This lyric, from "South Park: The Movie" kind of sums up the series nicely as far as I'm concerned. The A's played a great game Monday, a not so great game Tuesday and then got bailed out by a timely rainstorm on Wednesday. When it was all said and done, the A's split the series 1-1 against the Rangers, and return home tomorrow with a 3-2 road trip. They still sit at 19-18, tied for second in the AL West.
The A's needed that game yesterday. It would have resulted in a 4-2 trip and huge confidence boost. It started off all well and good. Gio looked sharp enough, but then disaster happened, as it does sometimes in Texas. Fortunately, they got to yell "DO OVER!", as mother nature decided a storm was in order for Arlington.
Unfortunately we do not get a do over on Dallas Braden's season ending shoulder surgery. This is a big blow to the rotation, as he really was a vocal leader. He'll still be on the bench cheering guys on, but it won't be the same without him out there every fifth day. Fortunately, Tyson Ross looks more than able to fill the spot, so they should be able to hold down the fort.
May 9
A's 7 v. Rangers 2
It's amazing how big of a deal it is when the A's receive offense. They did on this night. Willingham's three run bomb was the main poke, but then the A's put it away with a 4-run 8th. Trevor Cahill is good, we all knew this, but now he's starting to be entered into the Cy Young conversation as an early appearing candidate this year.
From oaklandathletics.com: Cahill now owns a career 8-2 record and 2.18 ERA in 11 starts against the Rangers -- not to mention a 0.98 mark in four outings in Arlington.
That's pretty unreal for that ballpark. When his sinker is working, Cahill now must be considered as one of the best in the majors. Hopefully Oakland starts elevating this demure young player to the superstar he actually is.
May 10
A's 2 v. Rangers 7
Brett Anderson, for whatever reason, develops crappy pitches whenever facing the Texas Rangers. This proved to be a huge issue in the game, as the Rangers jumped all over him in the 5th inning. Then Jerry Blevins had some trouble as well, and outside of a good night from Cliff Pennington, the A's just did not have a good evening.
May 11
A's v. Rangers
PPD!!!!!!! This was so beautiful. Had one more half inning been played, the A's would have lost 7-0, and Gio Gonzalez would have had one of the worst outings of his career. Instead, all is forgotten, and they get to play it from the top in July. I feel like a little kid who just got totally beat playing four square but yelled out do-overs and no one wanted to upset him so they let it happen. Or maybe more like this (Guess who is playing which part:
Apologies to Rangers fans. Had this gone the other way I'd be kicking and screaming. And let's be real, the baseball gods never forget.
Player of the Series
The offense was so abysmal Tuesday that I've got to hand it out to a pitcher again. Trevor Cahill, great pitcher, or the greatest pitcher? Well, let's not pass judgement quite yet, but he is doing outstanding as we reach the quarter post of the season. Here's what he might look like as the season progresses.
GOAT
I hate to give it to Anderson again.... but he was bad again. There's not much more to say. The A's, for better or for worse, are about that starting rotation. If it fails, they fail. Anderson will be just fine, but he was the reason we lost game 2 of the series.
Play of the Series
It's Hammertime for Josh
Song of the Series
It's a no brainer:
But also, I bless the rains down in Arrrrlinnngtoonnnn...
On Deck
It's homestand time! The Chicago White Sox come in to Oakland for a three game set over the weekend. In April, the A's and ChiSox played 3 extra inning games, and the A's took two of the three. The White Sox have been scuffling to begin the season, but their lineup is still packed with power, and the rotation isn't anything to shake a stick at. The A's are still looking for some offense, they are currently 12th in the American league in average and home runs, though the White Sox are only 10th in average, but 5th in home runs. The A's are hitting some doubles though, 5th in the league, and they aren't striking out (4th). As for the pitching, the A's continue to dominate. They lead the league with a 2.75 ERA, a whole half run better than second place Toronto. They're fifth in strikeouts, and they've allowed the fewest home runs. Did I mention they were good? Come check out Brandon McCarthy try to regain form and face Phil Humber Friday night.
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