2007 Oakland A's - No way Jose

[BichetteMan]

I'm going to lead off this post by apologizing for the lengthy absence. I was in the process of moving and starting my new job. I have a bad case of insomnia tonight and figured I would do some writing. So for all of you fans out there here it is. A recap of July to start.

JULY 2008 REVIEW

Well we still have control of the west. Looks like Minnesota is going to be tough to beat in the AL. I added Ichiro for the stretch to bolster the top of the lineup. The pitching is still strong but the offense needs to get a little more consistency. It's a little funny how the pitching and batting have switched roles from last year. I like it this way though because pitching is always better to have. Hopefully we can stay strong all the way to September. It was nice to see our guys get the nod for the All Star game too. July was definitely a good month as we churned out 21 wins. Let's keep on rolling.

American League Standings


National League Standings


League Leaders Batting


League Leaders Pitching


Oakland Batting Stats

2008 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Suzuki, Ichiro            OAK  100  .273   414  113  14   7   2   33   48   25   3   64   36  .355  .328
Cabrera, Miguel           OAK  101  .285   397  113  24   1  13   45   90    4   0   59   68  .448  .364
Bradley, Milton           OAK   99  .335   391  131  27   3  14   53   64    9   1   66   61  .527  .413
Swisher, Nick             OAK  104  .259   386  100  19   1  23   65  100    1   2   62   78  .492  .379
Goleski, Ryan             OAK   92  .263   365   96  18   6   3   55   85    8   4   68   32  .370  .362
Wilson, Jack              OAK   94  .258   326   84  18   1   5   21   44    2   2   42   30  .365  .302
Kielty, Bobby             OAK   83  .247   283   70  17   1   5   13   57    1   0   31   33  .367  .285
Griffey, Ken              OAK   76  .242   248   60  12   0   9   14   56    1   0   31   36  .399  .281
Kottaras, George          OAK   67  .293   225   66  17   1   6   22   42    0   1   32   34  .458  .357
Abreu, Tony               OAK   53  .279   197   55  15   4   2   14   26    2   2   21   15  .426  .330
Kendall, Jason            OAK   66  .280   186   52   9   0   0   14   17    0   3   22   17  .328  .337
Johnson, Dan              OAK   54  .246   183   45  11   1   8   22   23    0   0   22   33  .448  .324
Hidalgo, Richard          OAK   48  .243   144   35   9   2   4   14   48    2   2   23   20  .417  .327
Scutaro, Marco            OAK   43  .221   131   29   6   6   0   24   27    0   0   19   10  .359  .346
Durazo, Erubiel           OAK   46  .265   113   30   6   0   9   20   20    1   0   22   29  .558  .376
German, Esteban           OAK   33  .336   107   36  10   0   3    6   18    4   1   13   16  .514  .372
Castillo, Jose            OAK    3  .364    11    4   1   0   0    1    3    0   1    1    0  .455  .417 

Oakland Pitching Stats

2008 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Delcarmen, Manny          OAK   10.2  0.84    8   0   1   0   0   11    0  5.06
Street, Huston            OAK   43.0  1.47   45   0   4   0  37   33    5  7.33
Robertson, Connor         OAK   22.1  1.61    3   3   1   1   0    9    5  8.46
Prior, Mark               OAK  147.0  2.14   22  22  13   2   0  156   48  9.43
Mazzaro, Vin              OAK  114.0  2.21   16  16  11   1   0   88   51 10.89
Reitsma, Chris            OAK   28.2  2.51   21   0   0   0   1   12    2 11.93
Duchscherer, Justin       OAK   55.2  2.59   47   0   3   3   1   43    7  7.60
Harden, Rich              OAK  148.1  2.85   23  23  12   5   0  140   56  9.95
Gaudin, Chad              OAK   55.0  3.11   45   0   4   3   1   36   13  9.82
Halsey, Brad              OAK   54.2  4.12   30   3   7   4   1   35   16 12.35
Calero, Kiko              OAK   29.0  4.34   28   0   1   2   1   38    9 12.41
Blanton, Joe              OAK  132.0  4.64   21  20   9   6   0   61   38 13.02
Windsor, Jason            OAK   98.1  5.31   17  17   8   4   0   73   36 13.00
Johnson, Steven           OAK    5.1 10.13    1   1   0   0   0    4    3 16.88 

Two more months. I hope the team can keep it up and make the push to the playoffs. Should be interesting. I'll be updating a bit more now that I am settled.

