Oakland Athletics' Week 10 Review

The Oakland Athletics were on the road this past week, facing National League teams. Taking away the sweep in San Francisco, they won half of their games, which is good.

I can’t help, but notice that the pitching staff has shown signs of improvement slowly over the last two months in all areas.

Take the rookie starters for example:

Josh Outman has been very good with a record of four wins and one loss. He also has the second best era, 3.48, on the rotation, unless you include late comer Vin Mazzaro.

Talking about Mazzaro, what a stud! I know he has only pitched in four games, but he has been better than any other AAA call up, so far this season. He is what the A’s needed! Someone who can go six or seven strong innings every time.

Let’s not forget, Trevor Cahill! He is the third rookie starter who is flashing his skills, going deeper into games and out shining the opponent in his last couple games.

As for the bullpen:

Michael Wuertz and Andrew Bailey have shined in a struggling bullpen, each with a 4-1 record.

Although Brad Ziegler has been shaky this year, there are times when he simply steam rolls opposing batters. I think he is a great setup man/middle reliever, able to go two innings if needed. I have no doubt in my mind that some day he will be a great closer.

With that out of the way, I feel that an injury update is needed.

Eric Chavez has now decided to have the surgery, putting him on the Disabled List for the rest of the season. It is definitely not the route he wanted to take, but if he must, he must.

Justin Duchscherer’s return has been pushed back to the end of July. I am not too concerned with that. He’s injury has actually allowed the A’s to fine out what their young starters can do and find a few gems in the three starters I mentioned above.

I am very curious on what the A’s do concerning Outman. He sustained an inner elbow strain in San Diego on June 19th. Are they going to call some one up just for the start?

May Brett Anderson will pitch on three days rest, instead of four.

As I look into faulty crystal ball, I see the A’s finishing around .500. Remember this is the same crystal ball that showed the A’s winning the first two games in San Francisco, not getting swept. This is how I see them at the moment.