zito and Dunn in 2006, I'd have to think that we could afford the contracts of Kotsay, Kendall, Chavez, Dunn and Zito in 2007.

On the flip side, Zito might be out of our price range anyway (moreso because of the number of years he'd undoubtedly be looking for than because of the yearly salary he could get) . So any deadline deal that involves ownership taking on salary wouldn't effect Zito's situation one way or the other. If that's the case and Dunn isn't out of our price range, I don't see why he wouldn't be an option.

Now IF the salary ownership takes on before the deadline will effect what happens with Zito, then I say there are probably better options than Adam Dunn. The guy at the top of my list would be Aubrey Huff. He might be at the top of my list anyway.

Huff won't provide as much power as Dunn, but he WILL provide some pop and should hit around .300. And he's spent his whole career in the AL, so there shouldn't be any prolonged adjustment period, like there might be with Dunn.

Not only is Huff an exceptional hitter, but he's extremely versatile. He can play the outfield, first base and, most importantly, third base, which would allow Chavez to rest his bum shoulder every once in a while without a significant drop off in offensive production.

Huff's only under contract through next season and in that time is scheduled to make about $9.5 million, which is still A LOT of money, but not as much as Dunn is looking to make. Now if that amount of money would keep us from signing Zito, I say ef him too.

I don't know if there's anyone else out there who's available that could really help the club. Moises Alou and Rondell White, a couple of right-handers, are some other names I've seen linked to the A's. Maybe oft-injured Nick Johnson, who's currently on a rehab assignment and arbitration-eligible for a couple more years. Maybe Lyle Overbay, who I believe is just entering his arbitration years. But those guys can only play first base and DH, which would mean the end of the Scott Hatteberg era. And, for whatever crazy reason, I don't think Billy Beane wouldn't do that to Hatte. Maybe you guys can think of someone I'm forgetting.

That our mighty A's are only one or two players away from being REALLY good THIS year is pretty damn surprising. Even more exciting is that Billy Beane always makes that one or two moves necessary before the trade deadline to put the team in the best position possible to win down the stretch.

The Voice of the People

How would you best describe Macha's "managing" tonight?

Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On

My man-love for Billy Beane might just be at an all-time high. And he just traded away my most favorite prospect ever. So that's really saying something.

The guy never ceases to amaze me. The deals he made last week weren't necessarily "big", but they made the team A LOT better, in my opinion. And I'm not talking about just this year's team.

By now, everyone knows all the details, so I won't rehash them, but in essence we replaced Byrnes with Payton, Bradford with Witasick and gave up Quintanilla for Kennedy.

Jay Payton probably isn't that much of an upgrade over Byrnes, but this is such a good move for a one main reason: money. Byrnes is still arbitration-eligible for two more years. So over the course of the next two years, Byrnes stands to make about $5-6 million. Considering that Byrnes is, and always will be, a platoon player, that's way too much money for our mighty Athletics.

I'm sure he will be missed in the clubhouse, but whatev, they'll get over it.

And I keep hearing how Byrnes was a "fan favorite," but I think that needs to be re-phrased; he's was a "casual fan favorite." The casual fans see the gritty hustler. The guy who always sprints out to his position in the outfield and makes spectacular catches.

"I can't believe how upset I am. I don't know if I can follow the A's anymore."

--My wife, upon hearing that Boo-yrnes had been traded

Yes, she calls him "Boo-yrnes." She picked it up from me. She still doesn't get it. Dumb broads.

Anyway, the hardcore fans know Byrnes for what he really is: A guy that can't hit righties and a pathetic defender that has to make up for terrible routes with dives. Sure, he brought some excitement to the game, but so does the Super Chicken.

I can't think of a situation possibly occurring in the future where I might say to myself, "Damn, I wish we still had Byrnes." He won't be missed. Not by me anyway.

This is the same case with Bradford. He's arbitration eligible for one more year. So he'll make no less than $1.12 million (80% of this year's salary) in 2006. That is way too much money for a right-handed specialist with a history of back problems. He probably isn't even worth half of that at this stage in his career.

