I thought about titling this post: "A's Do Just Enough to Remain Mediocre," Because that's the infuriating thing that they keep doing. They lose two, then just when I'm ready to sound the alarm, the offense erupts for nine runs, and then the next day Fuentes gets a key out, and the offense does enough to secure a series split. And now, I am left shaking my head, wondering what to make of a team that seems to be a playoff contender some nights, and seems to be a sick, slow-moving Brontosaurus other nights.
I still am a firm believer in this team. I think that the pitching is good enough to keep them in every single game. I think that this offense is capable of scoring runs. Not 6 a night, but enough to win ballgames. And that's where it's really at, isn't it?
The best thing about this series? Trevor Cahill. The A's entered his start on a three game skid and desperately needed a strong outing. After a rough first and second, Cahill settled down and was the ace the team needed.
It feels like Bob Geren and the A's have finally entered into something of a rhythm on the young season. With the exception of third base, the A's know who's going to play where and bat where. To me, it seems that the bench guys are happy in their roles, and that the team knows its direction, they just need to get things clicking to compete with the big boys. So, here's what happened over the weekend in Seattle.
April 21
A's 0 v. Mariners 1
Brandon McCarthy made one mistake in an otherwise brilliant outing. Former Athletic Adam Kennedy hit one out to right for the only run of the game. After making an outstanding opening day effort, Felix Hernandez had been struggling. The A's, however, seem to have that knack for making opposing pitchers good again, and they only managed five hits against the King. I chalked this one up to just Felix being Felix. The A's don't always have the greatest lineup, and Felix owned them. Another great start wasted, but what can you do?
April 22
A's 0 v. Mariners 4
Though I was able to come to terms with the loss to the reigning Cy Young winner, I had a bit more trouble stomaching this one. Tyson Ross filled in for Dallas Braden as the starter for the evening, and he was serviceable. I can't take anything away from Miguel Pineda either. He looks like the real deal, and if he keeps it up, has a fantastic career ahead of him. Mariner's fans truly have something to look forward to in their young core of Hernandez, Pineda, Smoak and others. A's fans, however, have to be disappointed in this game. They got runners on leading off innings, but then just couldn't get them around. 18 shutout innings always hurts, against a division rival especially, and especially when pitching just isn't the real issue.
April 23
A's 9 v. Mariners 1
The bats, after slumbering for 3 days, finally awoke. Though Cahill had a fantastic outing, settling down after a rocky first and second, the takeaway is that the A's actually can hit the ball. Kouz and Pennington went deep, Coco Crisp had a night to remember, and Kurt Klutch even had a stolen base. It seemed like they finally got the memo that you can't win games on pitching alone. Another nice thing, not only did Kurt steal a base, but so did Ellis and Pennington. They got aggressive, and they got a win. Good day.
April 24
A's 5 v. Mariners 2
The A's decided to leave Seattle with a nice taste in their mouth. Brett Anderson turned in another outstanding performance, Coco Crisp was a dynamic lead off hitter, and Josh Willingham had 3 RBI to make getaway day successful. Just like it seems has been the case every Sunday, the A's put together a complete performance. And once again, the A's find themselves playing .500 baseball at 11-11.
Player of the Series
This was harder than I expected. No hitter had a complete series because of the two shutouts. Though he didn't get a win, the hardware goes to Brandon McCarthy. 8 IP, 6 K, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 ER. I know a win is a win is a win, but he deserves to be recognized for his brilliance in the month of April.
The take-away
The A's begin their roadtrip staying at .500. These divisional games are the ones that the team needs to win. Furthermore, it is disheartening to continually see the offense sputter against better pitchers. The weekend wins were nice to have, but .500 will not be enough down the line.
Plays of the Series
Kouzzzzz Goes Deep
Willingham doubles home two
Gag of the Series
Kouz thrown out at home
I don't really mind him running on contact here.... the situation called for it, it just hurt when he didn't get there in time.
Song of the Series
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
This video, complete with fuzzy animals, correctly describes my feelings after Saturday's game. Hey, it's early, we're 11-11, and things are alright.
Thought of the Series
Third Base. An issue. Kouz either needs to live up to potential, or it's going to be game over for him soon. LaRoche and Rosales are probably not answers over there either. What if, the A's are in contention come July, but feel they need a bat to make it. Do you trade say, Gio, Chris Carter, Jemile Weeks, Michael Taylor, or some other package for Alex Gordon? Or maybe slide Pennington to third and get rent-a-player Jose Reyes? Thoughts?
On Deck
The A's head to SoCal to face the Los Angeles Angels of Disneyland. A huge pitching matchup is on tap tonight as Gio Gonzalez squares off against Jered Weaver, who has been near unhittable in his first five starts this year. This will be a big series. Winning it could light a fire under the butts of the A's heading into a 4 game homestand against the Rangers. Losing more than a game could start panic talk in the Oakland camp.
Either way, we're in this thing!
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