2007 Oakland A's - No way Jose

[BichetteMan]

July 4th - July 10th 2008

We have a 7 game homestand before the All-Star break. We start with three aginst the White Sox. Then the Mariners come into town for 4 games. We should be able to take the bulk of these games. The White Sox are sitting in the cellar in the AL Central. Also we are at home and we play well in Oakland.

July 4th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-55) @ Oakland Athletics(55-26)
White Sox 3 - A's 5
WP: Joe Blanton (8-5)
LP: Kyle McCulloch (3-7)
SV: Huston Street (28)

Joe Blanton wasn't very effective as he allowed 11 hits and a walk. He however wormed his way out of jam after jam in his 7.1 innings. He manged to just give up the 3ER. Bobby Kielty got the offense going with a 2-4 day including two 2B and 2RBI. Griffey, Abreu and Wilson drove in the other three runs for the offense. Huston street gets another save, his 28th.

Griffey watch: 2-4, 2B, 2R, RBI

After the game I got a call from Ken Williams, the GM of the White Sox. Now I have never really talked to Ken at length except at the winter meetings but he seemed nice enough. He asked me if he could come and meet me after the game so I invited him to my office. He sat down and go right to business. He had a trade offer for me. He wants to dump Carl Crawford, who he acquired earlier in the year. At any other time I would jump at the chance to acquire such a young and bright talent. I however have no space in my outfield. With Goleski scoring so much, Bradley hitting so well overall, Kielty playing well and the addition of Griffey I had to say no. If he had come to me a before I added Griffey it wouldn't have been a problem. It was such a bargain for just A ball pitcher Marcus Macbeth. I really didn't want to increase payroll either. Grrrrr!

Williams did make a trade though. I think Minnesota must be made of money by the way:

Minnesota sends:

Oswaldo Sosa P

ChicagoA sends:

Paul Konerko 1B

The Twins don't have a place for Konerko to play with Morneau at first and Adam Dunn as the DH. Obviously they get the better of this deal but their wallets are going to be hurting at the tune of 14M per year.

July 5th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-56) @ Oakland Athletics(56-26)
White Sox 1 - A's 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (8-1)
LP: Javier Vazquez (4-10)
SV: Huston Street (29)

Vin Mazzaro's magical rookie campaing keeps on going. I think this solidfies him as an All star. He goes 8 innings and gives up just 1ER. 5H, 3BB and 3K rounded out his great line for the game. Nick Swisher(20) hit a two run homer in the first to power the A's to victory. Miguel Cabrera added an RBI double as well. Huston Street = money!

Griffey watch: 0-3, BB

The Mets bullpen takes huge blow. Billy Wagner tore his quadriceps today and will miss 4-6 weeks. The Mets are just a half game back and are going to need to find someone quick to keep that bullpen in order.

July 6th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-57) @ Oakland Athletics(57-26)
White Sox 1 - A's 7
WP: Jason Windsor (8-4)
LP: Ray Liotta (2-10)

Jason Windsor shut down the White Sox today. Yeah they are that bad. Windsor went 8 innings giving up 3 hits and an ER. Nice performance to go into the break for Windsor. Goleski sets the table well again. He goes 2-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Swisher takes advantage of that and goes 2-5 with 3RBI. Hidalgo goes 2-2 and Wilson 1-4, while both had an RBI.

Griffey watch: DNP

Kenny Rogers up and quit on the lowly Tigers. The nineteen year vet will be remember for his on the field quality as much as his off the field exploits. He finishes up a good career with a 214-154 record and a 4.22 ERA. See ya Kenny!

July 7th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-45) @ Oakland Athletics(58-26)
Mariners 2 - A's 9
WP: Rich Harden (10-4)
LP: Miguel Batista (2-6)

Rich Harden puts in his last start before the break and it was a good one. he goes 8 innings and gives up 2ER. He allows 4 hits, 2 walks and strikes out 8. A nice way to finish the first half. The offense was on fire as well. Nick Swisher goes 2-4 with another homer and 3 more RBI. He is having a very productive first half of the year. Milton Bradley had a stellar day at the plate collecting 5 hits in his 5 PA. What a day! Griffey keeps on going and goes 2-5 with 2RBI.