Giving up Quintanilla hurts me deeply (he's from my hometown), but I guess you have to give to get. I heard Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd on the radio a couple of days ago saying that he wouldn't be surprised if Quintanilla made to the majors before September. THIS September. There's no way he could have gotten that opportunity with the A's. And with Pennington in the mix now, I guess he was expendable. Oh, well. All I can do now is suck it up and wish him well.

In return we got a journeyman outfielder, a journeyman relief pitcher and a journeyman starting pitcher. Doesn't sound all that great, but it is. Believe me it is.

Payton and Witasick are only under contract through this season. Which means instead of spending about $4 million in 2006 on a platoon leftfielder and a ROOGY, about that much will be coming off the books. That's an $8 millon swing. And that's a lot of money.

So not only can you count on the production of the new guys being equal to or better than the production of the old guys, but come next off-season Billy's got more money to spend. Brilliant. Effing brilliant.

Some of that money is already earmarked for the newly-acquired Joe Kennedy. Entering his second arbitration year, he'll probably account for less than $3 million of they payroll in 2006...unless we trade him, which I believe is a very good possibility.

But in order for that to happen, I think he needs to be in the rotation. His value lies in the fact that he's a left-handed starter. And that value is really takes a hit when he's working out of the bullpen. I just can't see Kennedy taking over the fifth spot in the rotation. Not at this point in the season, with the team still in contention for a playoff spot.

Saarloos has done a damn fine job as the number five starter and I don't think he's done anything to lose that spot. Now if he should go into a tailspin or if HE gets traded, MAYBE Kennedy would get a shot.

Then again, Juan Cruz might get a shot too.

Cruz is dominating as a starter down in AAA. In 29 innings for Sacramento, he has a 1.84 ERA and 45 strikeouts and has given up just 18 hits. Opposing hitters are batting .176 against him. If something should happen to Saarloos, the front office brass might prefer giving Cruz what he's wanted all along: a chance to start.

Which still leaves us with Kennedy in the bullpen. And I just don't believe he's a bullpen guy. Not yet. If he gets his stuff together, Joe Kennedy's still the type of guy a lot of teams can use. I'm just not sure how we're going to get him more than a handful of innings each week.

How this all plays out sure will be interesting. But one thing's for sure: the team is in a A LOT better shape now than it would have been had they kept Byrnes, Bradford and Quintanilla.

Gimme A Break

The All-Star Break gives me the perfect opportunity to go back and reflect on this little blog and what I want it to be moving forward.

Do I go back to my roots and just stick to bashing Ken Macha and his moronic moves? Do I steer more toward statistical analysis ("Fun with Numbers" was a smashing success. I think I got like seven hits that day.)? Do I put more effort into Roman's (gay and time-consuming) Round-Up. Or do I continue a mix-mash of all three? I'll think about all of this in the next few days.

But before I go into into my state of meditation and reflection, I guess I should comment on this beauty:

"I don't think he should have been out there, personally. I was totally against it. One game is not worth the second half of the season"

--Eric Chavez

Calm down, Dr. Chavez. Ten extra pitches isn't going to have any long-term effects.

Sometimes I wish Chavy would just shut hit trap. I'm pretty sure Macha was totally against Chavy airmailing that ball into right field. He was also probably totally against Chavy going 0-4 and leaving four guys on base. But he's not spouting off to every beat writer that'll listen.

Sure 43 pitches is a lot for a closer, but with a three-day break coming up, it's not that big of a deal. And it worked. So I don't know why this jackninny feels it necessary to even comment on Street's use.

"I went two-for-13 with just two RBI this series and we still managed to sweep the best team in baseball. I think that says a lot about our team."

--What Eric Chavez should have said

Sure, just reading off the company line is a little boring, but when Chavy tries to put his original thoughts into words, he just sounds like a fool.

"The guy who put his neck on the line was Huston. He kept his composure and he kept giving us chances."

--Nick Swisher

Swisher's just a rookie, yet he's the one that sounds like the veteran. Chavy should take notes.

