Athletics -- 07/17/03
July 17, 2003
::FIC Local Spin::
The All-Star game is over (great to see Ramon Hernandez and Keith Foulke finish out the game and congratulate eachother -- looked just like an A's game) and the official second half begins. The A's search for consistency on offense as Eric Byrnes tries to pull himself out of his recent tailspin. Shannon Stewart, rumored to be going to the A's, has instead been traded to the Twins. However, a whirlwind of trading rumors still surrond the A's and GM Billy Beane. Peter Gammons reports that the A's are trying to obtain J.D. Drew through a three-way trade.
::Latest Team Info::
The A's finished their season-high thirteen game home stand by reeling off 5 wins in a row -- thus forcing manager Ken Macha to honor his promise of shaving his locks. The A's next head to Minnesota to take on the reeling Twins who have taken 4 of the 5 games between the two clubs this year.
Of course, the big news is Rich Harden. The 21 year old phenom was supposed to appear in Wednesday night's triple-A All-Star game. However, upon his arrival in Memphis, he received a phone call telling him to join the A's big-league club. To make room for Harden's callup, Aaron Harang was demoted to triple-A Sacramento and Shane Bazzell was removed from the 40 man roster and demoted to double-A Midland. His major league debut is anticipated to be the 21st against the Kansas City Royals.
::On the Farm::
Duchscherer, Justin (8-2) : 2.93 ERA, 16 GS, 104.1 IP, 101 H, 34 ER, 6 HR, 10 BB, 81 K, .251 BAA
Crosby, Bobby: .297 BA, 86G, 306 AB, 56 R, 91 H, 18 2B, 3 3B, 15 HR, 50 RBI, 40 BB, 79 K, 13 SB, 3 CS, .523 SLG, .379 OBP
::Quick View::
Add:
Terrence Long – he looks great out on defense and at the plate. he's been playing right field recently and it suits him. he looks refreshed.
Watch:
Rich Harden - Great things are expected from this kid. I wouldn't go ahead and add him right away in case he struggles. If you have extra room on your roster he'll make a nice pickup.