Griffey watch: 2-5, R, 2RBI

July 8th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-46) @ Oakland Athletics(59-26)
Mariners 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (1-2)
LP: Jon Huber (0-3)
SV: Huston Street (30)

Mark Prior pitches well early. He shuts the M's out through 5 but lets up 1 in the 6th and two in the 7th. Final line was 7 innings, 3ER and 7K. Not too bad but not enough for the win. Miguel Cabrera was the star today. He went 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Bobby Kielty was almost as impressice with his 1-4 and 2RBI performance. Street picks up his 30th save.

Griffey watch: 1-4

Kenny Williams continues the fire sale and I can only imagine he is on the way out too. Here it is:

ChicagoA sends:

Luis Terrero CF

ChicagoN sends:

Sean Gallagher P
Chris Huseby P

Ehhhh whatever at this point with the White Sox and their trades. I guess 3.5 million was too much for Terrero.

July 9th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-47) @ Oakland Athletics(60-26)
Mariners 0 - A's 6
WP: Brad Halsey (6-4)
LP: Felix Hernandez (9-9)

Joe Blanton was unable to make his start. That didn't matter. Halsey(5IP), Reitsma(2IP) and Delcarmen(2IP) shutout the Mariners. I remember talking about having the bullpen pitch whole games last year. Not what I need or want this year but it was effective. Kottaras went 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Abreu also drove in 2 runs.

Griffey watch: 1-4, R

July 10th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-48) @ Oakland Athletics(61-26)
Mariners 0 - A's 6
WP: Justin Duchscherer (2-2)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (6-8)
SV: Huston Street (31)

Vin Mazzaro pitched excellently to end his first half. He went 7.1 innings and struck out 7 on the day. He finishes the first half with a miniscule 2.21 ERA. Wow I didn't see it coming from him. Hidalgo drove in a run in the second to take the lead but the Mariners came right back in the top of the third to tie. Milton Bradley took the lead for good with an RBI double in the 8th. Huston street collects his 31st save of the year.

Ok someone in Minnesota hit the lottery and is spening money like crazy:

Minnesota sends:

Trent Oeltjen CF
Matt Moses 3B
Kevin Slowey P

San Francisco sends:

Barry Zito P

They are spending some big bucks in the Twin Cities. Zito may be able to help them. It seems like they keep making moves to try to keep up with us in terms of wins. They are giving up a lot of prospects and trying to make a real run at a WS. I feel like my team has the better chemistry. We will just have to see in the second half and the playoffs.

Wow, what a way to end the first half! An 8 game winning streak to take our first half record to 62-26. I can't believe this. I'll be posting the All Star game review next. Just WOW.

BY THE WAY GO C'S! Bring home #17!!!!!!

[dannymac910]

Thanks for the update.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CELTICS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

I think the Griffey watch started a little early...

24 minutes to Banner 17!

[DarthJaker]

Sad Day For Lakers Fans Everywhere>

[BichetteMan]

2008 NL vs. AL Allstar Game
@ Yankee Stadium - New York, New York
Home of the New York Yankees

National League Allstars

Starters

1. Josh Bard(C) - San Diego Padres
2. Lance Berkman(1B) - Houston Astros
3. Chase Utley(2B) - Philadelphia Phillies
4. David Wright(3B) - New York Mets
5. Jimmy Rollins(SS) - Philadelphia Phillies
6. Carlos Lee(LF) - Houston Astros
7. Carlos Beltran(CF) - New York Mets
8. Luke Scott(RF) - Houston Astros
9. Albert Pujols(1B/DH) - St. Louis Cardinals

Starting Pitcher

Chris Carpenter - St. Louis Cardinals

Positional Reserves
Conor Jackson(1B) - ARI, Andruw Jones(OF) - ATL, Aramis Ramirez(3B) - CHC, Mark Loretta(2B) - CIN, Todd Helton(1B) - COL, Jeremy Hermida(OF) - FLA, Mark Kotsay(OF) - LAD, Rickie Weeks(2B) - MIL, Jose Bautista(OF) - PIT, Ray Durham(2B) - SFG, Tadahito Iguichi(2B) - WSN

Pitcher Reserves
Chris Young - SDP, Brandon Webb - ARI, Greg Maddux - SDP, Blaine Boyer - ATL, Dontrelle Willis - FLA, Randy Johnson - ARI, Duaner Sanchez - NYM, Trevor Hoffman - SDP, Ryan Dempster - CHC, Kevin Correia - SFG