Actually, I take it back. Chavy should just do his job and shut his hole. He's already made it very clear that he has no desire to be the vocal leader of this club. And I have no problem with that. He just doesn't have that type of personality. I don't think that because he's been here the longest and makes the most money that he should be obligated to be the team's captain. So he should just hit homeruns, win Gold Gloves and leave the media alone. Quite frankly, I don't even care what he has to say anymore.

Anyway, now that I've got that off my chest, let me know what you'd like to see more of. I'm all about giving the people what they want.

Round-Up

For Friday, July 8th, 2005
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Oakland Athletics at Chicago White Sox
............1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R.. H. E
OAK (42-43) 0. 0. 2. 0. 1. 0. 0. 1. 0... 4. 13. 0
CHW (57-27) 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0... 2.. 9. 0
box log photos
Saarloos outduels Garland as A's edge White Sox
W: Saarloos (5-5); L: Garland (13-4); S: Street (5)
HR: None.

Comments:
-Mark Kotsay is 2 for his last 13.
-Five of Nick Swisher's last 7 hits have gone for extra bases.
-Justin Duchscherer has allowed 10 of 17 inherited runners to score this season.
-The A's won the season series versus Chicago for the fifth year in a row.
-Oakland announced that they have signed 2nd round draft pick Craig Italiano.

A's grind out win over White Sox
Club's confidence continues to build as break nears
Mychael Urban, MLB.com

A's frustrate Garland, top ChiSox again
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

Young A's come through
Greener members of Green and Gold play key roles in win over AL-leading White Sox
Josh Suchon, Oakland Tribune

Street silences fans, strikes out Thomas
Josh Suchon, Oakland Tribune

Notes: Kotsay MVP of first half
Payton-for-Bradford deal has hurdles to clear
Mychael Urban, MLB.com

A'S REPORT
Payton's agent shoots down Boston trade for Bradford
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

A's won't discuss rumored Bradford-for-Payton deal
Joe Roderick, SJ Mercury News, (Registration Required)
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Sacramento River Cats at Fresno Grizzlies
........... 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9.10 ..R.. H..E
SAC (50-39) 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 2 . 4. 10. 0
FRE (42-46) 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0 . 2.. 8. 0
wrap box log
W: J. Garcia (2-5, 5.76); L: E. Espineli (0-1, 18.00);
HR: None.

Comments:
-Charles Thomas was 0-5 and is now 6 for his last 53 (.115 Avg).
-Brant Colamarino was 2-4 with a double and is now batting .400 for the month (10-25).
-Juan Cruz has allowed 12 hits, 6 walks and 3 earned runs over his last 3 starts (1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP)
-Chad Bradford pitched a scoreless inning, retiring 3 batters on 7 pitches.

Bradford sharp in rehab stint
A's reliever could be back with the parent club after the All-Star break -- or traded.
Anthony Galaviz, Sacramento Bee (Registration Required)
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Midland, Stockton, Kane County, Vancouver and AZL Athletics still to come. Maybe.

Round-Up

For Thursday, July 7th, 2005
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Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays
............1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R. H. E
OAK (41-43) 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0... 2. 7. 0
TOR (44-41) 0. 0. 0. 0. 3. 1. 0. 0. X... 4. 6. 0
box log photos
Wells done: Three-run homer lifts Jays past A's
W: Chacin (7-5) L: Harden (5-4) S: Batista (15)
HR: OAK: E. Byrnes (7) - TOR: V. Wells (17)

Comments:
-Eric Byrnes and Mark Ellis were allowed to take batting practice. They were a combined 3-5 with a double and a homerun.
-Eric Chavez was 0-2 and is now 0 for his last 6.
-Rich Harden allowed his first homerun since coming off the DL.

A's drop series to the Blue Jays
Oakland keeps it close, but is unable to pin down a win
Jordan Bastian, MLB.com

Notes: Bradford continues rehab
Right-handed submarine pitcher eager to come back to A's 'pen
Jordan Bastian, MLB.com

A'S REPORT
Trade reported with Boston swaps Bradford for Payton
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

Payton could land in Oakland
Josh Suchon, Oakland Tribune

A'S NOTEBOOK
Hitting woes on the road baffle Byrnes
Joe Roderick, Contra Costa Times (Registration Required)

A's sign 2nd round Draft pick Jared Lansford
MLB.com
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Sacramento River Cats at Colorado Springs Sky Sox
........... 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9....R.. H..E
SAC (49-39) 0. 0. 0. 2. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0... 3.. 5. 0
CSP (37-48) 0. 2. 1. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. X... 4. 10. 2
wrap box log
W: J. Young (8-5, 5.56); L: S. Sparks (7-5, 5.56); SV: R. Speier (5)
HR: SAC: S. Garrett (9), B. Smith (5).

