FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Well here we are at the end of May. The A's sit just 2.5 games behind the Angels. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and a damn bit nicer season than we thought it was going to be. But of course, being the fans that we are (and I know how many A's fans there are out there in FN, just waiting for my next A's blog), give us a little bit of winning and we want more. Its obvious even at this early juncture in the season, for the A's to make the playoffs (now that would have been a crazy statement a couple of months ago, but now mmm, not soooo crazy. Just a little crazy.) they will need to win the AL West, as with the logjam in the East, the Wildcard will surely not be up for grabs. The A's are just 7-12 in their last 19 games, and have only stayed in this race because the Angels have stumbled and fallen and just can't seem to put some wins together. But we all know how talented LAA is, and its only a matter of time before they get rolling. The A's will need to be rolling too when that happens, or we're going to get left in the dust.

The A's have been making a number of moves recently, calling up and sending down. The biggest move was the arrival of Carlos Gonzalez in Center Field. Carlos went 2 for 3 with an RBI in his first major league game. Gonzalez is the A's top prospect according to Baseball America, and was acquired in the Dan Haren trade. He was hitting .293 with 4 HR's and 25 RBI in AAA Sacramento, so lets hope he adjusts quickly to major league ball and continues the way he has been going. He is now the third player acquired in the Haren trade to make the bigs for the A's - Dana Eveland and Greg Smith are the others and we know how they are turning out. Billy Beane, my hat is tipped to you sir. You have once again shown to be the small market genius that you are. Just read my old post on the trade http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/97779 . Wow. I couldn't have been more wrong.

There's some good news, and some bad news. Eric Chavez is back from the DL, but Frank Thomas, the Big Hurt is hurting, and injured with a bad knee and off to the DL. Thomas had been playing so well too, but apparently he has been also playing in pain. Lets hope Chavy's bat can fill up that space left in the middle of the order, and of course it is good to get his glove back at third.

Back up in the Show again is Travis Buck. After starting the season miserably, Travis got hurt and then was sent down to the River Cats. Buck responded by absolutely tearing up AAA pitching, getting 18 hits in 34 at-bats. He'll return to the leadoff spot and his place in right field. Back from injury also is reliever Kiko Calero. Unfortunately the A's will need him immediately, as Joey Devine, who was 3-1 with a 0.23 ERA, being placed on the DL. Ryan Sweeney was put on the 15 day DL as was Mike Sweeney too. Left-handed pitcher Lenny DiNardo and infielder Kevin Melillo were designated for assignment. 

Pitcher Brad Ziegler also is setting up to make his major league debut. Bob Geren has said he doesn't want to put him in any pressure situations immediately, so we'll see how he does. He's a 28 year old, 6 year minor league vet, who has converted to a side-arm style of pitching. He had 8 saves and did not allow a home run in over 24 innings at Sac.

So now here on May 31 the A's find themselves just out of first place. Now if they can only win the games against their division, they would find themselves in a much better place. After the Texas series this weekend they return home to face the Tigers, and then next weekend - a BIG series. That's right, the Angels pay us a visit. Hopefully all these personnel moves will start paying off with some wins, and momentum can be built for this big showdown. With a good June, the A's can be right in the thick of things. If they continue like they have been the latter part of May, well, time to get those rooks some action. Have a great weekend all! Go Athletics!