American League Allstars

Starters

1. Joe Mauer(C) - Minnesota Twins
2. Travis Hafner(1B) - Cleveland Indians
3. Ian Kinsler(2B) - Texas Rangers
4. Mark Teahan(3B) - Kansas City Royals
5. Michael Young(SS) - Texas Rangers
6. Curtis Granderson(LF) - Detroit Tigers
7. Milton Bradley(CF) - Oakland Athletics
8. Vladimir Guererro(RF) - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
9. Vernon Wells(OF/DH) - Toronto Blue Jays

Positional Reserves
Miguel Tejada(SS) - BAL, J.D. Drew(OF) - BOS, Jim Thome(1B) - CHW, Derek Jeter(SS) - NYY, Richie Sexson(1B) - SEA, Rocco Baldelli(OF) - TAM

Starting Pitcher

Mark Prior - Oakland Athletics

Pitcher Reserves
Rich Harden - OAK, Vin Mazzaro - OAK, Huston Street - OAK, Roger Clemens - MIN, Scot Shields - LAA, Roy Halladay - TOR, Pat Neshek - MIN, Mariano Rivera - NYY, Juan Salas - TAM, Eric Gagne - TEX

A great All-Star game! The National League looked as though they were going to take one home finally. That wasn't the case though. The AL staged an epic comback in the bottom of the ninth higlighted by an amazing Richie Sexson shot. He came to the plate with the tying run on second and two outs. He took strike one. Ball one came in low. Ball two was a little outside. A strike over the outside corner. Then he got his pitch and smashed it into the bleachers in right for a walk off All Star game winner. Naturally he was named the games MVP!

All-Star game MVP: Richie Sexson - 2-2, 2HR, 2R, 3RBI

National League All Stars at American League All Stars
July 12, 2008

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      All Stars (NL) 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 0    6  8  1
      All Stars (AL) 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 3    7 12  1

NATIONAL LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
J. Rollins (SS)       4  2  1  1  1  1  1  1    .272
 G. Maddux (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 R. Johnson (P)       0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 R. Dempster (P)      0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
C. Utley (2B)         4  0  1  0  0  1  0  0    .297
D. Wright (3B)        3  0  0  0  0  0  3  0    .351
 A. Ramirez (P)       2  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .303
A. Pujols (DH)        5  1  0  1  0  0  3  0    .273
L. Berkman (1B)       2  0  2  2  0  0  1  0    .290
C. Beltran (CF)       4  2  1  2  1  2  0  0    .254
A. Jones (LF)         4  1  0  0  0  2  3  0    .259
L. Scott (RF)         4  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .322
J. Bard (C)           4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .308
TOTALS               36  8  5  6  2  6 15  1

   2B:  J. Rollins, C. Beltran
   HR:  J. Rollins, C. Beltran
   HBP:  L. Berkman

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    C. Carpenter  5.0  5  0  0  2  2  2  72   2.85
       G. Maddux  3.0  3  0  2  2  2  1  48   5.57
      R. Johnson  0.1  0  0  0  0  0  0   7   0.00
     R. Dempster  0.1  4  1  1  3  3  1  26   1.34
          TOTALS  8.2 12  1  3  7  7  4 153

AMERICAN LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
C. Granderson (CF)    4  1  1  0  0  1  1  0    .295
 R. Harden (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 P. Neshek (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 M. Rivera (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 J. Salas (P)         0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 E. Gagne (P)         0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
I. Kinsler (2B)       5  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .291
V. Guerrero (LF)      5  2  0  1  1  2  0  0    .320
T. Hafner (1B)        4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .320
M. Teahen (3B)        4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .276
J. Mauer (C)          4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .307
M. Tejada (DH)        4  2  0  2  0  0  0  0    .328
M. Young (SS)         1  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .268
 J. Drew (P)          1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .293
 D. Jeter (P)         0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .304
 R. Sexson (P)        2  2  0  2  2  3  0  0    .280
M. Bradley (RF)       4  2  0  1  0  1  0  0    .339
TOTALS               38 12  1  7  3  7  4  0

   2B:  M. Young, C. Granderson, M. Tejada
   HR:  V. Guerrero, R. Sexson 2
   CS:  M. Tejada

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        M. Prior  3.1  1  3  1  2  2  5  68   2.21
       R. Harden  2.2  2  0  1  1  1  5  46   2.97
       P. Neshek  1.0  2  0  0  0  0  2  21   2.68
       M. Rivera  0.0  3  1  0  3  3  0  21   3.66
        J. Salas  1.0  0  1  0  0  0  2  22   1.99
        E. Gagne  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  1  25   2.49
          TOTALS  9.0  8  5  2  6  6 15 203

     WP: E. Gagne
     LP: R. Dempster

     Temperature: 71F
     Wind: Calm
     Attendance: 42,000
     Time: 3:44 

It was very exciting to see Bradley get the nod for the second straight year and start at CF. A 2-4 day with a RBI and a run scored was the icing on the cake. Prior and Harden looked good in their combined 5 innings. They gave up 5ER and struck out 10 combined. Mazzaro also gets named to the team. How does this kid not get rookie of the year! A nice day for the A's.

