Athletics -- 07/28/03
July 27, 2003
::F.I.C. local spin::
The latest buzz surrounding the team has been the arrival of pitching phenom Rich Harden. Since the All- Star break he has started two games for the A’s. In his major league debut he baffled the Royals’ hitters with his effortlessly fast delivery. Don’t let his 6’1” 180 lb. frame fool you. This guy can whiz a 96 mph fastball right past the hitter then get him swinging wildly in front of a changeup. After getting swept by the Minnesota Twins in a 4-game series, Miguel Tejada called a players’ meeting before Monday’s game in Kansas City. Whatever he said sure inspired the Oakland bats. Since the sweep, the A’s have gone 6-1.
There have been several contract dealings following the All Star break. First-round pick Brad Sullivan, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Houston who was the 25th overall choice in the First-Year Player Draft, agreed to terms on Tuesday with the A's. Oakland signed Hatteberg to a two-year contract extension through 2005 with an club option for '06.
::Latest Team Info::
Since the All-Star break, the A’s carry a record of 6-5 into today’s final game of this road trip. After an embarrassing sweep at the Metrodome, the A’s swept a short series against the Royals and split a 2-game series with the division-leading Mariners. The team heads into today’s game in Anaheim with their eyes set upon a 4-game sweep. The Mariners’ lead has been cut to three games. A huge factor has been the offense. All season long offensive woes have kept the A’s from playing to their full potential. This was evident in Minnesota, as the team was outscored by the Twins 24-12. Since then, the A’s have outscored their opponents 40-11. Is the offense finally starting to come around? Keep your eyes open. With the trade deadline looming, numerous rumors surround the A’s. Names like Juan Gonzalez, J.D. Drew, and Brian Giles have popped up. Any of these players could aid the poor offense and help in the outfield, which is second worst in the majors offensively. Imagine Brian Giles playing in the outfield and hitting in the lineup. Chances are slim, but it’s a possibility.
After today, it’s home sweet home for the A’s. The Indians come to Oakland for a three-game series, followed by the highly anticipated series against the Yankees. By the Yankees series, a new player (or more) may be donning an A’s uniform.
::Injuries::
Since tweaking his right knee on Wednesday in Seattle, right-handed reliever Jim Mecir has not been available out of the bullpen, with his sore knee still giving him problems. If Mecir, the A’s ideal 8th inning setup man, isn't available, that leaves the A's with a five-man bullpen. Add the fact that Mike Neu will continue to see action only when the game is out of hand and John Halama remains a long reliever, Mecir's injury leaves A's manager Ken Macha with limited choices late in the game. Chad Harville or Jeremy Fikac may see some time with the A’s. However, the A’s are hesitant to place Mecir on the DL at this moment.
Jason Grabowski, who currently is on the AAA Sacramento Rivercats roster but has been up with the A’s earlier his season, will most likely miss the remainder of the AAA season after having fouled a ball off his right leg and injured it. He is currently rehabbing in Phoenix
::On the Farm::
Crosby, Bobby: 289 BA, 96 G, 342 AB, 61 R, 99 H, 19 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 56 RBI, 45 BB, 88 SO, 15 SB, 4 CS, .506 SLG, .372 OBP, 9 E
Duchscherer, Justin: 10-2, 2.92 ERA, 18 G, 18 GS, 0 CG, 0 SHO, 0 SV, 120.1 IP, 111 H, 42 R, 39 ER, 9 HR, 0 HB, 10 BB, 91 SO, 2WP, .242 OPP AVG
::Quick View::
Add:
Miguel Tejada - Earlier this season he said that each game he hoped to get a hit, and over the past 11 games, it’s been true. He has raised his average to .258, up from .245 at the break. He seems a lot more comfortable at the plate, getting key hits.
Watch:
Rich Harden - Add him at your own discretion. Yes, he’s had two incredible outings. However, he has only pitched two games in the major leagues. He certainly has exhibited veteran-like poise in his two starts, but give him some time before you determine he’s the next Tim Hudson.
