Athletics -- 6/15/03
June 15, 2003
::FIC Local Spin::
So much for interleague dominance. The A’s bats have been quiet in recent games – recording thirteen popups in a game against the Braves. They dropped three straight series to national league teams – Florida, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Finally, the bats woke up in an 8-4 win over the Montreal Expos, and squeaked out a 5-4 win against the Expos the following day. Perhaps the A’s new hitting coach Dave Hudgins is starting to turn this offense around.
::Latest Team Info::
Eric Byrnes has not slowed up. He once again is saving the days for the A’s with his great plays and clutch hitting. He drove in all two of the A’s runs in a 4-2 loss against the Braves.
Aaron Harang has not been looking nearly as sharp as everyone had hoped he would. In two games started, he has an ERA of over 11. Harang should be given at least one more chance, although Macha said he and Billy Beane would be discussing the matter of the fifth starter. Halama and Harden are possible fifth starters, although Harden may not be called up until nearer to the all-star break.
::Injuries::
Utility man Frankie Menechino has a strained right calf.
::On the Farm::
Rich Harden continues to pitch well in triple-A:
Rich Harden: 7-2, 3.23 ERA, (9GS, 1 long relief), 55.2 IP, 46 H, 20ER, 4HR, 20 BB, 57K, .228 BAA
Jeremy Fikac also continues to pitch well in relief .. check his BB to K ratio
Jeremy Fikac : 2-1, 1.83 ERA (13 appearances), 1 Save, 19.2 IP, 12 H, 4ER, 1HR, 22K, 8BB, .176BAA
Duchscherer is still pitching well, but I can’t see where he would fit in with the A’s:
Justin Duchscherer: 4-2, 2.69 ERA (11 GS), 67.0 IP, 62 H, 20ER, 3HR, 7BB, 53K, .242 BAA
Bobby Crosby’s also been heating up:
Bobby Crosby: .286, 220 AB, 35R, 63H, 11 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 17 BB, 59K, 8SB, .495SLG, .339 OBP
Esteban could be called up sometime if Mark Ellis continues to struggle – as a backup of course, to give him a few days off. (Frankie Menechino is hurt) When German was called up last year, his first step off of first base was compared to that of Rickey Henderson’s .. he only has 9 stolen bases this year though..
Esteban German: .300, 190 AB, 34R, 57H, 7 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 29 BB, 23 K, 9SB, .411 SLG, .394 OBP
Jason Grabowski still hits well in the minors..
Jason Grabowski: .333, 171 AB, 32 R, 57 H, 7 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 16 BB, 29 K, 4 SB, .520 SLG, .384 OBP
::Quick View::
Drop:
Terrence Long – he’s looked absolutely terrible recently..if he actually makes contact with the baseball, he pops it up.
Watch:
Jermaine Dye – his swing is starting to come back around, and if you have room to add him, do.
Add:
Mike Neu – as Macha trusts the rookie more and more, he will get more pitching chances. Don’t drop anyone productive to get him yet though.