[BichetteMan]

Yes it was. I hope Kobe doesn't die drinking himself to death. We need someone to beat every year in the Lakers rivalry! A great day for the Celtics. I have been watching since I was a little kid and I actually had season tickets last year because me and a friend thought the C's were going to get better with Big Al. We gave them up after the 24 wins and voila Ray and KG show up. I was kicking myself all year. Anyways a great year.

[JeepGuy63]

Yes it was. I hope Kobe doesn't die drinking himself to death. We need someone to beat every year in the Lakers rivalry! A great day for the Celtics. I have been watching since I was a little kid and I actually had season tickets last year because me and a friend thought the C's were going to get better with Big Al. We gave them up after the 24 wins and voila Ray and KG show up. I was kicking myself all year. Anyways a great year.

He's off to Colorado for some R&R.

Nice All-Star Game, now it is time to move into the second half of the season and keep things just as hot.

[BichetteMan]

July 13th - July 17th 2008

After a great first half at an amazing 62-26 and the all star break we go out on the road. Not too bad of a start because we get the cellar-dwelling White Sox for 4 games. I hope the boys can get it going just like the first half. We are currently on an 8 game winning streak which is tied for longest with Colorado.

July 13th 2008

Just an off day. I've been reviewing some trade offers and some interest in our guys. To be honest unless someone gets hurt I don't see any changes to the major league roster. I might make some moves in the minors to balance out the development of our players. I'm off to Chicago to see the team and maybe catch one of those Ken Williams 5 cent on the dollar trades.

July 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(62-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-59)
A's 5 - White Sox 1
WP: Rich Harden (11-4)
LP: Oswaldo Sosa (1-1)

Rich Harden starts off the second half strong. He goes 7 innings and gives up just the 1 ER. Youngster Tony Abreu hits his first homer of his career. Ken Griffey Jr. got some rest at the break and the pop is back in his bat. He hit his 7th homer of the year. Cabrera had the big hit with a 2RBI double. Nice way to start the second half.

Griffey watch: 1-5, HR(591), RBI

Ken Williams found a new home for Carl Crawford:

ChicagoA sends:

Carl Crawford LF

Texas sends:

Chris Stewart C
Johnny Whittleman 3B

Texas gets the best player and Chicago gets more prospects to infuse into their minor league system. Maybe I should have bit the bullet and taken Crawford. I don't like seeing him come to the west via Texas.

July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(63-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-60)
A's 5 - White Sox 4
WP: Chad Gaudin (4-3)
LP: David Aardsma (2-2)
SV: Huston Street (32)

Mark Prior was alright in his 6 innings. He gave up 3ER on 9 hits but struck out 9 which helped him get rid of a lot of those baserunners. Miguel Cabrera had one hit but it was a homer. Ken Griffey does it again and goes deep with a 2 run shot. Kottaras had the key RBI in the top of the ninth after the White Sox tied the game in the bottom of the 8th. Street came in for a clean ninth frame and his 32nd save.

Griffey watch: 1-4, HR(592), 2RBI

July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(64-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-61)
A's 3 - White Sox 4
WP: Jose Contreras (4-6)
LP: Joe Blanton (8-6)
SV: Bobby Jenks (14)

Joe Blanton was doing great and then he made a costly error. His throwing error led to 4 runs, 1ER, in the fourth inning. Blanton managed to last 5 but the offense couldn't come back. Kielty hit his 5th homer of the year batting out of the ninth spot. Kottaras went 2-4 with a RBI. Tony Abreu added a 2-4 day as well. The 10 game streak comes to an end. It was a nice run.

