A's @ Rays; 3-game set

[hot_corner_gurl]

Sorry this is a bit late. Busy day.

Well we lost the first game of the series. In fact we were shutout by Kazmir, as our offense woes continue. Ryan Sweeney is currently our best hitter, and possibly all around player, but we can't rely on the rookie to carry the team on his back.


7-22-08
Braden vs Sonnanstine

Braden is getting this spot start because of the recent trade of Joe Blanton to the Phillies. He threw one inning Friday against the Yankees, giving up a home run to A-Rod. Manager Bob Geren said that Braden has added on some velocity since his last stint in the bigs, which should help his effectiveness. Sonnanstine got his fourth loss on July 10 against the Indians. He is considered to be a master of deception with his array of pitches and various release points, but often times that never helps him because he can't locate his fast ball.


7-23-08
Smith vs Shields

Smith struggled mightily Friday against the Yankees, and exited after just 3 2/3 innings. He allowed six runs on eight hits during the short start. Deep counts and a lot of walks were the killer for Smith. As for Shields, he just continued his dominance, getting his eigth win of the season against the Jays. His best pitch is his change-up, but since learning how to set it up with his fastball and his curve, it's become even deadlier.



Like I said, we already lost game one. Unless we get some kind of offense going ASAP, this series is not looking good. At all.

[Providence A's]

another loss and another poor offensive showing. we need a power bat.

[hot_corner_gurl]

we need a power bat.

Exactly. But I don't think Beane will trade for one. He might just wait until Thomas comes back, whever that is.


And get this - we're three games over .500 and nine back in the standings, while our Bay Area counterpart is eighteen games under .500 and eight and a half games back. No fair.

[Providence A's]

well, I really meant a power bat for the future. Thomas isn't really apart of the future. I'd love to see him pull a deal for Holliday. Holliday would help now and beyond.

[hot_corner_gurl]

Oooooh gotcha. idk, I don't think that Holliday will be traded. The Rockies are making some noise, and in that division where the first place team is under .500, I think they can still make a run for it. Hence, I don't think they'll want to be moving anyone just yet.

[hot_corner_gurl]

YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS! We finally won a game! 8-1 final score. Hannahan launched a three-run homer to put the game away, and Braden added five strong innings to end our six game skid. Now let's go out there and take this series!

[hot_corner_gurl]

We're heading into the ninth inning, down by two runs. Smith pitched pretty well, but he left some pitches up and his control was a little shaky. But the news of the day here is that we got back-to-back homers in like the second inning from Brown and Gonzalez. Unfortunately they were only solo shots, but it's good to see that there is still some power left.


4-2 in the top of the ninth. Suzuki is leading off.

[Providence A's]

A's scored 1 run in the 9th, but fell 4 - 3 and lost the series. After a day off tomorrow they'll play Texas at home.

[hot_corner_gurl]

We lost the series...that's like three or four series in a row. Hopefully the day off will clear our minds. Maybe it'll wake up our bats too.