[BichetteMan]

Auust 1st - August 7th 2008

So we come home after taking care of the Yankees and Blue Jays last week with a 5-1 record. We get home and welcome two more East opponents with the Orioles and Rays coming in. We should hopefully replicate last week and stay hot.

August 1st 2008

July is over and I get to sit back a bit. The team is built and now hopefully the boys can take us home. Ichiro seems to be fitting in very nicely. The pitching has stayed steady and strong so here we go for the stretch run. Obviously the 9 game lead in the division will help over the next two months as well.

August 2nd 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-60) @ Oakland Athletics(74-31)
Orioles 0 - A's 1 (18)
WP: Manny Delcarmen (2-0)
LP: Danys Baez (2-2)

An exciting game here. 18 innings of excitement to be exact. Well actually it was only exciting if you like to see extremely good pitching. Joe Blanton goes 10 shutout innings. I never expect a performance like that from him but it is nice to see he is capable. The game winner came on a Jack Wilson squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 18th. A very exciting end to a very exciting game.

Griffey watch: DNP

August 3rd 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-61) @ Oakland Athletics(75-31)
Orioles 4 - A's 7
WP: Chad Gaudin (5-3)
LP: Sergio Mitre (2-4)
SV: Huston Street (38)

Another nice win. Vin Mazzaro left the game after 4IP with a twisted ankle. He is going to be fine and should make his next start. He gave up just 2ER while he was in the game, 4 total. The bullpen shut it down again and the offense did the job. Goleski and Suzuki put up 3 hits a piece at the top of the lineup. Cabrera took advantage too going 3-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Huston Street gets save # 38 on the year.

Griffey watch: DNP

In a stunning move Tom Glavine retired today. He was a great pitcher over his 21 seasons with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The weird part of his decision is that he was just 1 win away from 300 in his career. A surefire Hall of Famer that will be missed when he doesn't take the mound in 5 days!

August 4th 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-62) @ Oakland Athletics(76-31)
Orioles 4 - A's 9
WP: Connor Robertson (2-1)
LP: Sergio Mitre (2-5)

Bring out the brooms cause the Orioles just got swept out of Oakland. Connor Robertson gets the win going 6 innings and giving up 4ER. I can live with that from my 5th starter every time he goes out. The offense clicked today. Ichiro got 3 hits at the top. He was followed by Goleski, Bradley, Swisher and Cabrera picking up 2 each behind him. That will do the job every time.

Griffey watch: 1-4, BB, R, 2RBI

August 5th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(48-61)@ Oakland Athletics(77-31)
Rays 7 - A's 6
WP: Juan Salas (3-3)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-4)
SV: Jae Weong Seo (1)

Rich Harden pitched very well in this game but the bullpen faltered a bit. Harden went 6.2 innings and gave up 3R, 2ER, and struck out 7. Street blew the save in the ninth giving up 2R. Then Duchsherer lost the game in the top of the tenth after we tied it back up in the bottom of the ninth. The offense tried valiantly with a run in the bottom but came up short. Ichiro is blazing hot still. He went 3-5 with a BB and 2 runs scored. George Kottaras added a 2 run shot for the good guys.

Griffey watch: 0-5

August 6th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(49-61)@ Oakland Athletics(77-32)
Rays 3 - A's 6
WP: Mark Prior (14-2)
LP: Bronson Arroyo (5-11)

We bounce back and Prior puts in some of the usual. He goes 7 innings, gives up 3ER and strikes out 8. Even more impressive was his no walks in the game. It is a pleasure to have this guy going every 5 days. Ichiro goes 2-4 on the day <--- smoking hot!! The big hit on the day was from Milton Bradley who deposited a 2 run shot into the bleachers in left field. Goleski, Kottaras, Kendall and Wilson all drove in a run as well.

Griffey watch: 2-3, BB, R

August 7th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(49-62)@ Oakland Athletics(78-32)
Rays 3 - A's 6
WP: Joe Blanton (10-6)
LP: Scott Kazmir (7-5)
SV: Huston Street (39)

Another superb start from Joe Blanton. The line was 8 innings, 3ER and 6 strike outs. I like when he does this. Cabrera hit his 15th homer of the year, a 2-run shot. Ichiro, Goleski, Kendall and Wilson drove in the other runs for the offense. Huston Street gets save #39 on the year.