Griffey watch: 0-4

July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(64-27) @ Chicago White Sox(29-61)
A's 4 - White Sox 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (9-1)
LP: Javier Vazquez (4-12)
SV: Huston Street (33)

Vin Mazzaro is definitely ROY material. He goes 7 innings and gives up 2ER on just 5 hits. He also strikes out 9 in the game. Awesome. Home runs powered the offense in this game. Miguel Cabrera and Abreu hit solo shots. Who else but Griffey added a 2 run shot for the game winner in the top of the 8th inning. Huston Street pitches another perfect ninth and picks up his 33rd save.

Griffey watch: 1-4, HR(593), 2RBI

This week belonged to the big three pitcher on my team and Ken Griffey. 600 is coming soon folks. I can just feel it.

[JeepGuy63]

Nice start to the second half of the season and a great series for Griffey.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

The sweetest swing in the game is closing in on a huge milestone.

Any plans for Griffey after this season? Or is he just a rent-a-player?

[BichetteMan]

Yeah guys Griffey is smoking hot right now.

Potato - Not sure. Depends on how his skills diminish and how the youngsters in the minors develop. I have a few guys down there that could get a look in the OF next year.

July 18th - July 24th 2008

This week we have 7 games at home. We have 3 with the Angels and 4 with the Yankees. May be a tough week. 4-3 is the minimum that I would like to see. Also Ryan Goleski twisted his knee during fielding practice yesterday and will be out for about a week to let the sprain heal. The Man, The Myth and the Legend -- Ken Griffey Jr. will patrol center in his stead.

July 18th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(48-43) @ Oakland Athletics(65-27)
Angels 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (3-2)
LP: Francisco Rodriguez (2-4)

Jason Winsdor jammed his wrist just before the break and had to miss this start. Conor Robertson came up and pitched well. He went 6.1 innings and gave up 2ER. A very suitable fill in peformance. I am going to let Windsor get a start at AAA and Robertson will get one more MLB start. This was an exciting game. It was tied going into the ninth and the Angels took the lead with a Brandon Wood sac fly. The A's came up in the bottom half and stole the game away. Tony Abreu hit a dribber to third and beat the throw. Jack Wilson then sacrificed him to second. Abreu moved to third on a wild pitch by K-ROD. George Kottaras sinlged him home to tie the game. Bobby Kielty flied out and then Ryan Goleski doubled with 2 outs to win the game. An exciting win.

Griffey watch: 1-4, R

Cleveland picked up a solid young OF today:

Cleveland sends:

Edward Mujica P
Sung-Wei Tseng P
Chuck Lofgen P
Brad Streitmatter P

Los AngelesN sends:

Andre Ethier LF

Ethier is a very fine young outfielder who has a very bright future ahead of him. Definitely the best player here. All the pitchers the Dodgers received are 22 or younger. Streitmatter was Clevelands 2nd rounder this year. As always if they develop the Dodgers would get the best because pitching is very important as we all know.

I have been very impressed with Manny Delcarmen since I called him up a little over a month ago. His numbers in the Majors and minors warranted a little boost in his salary. I spoke with his agent and Manny accepted a deal for 3 years at 2.3 million per year. I feel that Manny is going to be a key part of my bullpen for years to come.

July 19th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(48-44) @ Oakland Athletics(66-27)
Angels 1 - A's 0
WP: John Lackey (7-6)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-3)

What a duel here. Neither starters allowed a run during their time. Rich Harden went 8 innings and gave up 5 hits while striking out 6. John Lackey was a bit better as he went the distance and shut out the A's on just 2 hits. Collecting the hits for the A's were Swisher and Abreu. The difference in the game was a top of the ninth RBI double by Sean Rodriguez.

Griffey watch: 0-4

July 20th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(49-44) @ Oakland Athletics(66-28)
Angels 3 - A's 2
WP: Ervin Santana (9-5)
LP: Mark Prior (11-2)
SV: Francisco Rodriguez (20)

A tough start for Mark Prior even though the numbers don't appear that way. He had to work out of a bunch of jams in his 5.1 innings. The offense didn't support him. They got the two runs on solo shots by Swisher(22) and Kielty(5). Abreu added a solid day going 2-4 from the top spot.

Griffey watch: 1-4

Erubial Durazo went down with a separated shoulder today. It's pretty severe and it looks like a 15 day DL trip is coming. I called up 2B Jose Castillo from AAA. He has been hitting pretty hot and will be a nice bench guy to have around.

