Athletics -- 05/03/03

::FIC Local Spin::
Tough Luck Huddy – In the past 3 starts, Tim Hudson has been more than solid. Yet he has nothing to show for it. Hudson has pitched 22 2/3 innings and allowed seven earned runs (2.77 ERA). Saturday, he pitched eight dazzling innings, three-hitting the Yankees, and giving up only one run. Closer Keith Foulke blew the save and Tim Hudson wound up with a no-decision, although the A’s did win the game. Hudson remains 2-1 on the year, although he has pitched brilliantly in almost all of his outings.

Spiderman – After getting some regular at-bats, Eric Byrnes has begun to light up the league. His defense has also been absolutely spectacular. He plays “like his hair is on fire” (Macha). He saved a run on Friday with a headfirst dive, robbing Mondesi of a bloop base-hit. Then he stroked a pitch from David Wells into the bleachers, giving the A’s the early 2-0 lead. Although only time will tell if Eric Byrnes can consistently hit major league pitching, he is on fire right now, and is a good pickup. He has started nine consecutive games, to the delight of the Eric Byrnes “Spiderman” fans in the bleachers.

::Latest Team Info::
Ramon Hernandez continues to call a great game and hit. In fact, as of May 3, 2003, he is hitting to the tune of .349. His OBP is also in the .400’s.

Speculation continues on about where Miguel Tejada will sign at the end of this season, and whether or not he will play 3B for the New York Yankees. At a press conference before a game of the weekend series between the A’s and the Yankees in New York, Tejada said “Who knows?” to the idea of playing 3B for New York. 3B for the Yanks has become a bit of a downer in the star and cash studded playing field of the Yankees. Todd Zeile is used against lefties, while Robin Venture plays against the righties. Both of these men are well past their prime, causing rumors to run rampant.

::Injuries::
Jermaine Dye is out for at least another three – five weeks. He injured his right knee while playing, and it was found that he had floating cartilage. The cartilage was removed altogether.

Ramon Hernandez was nicked in the right hand as the same pitch hit Jorge Posada. His thumb was swollen pretty badly and it is not known yet whether or not he will play in the series finale Sunday.

::On the Farm::
Rich Harden is on the DL, with a twisted ankle. He is only scheduled to miss one start.

Aaron Harang is having a fine season, sporting a 4-1 record with a complementing 2.51 ERA. Opponents are batting .222 against him, and he owns a 22:9 K:BB ratio. Remember, he was the A’s #5 starter last year, and could be the A’s first option if Halama struggles.

Justin Duchscherer, a relatively unknown starting pitching prospect, is also having a great year. He has a record of 2-0, with a 0.79 ERA. In 34 IP, he has given up just 22 hits and 3 earned runs, with a K:BB ratio of 28:3. Opponents are batting a weak .179 against him.

::Quick View::
Add
~ Eric Byrnes will be hot for a little longer, at least until major league pitchers figure him out. Then he will have to sink or swim and we will learn if he is of true major league caliber or not.
~ Chris Singleton is an on and off player. Just pick him up.

Hold
~ Adam Piattis not getting a lot of playing time and I can’t foresee him getting any more playing time. Byrnes is playing incredible baseball right now, so Piatt must sit. If Byrnes cools off considerably, watch for Piatt to start taking his position.

Deal
~ Jermaine Dye just may be traded, as he makes 11 million this year. On a 50+ million dollar payroll, the A’s just cannot afford such a contract with such pitiful production.