Comments:
-Charles Thomas is 6 for his last 48 (.125 Avg).
-Jack Cust is 3 for his last 23 (.130 Avg) with 7 K's.
-Sacramento lost back-to-back games for the first time since June 11-12.

Sky Sox edge Cats despite Sparks' effort
Danny Summers, Sacramento Bee (Registration Required)
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San Antonio Missions at Midland Rockhounds
..........1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9....R.. H..E
SAN (9-5) 0. 0. 2. 0. 1. 2. 0. 0. 0... 5. 13. 0
MID (7-6) 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0... 3. 12. 0
wrap box log
W: T. Oldham (7-5, 3.66); L: J. Windsor (2-2, 2.51); SV: E. Fruto (7)
HR: SAN: G. Harris (3).

Comments:
-Daric Barton was 3-3 with a double and is now 8-12 (.667 Avg) with 3 doubles and a homerun since being promoted.
-Vasili Spanos was 0-3 and is now 11-44 (.250 Avg) with 2 doubles and 2 homeruns since being promoted.
-Jeremy Brown was 0-4 and is now 2 for his last 24 (.083 Avg)
-Jason Windsor allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits in 5.0 innings.

'Hounds fail to capitalize on opportunities in loss
Jack Marrion, Midland Reporter Telegram
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San Jose Giants at Stockton Ports
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R.. H. E
SJO (8-6) 1. 0. 0. 2. 2. 0. 0. 0. 1... 6. 10. 1
STO (9-5) 1. 2. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 3... 7.. 9. 2
wrap box log
W: J. Crowder (1-0, 2.28); L: J. Hedrick (1-2, 4.36);
HR: SJO: T. Ishikawa (12), J. Wald (8), G. Rodriguez (3). STO: K. Melillo (11).

Comments:
-Kevin Melillo was 4-5 with a double and a homerun and is now 9-18 (.500 Avg) with 2 homeruns and 3 doubles since being promoted.
-Lloyd Turner was 2-4 and is now 13-41 (.317 Avg) with 2 doubles, a triple and a homerun since being demoted.
-Richie Robnett was 0-4 and is now 5 for his last 34 (.147 Avg).
-Danny Putnam suffered a tear in his esophagus and is out indefinitely.

Port gains redemption
Morris delivers winning hit after costly error
Scott Linesburgh, Stockton Record

Ports lose Putnam to freak throat injury
Scott Linesburgh, Stockton Record Staff
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Kane County Cougars at Peoria Chiefs
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R. H. E
KCC (9-6) 0. 0. 0. 3. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0... 4. 7. 1
PEO (6-9) 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0... 0. 3. 0
wrap box log
W: R. Webb (4-7, 4.08); L: S. Gallagher (8-3, 1.71);
HR: KCC: J. Pineda (3).

Comments:
-Cliff Pennington was 1-3 and is now batting .293. He also made his 5th error in 14 games.
-Eddie Kim was 1-3 and is now 13 for his last 31 (.419 Avg).
-Ryan Webb allowed 3 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 3, in 6.0 innings. He has now struck out 59, walked 25 and allowed 10 homeruns in 86.0 innings.

Webb, Cougars sweep Chiefs
Kane County Chronicle
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Yakima Bears at Vancouver Canadians
...........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R.. H. E
YAK (6-11) 1. 0. 0. 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 0... 3.. 7. 3
VAN (12-5) 0. 1. 0. 0. 2. 0. 0. 1. X... 4. 11. 0
wrap box log
W: B. Davis (2-1, 0.00); L: M. Torra (0-1, 3.00); SV: M. Mitchell (4)
HR: None.