July 21st 2008
New York Yankees(46-48) @ Oakland Athletics(66-28)
Yankees 2 - A's 3 (10)
WP: Brad Halsey (7-4)
LP: Colter Bean (2-2)

Another great pitching performance for the two starters. Joe Blanton went 7.2 innings and gave up 2ER. The game was tied at two most of the day and went into extras to decide the outcome. Tony Abreu led off the bottom of the tenth with a double. Milton Bradley sacrificed him over to third. Miguel Cabrera came up and drove a ball to deep center and Abreu tagged up and scored. Another exciting win.

Griffey watch: 1-4

Boston hit the chopping block today and cut a bunch of vets. They let go of Mark Bellhorn, Matt Cepicky, Willie Harris and Darin Erstad.

July 22nd 2008
New York Yankees(46-49) @ Oakland Athletics(67-28)
Yankees 2 - A's 7
WP: Vin Mazzaro (10-1)
LP: Kei Igawa (6-7)

Vin Mazzaro's dream rookie season continues. He goes 7 solid innings, allows 2ER and 5 hits. He has been so dominant this year. Miguel Cabrera had the big day going 3-4 with 3RBI. Jack Wilson added a 2 run double as well. Griffey and Kottaras drove in the other runs for the offense.

Griffey watch: 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2R

The Yankees continue their fall from grace as they lose their tenth in a row. In just over a week since the ASB they have gone from 0.5GB of the Red Sox to 4GB. I'd like to keep that going.

July 23rd 2008
New York Yankees(46-50) @ Oakland Athletics(68-28)
Yankees 1 - A's 2
WP: Connor Robertson (1-0)
LP: Andy Pettitte (6-3)
SV: Huston Street (34)

It seems like the time Roberston has spent back in the minors this year has been beneficial. He dominated the Yankees lineup today over his 8 shutout innings. He gave up just 3 hits and a walk on the day. I think I might let him stay 'til his performance changes. Winsdor wasn't too hot this year anyway and some time at AAA may help. Cabrera went 2-4 with an RBI. Abreu added a 1-3 day with an RBI triple. Huston Street gives up a single and double to score a run in the 9th but holds on for his 34th save.

Griffey watch: 0-4

July 23rd 2008
New York Yankees(46-51) @ Oakland Athletics(69-28)
Yankees 4 - A's 2
WP: Chris Garcia (5-4)
LP: Rich Harden (11-5)
SV: Mariano Rivera (16)

Rich Harden has a tough day. He manages to go just 5 innings while giving up 4ER. A little bit of a slide in performance lately but I don't worry about Rich anymore. Swisher drives in 2 runs, both on sac flies. Bradley had a decent day going 1-3 with 2 walks and scoring both A's runs.

Griffey watch: 1-3, BB

So we went 4-3 this week like I figured. The Yankees were really struggling and it felt good to push their losing streak to 12 11 before they snapped it. The team is holding strong and we are getting strong performances from almost everyone on the team.

[BichetteMan]

July 25th - July 31st 2008

We hit the road for a couple series this week against AL East teams. We start off in Toronto for three and then head to New York for three more with the Yankees. I'd like to put up a strong week on the road and extend that West lead. Can never have enough space between you and second.

July 25th 2008

Nothing too much going on. Headed for Toronto with the guys. I always like to head back home to the east. My phone has been pretty dead for the last week of July. I think the word has gotten out that I am satisfied with the team as it is presently constituted. The other teams will probably have a flurry of activity soon though.

July 26th 2008
Oakland Athletics(69-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-49)
A's 3 - Blue Jays 2
WP: Mark Prior (12-2)
LP: A.J. Burnett (6-10)
SV: Huston Street (35)

Mark Prior continues his dominant '08 campaign. He goes 7.1 innings and lets up 2 unearned runs. He also struck out 8 batters on the night. AJ Burnett hurt himself in the first walking Goleski and Bradley to lead off the game. Miguel Cabrera singled in Goleski and Dan Johnson came up two batters later and singled in two more runs. Thats all the offense got and needed on the day. Huston Street cleans up in the ninth for his 35th save.

Griffey watch: 0-3

July 27th 2008
Oakland Athletics(70-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-50)
A's 9 - Blue Jays 5
WP: Joe Blanton (9-6)
LP: Danny Haren (8-8)

Joe Blanton gets roughed up a bit for 5ER in his 6.1 innings but the offense helps out with 9 runs. The big hit came off of Swishers bat as he hit his 23rd homer, a three run shot. Richard Hidalgo also went deep in the game, a pinch hit solo shot. Miguel Cabrera went 3-5 with 2RBI and Bobby Kielty added a 3-4 day from the 9 hole.

