A's reached .500 again for the first time since 22 May. They won 2 consecutive game vs Yankees on the road. Yesterday, they sent Danny Haren to the mound and Kirk Sarloos today. Their opponent starting pitchers were Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina. I think it were big boosts for A's. So now, A's could expect Series-sweep against Yankees because they will be on higher position at starting pitcher for the last game of the series. they will be Barry Zito for A's and Shawn Chacon for Yankees.
Some injuries have been critical facters for A's this season. Their leader Eric Chavez is suffering with some small injuries, so from time to time he is out of the starting lineup. And Frank Thomas and Milton Bradley, Bobby Crosby, Huston Street, Rich Harden also suffered at laest once this season.
When Rich Harden was back from DL early June, a lot of experts thoutht A's would be at the top of the standing in AL West soon. But after pitching only one game, Hared backed to DL again and it could be long time for his rehab. So AL west is going into chaos again.
I believe A's will take the first place in the second-half as they have been strong in 2nd half for several years. Rich Harden will be the key. With expectations, his time on DL will be as much as two months. How long he will be out and whether he will be back this season or not, will be really important issues for A's. If Harden can be back before september, A's will have strong competition in AL west and for the playoff games.
* Bobby Crosby are leading the team at SB with 3 ?
SB has always been a week point for A's for several years. After Jonny Damon, they haven't got any good lead off hitters on their lineup. I think having speedy players is really necesary stuff for the team who want to be a contender, especially want to play in playoff games.
* Nich Swisher meet his upside this season ?
It's fabulous! I am enjoying fantasy league with my frined and some people who have been hanging around with in doing fantasy league. Early this season, I was doing recomposit my team roster and I wanted to make the team with top A's players like Eric Chavez, Rich Harden and so on. Already I drafted Chavez in 5th round, which was regarded a little early for his value. So I needed Harden who will be the leader of the rotation for A's in the future. Right after I planned, I traded for Harden, sending my favorite player Carlos Delgado for the cost.
To fill the Delgado's hole, I needed 1st base man and infield guy. I suggest one trade to Ironmask Templers GM, my frined. On result, I received two players, NIck Swisher and Dan Johnson, and sent Jeromy Burnitz and Jeremy Hermida. I know this time is only middle of the season, there should be no conclusion about the trade. But one obvious thing for my team was that Swisher has been really big help for my team to fill the Delgado's hole perfectly. He played better than Delgado for those period.
His numbers are coming down so I am wondering whether this is the end of the his rising trend or he keep this numbers to the end of the season. It will be the big concern for both me and A's. Although I expect his numbers will be declined, I will be going with him.