Comments:
-Twenty-ninth round draft pick Trey Shields (University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) made his first start of the season, allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 5, in 4.0 innings.
-Fourteenth round draft pick Bradley Davis (Lewis & Clark) pitched a scoreless, hitless inning, striking out 1. This left-hander has not given up an earned run in 6.2 innings, allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 12.
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AZL Athletics at AZL Mariners
NO INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Great Plan, Dumbass

"We played very poorly in every second game. In Tampa Bay, the second game -- not good. Yankee Stadium, second game -- not good. So, I'm trying something different."

--Ken Macha, July 5th

That "something different" was keeping all the players away from the clubhouse until 4:00 p.m. ET, three hours before first pitch.

Now if I knew that I didn't have to go to work until 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, I'd drink and drink and drink tonight. And I'm the same age as a lot of the A's players. Not that I'm suggesting that our boys went out and got liquored up on Molson last night. I'm just saying.

"Well, nobody was there and they didn't even take batting practice. Like you're saying, this is the first time we're seeing their players all afternoon."

--Pat Tabler, Toronto Colour Commentator

No batting practice, eh? Sure. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

............1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. R H E
OAK (41-42) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 7 0

Oh.

Eric Byrnes and Mark Ellis hadn't played since July 3rd. I wonder if they could have used some BP. They were a combined 0-7 tonight. And considering that each of them have a good track record vs lefties (Eric Byrnes - 1.010 OPS , Mark Ellis - .851 OPS), I'm going to say yes.

Next time you want to try something different, try not being a douche-bagging moron.

Round-Up

For Tuesday, July 5th, 2005
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Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays
............1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 11.. R.. H. E
OAK (41-41) 0. 0. 0. 3. 0. 2. 0. 2. 0. 0.. 3.. 10 17. 1
TOR (42-41) 0. 2. 0. 0. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 0.. 0... 7 15. 1
Box .Log Photos
Athletics back at .500 after victory over Blue Jays
W: Duchscherer (4-1) L: Batista (4-1)
HR: OAK: M. Kotsay (6), B. Crosby (5), N. Swisher (10), D. Johnson (3) - TOR: G. Zaun (6), O. Hudson (7)

Comments:
-Bobby Crosby had a career-high 4 RBI and hit his first career inside-the-park homerun.
-Dan Johnson was 2-6 and is now 17 for his last 48 (.354 Avg).
-Huston Street blew his third save of the season. His first blown save was also against Toronto.

A's deliver final blows, win in 11th
Joe Roderick, SJ Mercury News (Registration Required)

A's get even
Win over Blue Jays in 11 innings means .500
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

At long last, A's reach .500
Hatteberg's two-run single in 11th lifts Oakland
Josh Suchon, Oakland Tribune

A'S REPORT
Nifty play by Kotsay might have saved game
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

Swisher has final word on heckling Jays' fans
Joe Roderick, Contra Costa Times (Registration Required)

Notes: Chavez is the constant
Third baseman a big part of his team's recent charge
Jordan Bastian, MLB.com

Blanton named AL Rookie of the Month
MLB Press Release
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Sacramento River Cats at Colorado Springs Sky Sox
........... 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9....R..H..E
SAC (49-37) 1. 0. 0. 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 0... 3. 9. 0
CSP (35-48) 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0... 1. 7. 1
wrap box log
W: S. Etherton (5-3, 2.29); L: J. Acevedo (0-1, 1.80); SV: B. Reames (4)
HR: CSP: R. Shealy (14).

Comments:
-Brant Colamarino was 2-4 with a double. He is now 8 for his last 17 (.471 Avg).
-Seth Etherton allowed 1 earned run on 4 hits, including a homerun, and 1 walk in 7.0 innings. He has allowed 6 earned runs over his last 32 inning pitched (1.69 ERA).

Etherton advances Cats, his major-league return
Danny Summers, Sacramento Bee (Registration Required)

Sky Sox handled by Etherton for 3rd time
Bob Stephens, Colorado Springs Gazette
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Midland Rockhounds at Corpus Christi Hooks
..........1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9....R..H.. E
MID (6-5) 3. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0... 4.. 9. 0
COR (6-6) 0. 0. 1. 0. 3. 0. 0. 1. X... 5. 12. 1
wrap box log
W: J. Merchant (1-0, 1.80); L: N. Mattioni (1-2, 1.60);
HR: MID: D. Barton (1).