Griffey watch: 0-4

July 28th 2008
Oakland Athletics(71-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-51)
A's 9 - Blue Jays 5
WP: Vin Mazzaro (11-1)
LP: Victor Zambrano (6-5)
SV: Huston Street (36)

Vin Mazzaro wins again. Another quality start going 7.1 innings and giving up just 1ER. Terrific! Bobby Kielty stays hot and has a 2-4 day including a big bases loaded single to plate two runs. Goleski had a good day at the top of the lineup going 3-5 with a run scored and RBI. Bradley also looked good at the plate going 2-4 with a walk. Huston Street picks up save #36.

Griffey watch: 1-3, R

July 29th 2008
Oakland Athletics(72-30) @ New York Yankees(47-54)
A's 0 - Yankees 2
WP: Carl Pavano (7-5)
LP: Connor Robertson (1-1)
SV: Mariano Rivera (17)

Although Conor Robertson lost this game he continues to impress since his recall from AAA. In this game he went the distance(8IP), allowed 2ER on 5 hits and struck out 6. Very impressice and could have been nicer if the offense did anything. Kottaras got half of the teams 4 hits going 2-3. Carl Pavano pitched very well for the Yankees going 8 shutout innings and allowing just 3 hits.

Griffey watch: 0-3

I remember saying that I was satisfied with the team I have. Well things change and it changed very quickly. I got a call from Bill up in Seattle. It seemed as though he has a star that would like to be back in the hunt for a World Series. Bill and I have become friends and he decided to give me the first shot. I couldn't refuse this deal -- he offered:

Oakland sends:

Daric Barton 1B/C

Seattle sends:

Ichiro Suzuki OF

I couldn't turn it down. He is making 11M a year but the contract is up at the end of this year. He should help us out at the top of the lineup. I will definitely be looking to re-sign at the end of the year if it is reasonable. Ichiro apparently became close to Chris Reitsma last year in Seattle so his transistion to Oakland should be fairly easy. Barton is a good 25 year old player but I am stacked at 1B and C in the minors so he was expendable expecially straight up for Ichiro. It looks as though Kielty will have his role be reduced to back up work.

July 30th 2008
Oakland Athletics(72-31) @ New York Yankees(48-54)
A's 4 - Yankees 3
WP: Rich Harden (12-5)
LP: Chris Garcia (5-5)
SV: Huston Street (37)

Harden looked real good in this game. Solid as expected in his 7 innings. He gives up just 2ER and strike out 7 in the game. Ichiro goes 2-5 with a run scored in his first game with us. Kottaras, Bradley, Kendall and Swisher drove in a run a piece in the team effort. Tony Abreu added a 2-4 day with 2R and a 2B. Street gets save #37. It looks like he going to make a run at the record this year. We just have to keep winning.

Griffey watch: 0-3

July 31st 2008
Oakland Athletics(73-31) @ New York Yankees(48-55)
A's 5 - Yankees 0
WP: Mark Prior (13-2)
LP: Chien-Ming Wang (5-9)

Mark Prior for Cy Young. Just give it to the man right now. He went 7 shutout innings and struck out 7 while allowing 3 hits. Superb! Miguel Cabrera went deep with a solo shot, #13 on the year. Abreu and Goleski drove in the rest of the runs for the A's getting 1 a peice. Ichiro went 2-5 again with another run.

Griffey watch: 0-4

A few minor trade deadline trades but nothing big:


Astros send:

Troy Patton P

Royals send:

Omar Quintanilla SS

Nothing major.

Giants send:

Noah Lowry P

Braves send:

Matt Harrison P

Lowry is best player traded at deadline other than Ichiro.

Giants send:

Blaine Neal P

Indians send:

Adam Miller P

Miller appears to have a bright future.

Mariners send:

Ryan Madson P
Drew Carpenter P

Phillies send:

Mark Lowe (SP)

Ehhh.

A very nice week on the road. 5-1 is terrific. I hope we can keep it going and the offense looks like it may get a bit better adding Ichiro to the lineup.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Wowowow!

Ichiro on the A's?

I'm going to be right about that prediction I made, you know

[dannymac910]

Please update! This is my favorite dynasty.

[JeepGuy63]

And here I was thinking we'd finally get an update.