Comments:
-Daric Barton got his first start since being promoted. He was 2-4 with a homerun.
-Omar Quintanilla was 3-3 and is now 10 for his last 26 (.385 Avg).

Hooks rally to beat 'Hounds
Midland Reporter Telegram
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San Jose Giants at Stockton Ports
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R.. H. E
SJO (7-5) 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 1. 2. 1. 0... 6. 11. 0
STO (8-4) 1. 1. 0. 1. 3. 0. 1. 0. X... 7. 13. 0
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W: S. Smyth (3-1, 5.73); L: G. Broshuis (7-7, 4.99); SV: J. Burton (5)
HR: SJO: N. Schierholtz 2 (8).

Comments:
-Kevin Melillo was 2-4 with a double and is now 4-8 (.500 Avg) since being promoted.
-Richie Robnett was 1-4, lowering his season average to .245. He is now 4 for his last 25 (.160 Avg)
-Jared Burton pitched another scoreless inning. He has gone unscored upon in his last 5 appearances.

Stockton holds off S.J. Giants 7-6
SJ Mercury News
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Peoria Chiefs at Kane County Cougars
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10... R. H. E
PEO (6-7) 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 1. 1. 0. 0... 3. 8. 1
KCC (7-6) 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 3. 1... 4. 9. 2
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W: J. Pickens (3-2, 5.94); L: V. Ramos (0-1, 5.40);
HR: None.

Comments:
-Cliff Pennington was 0-5 with 2 strikeouts. He also made his 3rd error of the season.
-Javy Herrera was 3-5 with 2 stolen bases. He is now tied for 10th in the league with 17 steals.
-Marcus McBeth allowed 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 2.0 innings.

Peterson strong in no-decision
Brett Smith, Kane County Chronicle

An Interview with the new Cougars Shortstop
Jennifer Zasada, The Cougars Online Newsletter
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Yakima Bears at Vancouver Canadians
RAINED OUT
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ASL Athletics
NO GAME

Round-Up

For Sunday, July 5th, 2005
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Oakland Athletics
NO GAME

Duchscherer earns first All-Star nod
Righty is Oakland's representative for Midsummer Classic
Mychael Urban, MLB.com

Forget Kenny Rogers -- Zito is All-Star caliber
Scott Ostler, SF Chronicle

Haren gives A's a trade surplus
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

Blanton learns his lesson well
Joe Roderick, Contra Costa Times (Registration Required)

Crosby learns lesson at plate
A's shortstop now practices what others have preached
Josh Suchon, Oakland Tribune

Notes: Durazo will present uncertainty
Johnson and Hatteberg hitting well in DH's absence
Mychael Urban, MLB.com

A'S REPORT
Young staff turns it around as Young, coach, shows way
Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

A's not half bad
After 81 games, Oakland showing it can compete
David Bush, SF Chronicle

A TOUGH PITCH
Friends, relatives say it's time for Vida Blue to get it together
John Shea, SF Chronicle
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Sacramento River Cats at Colorado Springs Sky Sox
........... 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9.... R...H..E
SAC (48-37) 1. 0. 0. 0. 2. 4. 4. 3. 0... 14. 16. 0
CSP (35-47) 0. 4. 1. 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0.... 6. 14. 4
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W: M. Saipe (3-1, 3.46); L: C. Parker (0-1, 8.71);
HR: SAC: A. Beattie (6). CSP: T. Wilson (5).

Comments:
-Charles Thomas was 1-5. He is now 6 for his last 39 (.154 Avg). His batting average has dropped .100 points over his last 8 games and now stands at .289.
-Brant Colamarino was 3-5. He is now 6 for his last 13 (.462 Avg) since going 1 for his previous 14 (.071 Avg).
-Jairo Garcia struck out 5 in 2.0 innings, allowing a walk and a hit (a homerun).
-John Rheineker has been shut down indefinitely.

Cats garner victory
But John Rheineker is sent home to recover from a hand injury.
Danny Summers, Sacramento Bee (Registration Required)

Clark nears return from broken hand
Scott Howard-Cooper, Sacramento Bee (Registration Required)_____________________________________________________________
Midland Rockhounds at Corpus Christi Hooks
..........1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9... R...H..E
MID (6-4) 1. 0. 1. 0. 1. 0. 4. 1. 1... 9. 14. 0
COR (5-6) 1. 3. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 4... 8. 12. 0
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W: K. Crowell (2-1, 2.10); L: F. Rijo (3-1, 3.18);
HR: MID: J. Brown (7). COR: C. Jimerson 2 (7).

Comments:
-Daric Barton made his AA debut, going 1-1 with a walk.
-Jeremy Brown hit his 7th homerun of the season. He had 6 all of 2004.
-Steve Stanley was 2-4 and is now 10 for his last 23 (.435 Avg).
-Drew Dickinson started and lasted only 2.2 innings. Kyle Crowell and Shawn Kohn combined for 5.1 innings of 3-hit ball in relief.

'Hounds survive for 9-8 win
Midland Reporter Telegram

No relief for CC in close loss
Midland lights up bullpen for 6 runs
Greg Rajan, Corpus Christi Caller-Times
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San Jose Giants at Stockton Ports
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R. H. E
SJO (7-4) 1. 0. 0. 2. 1. 1. 0. 0. 0... 5. 8. 1
STO (7-4) 0. 0. 0. 2. 0. 1. 1. 0. 0... 4. 7. 2
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W: J. Serrato (2-2, 5.83); L: K. Dunn (4-2, 4.76); SV: J. Hedrick (11)
HR: SJO: N. Schierholtz (6). STO: K. Melillo (9) .

Comments:
-Kevin Melillo made his Stockton debut, going 2-4 with a homerun. He now has 9 homeruns in 284 ABs (31.6 AB/HR). He had 2 homeruns in 94 ABs (47 AB/HR) last season in Vancouver.
-Lloyd Turner was 2-5 and is now batting .323 (10-31) since being demoted from Midland.
-Chad Bradford pitched a scoreless, hitless inning with one strikeout.

Barton gets promotion
Jagdip Dhillon, Stockton Record

No fireworks for Ports in home loss
Jagdip Dhillon, Stockton Record
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Peoria Chiefs at Kane County Cougars
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.... R.. H. E
PEO (6-6) 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1. 1. 0.... 2.. 4. 2
KCC (6-6) 1. 5. 6. 3. 0. 0. 1. 5. X... 21. 26. 0
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W: T. Evans (5-0, 1.49); L: G. Johnson (1-2, 5.25);
HR: PEO: R. Harvey (11). KCC: J. Herrera (6), N. Blasi (3).

Comments:
-Cliff Pennington went 3-6 with a double, his first extra-base hit of the season.
-"Flashy" Nick Blasi and Javy Herrera were a combined 8-11 with 2 homeruns and 10 RBI.
-Twenty-five-year-old Tony Evans pitched a complete game, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 6.

Cougars light up scoreboard
Brett Smith, Kane County Chronicle
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Yakima Bears at Vancouver Canadians
...........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R. H. E
YAK (5-9). 0. 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0... 1. 6. 0
VAN (10-4) 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0... 0. 7. 3
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W: A. Howard (1-1, 2.25); L: J. Gray (2-1, 1.35); SV: E. Duran (1)
HR: None.

Comments:
-Jeff Gray allowed 1 unearned run on 6 hits in 7.0 innings, while striking out just 1, dropping his ERA to 1.35.
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AZL Athletics at AZL Cubs
..........1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9... R.. H. E
ATH (7-4) 0. 0. 2. 1. 0. 0. 0. 3. 2... 8. 12. 1
CUB (3-8) 0. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 1... 2.. 8. 2
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W: L. Torres (1-0, 0.69); L: M. Pawelek (0-2, 1.59); SV: A. Rea (1)
HR: ATH: A. Valdez (1). CUB: R. Canzler (1).