Another 5-1 week against AL East opponents. Thats 10-2 against those guys in the last two weeks. Chew on this too:

Ichiro

8G, 16-36, .444AVG, 8R

I think I did right by bringing him in to take the leadoff spot. Even better is that Goleski, my former leadoff guy now battting second, is still hitting but has 7RBI since Ichiro got here. He had just 31 all year before that. Ichiro is definitely having a trickle down effect on the whole lineup.

[BichetteMan]

August 8th - August 14th 2008

This week week we hit the road for 6 games. We get three at the Angels and then head north to see the Mariners for three more. At this point, .500 and no injuries would be nice to see. Anything above that is a bonus.

August 8th 2008

Day off in Anaheim. Went to Disney and had some fun. Like I have been saying my job is essentially done and I get to enjoy the run for the playoffs.

August 9th 2008
Oakland Athletics(79-32) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(60-51)
A's 3 - Angels 5
WP: Joe Saunders (6-6)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-5)
SV: Francisco Rodriguez (22)

Mazzaro pitches well over his 6 innings and gives up just 3ER. Duchsherer gave up 2 in the bottom of the 8th to get the loss. Milton Bradlet goes deep with a 2 run shot. Goleski went 2-4 with an RBI and run scored. Jack Wilson also chips in with a 2-3 day from the bottom of the order.

Griffey watch: 0-3

August 10th 2008
Oakland Athletics(79-33) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(61-51)
A's 8 - Angels 5
WP: Manny Delcarmen (3-0)
LP: Francisco Rodriguez (2-5)

Rich Harden went 6 innings and gave up 4ER. That was alright though because the offense showed up here. Cabrera and Griffey both hit 3 run shots to carry the O. Goleski showed a real plate presence with his 1-2 3BB, 3 run scored performance. Manny Delcarmen picks up the win after going the 8th and 9th and allowing no baserunners.

Griffey watch: 1-5, HR(594), 3RBI

August 11th 2008
Oakland Athletics(80-33) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(61-52)
A's 12 - Angels 2
WP: Mark Prior (15-2)
LP: Jered Weaver (8-9)

Mark Prior puts in the usual effort. 7.2 innings pitched with 2ER allowed. The offense exploded again. Ryan Goleski had another big day going 2-5 with 4RBI and a run scored. Nick Swisher smashed a 2 run shot out into the bleachers. Milton Bradley also went 3-5 with 2 RBI. A nice way to leave Anaheim and go to Seattle.

Griffey watch: 0-4, BB, R, RBI

August 12th 2008
Oakland Athletics(81-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-65)
A's 6 - Mariners 3
WP: Joe Blanton (11-6)
LP: Cha Seung Baek (10-7)
SV: Huston Street (40)

Joe Blanton has been really solid for us lately. Tonight he went 8 innings giving up 2ER on 6 hits and stiking out 5. Huston Street gives up a run in the ninth but picks up save #40. Cabrera, Bradley and Griffey all went deep. Cabreras shot was the most important as it drove in 3 runs. Another solid overall effort from the team.

Griffey watch: 2-5, HR(595), RBI, R

August 13th 2008
Oakland Athletics(82-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-66)
A's 6 - Mariners 5
WP: Huston Street (5-0)
LP: Ryan Madson (0-4)
SV: Manny Delcarmen (1)

Vin Mazzaro has been on a slide a bit lately. Today he gives up 4ER in just 5 innings. Though it did all come on a grandslam in the second by Corey Koskie. The offense showed some resolve and came back to win the game in the top of the 10th. Miguel Cabreras 18th homer of the year gave us the 6-5 lead and Manny Delcarmen shut down the Mariners for the win.

Griffey watch: DNP

August 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(83-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-67)
A's 4 - Mariners 6
WP: Jarrod Washburn (9-10)
LP: Connor Robertson (2-2)
SV: J.J. Putz (22)

We come down from the 4 game win streak as our 5th starter Robertson gets roughed up. He goes 5.2 innings and gives up all 6ER in the game. Jack Wilson goes 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Bobby Kielty pitches in with a 9th innings pinch hit 2RBI single. Too little too late as the JJ Putz shuts us down for the save and win.

Griffey watch: DNP

Another nice week. 4-2 against the division and on the road. The train just keeps on rolling. I think Griffey might just make it to the big 600.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Looks like you've got a shot at the '01 Mariners wins record the way you're going.

[BichetteMan]

Back from the dead again!!!


August 15th - August 21st 2008

At home for the week. The records may not show it but we have some tough competition this week. The Blue Jays come in for 3 then we keep it in the east for three with the Red Sox. They are currently 1st and 2nd in the East. Just looking for the team to stay the course.

August 15th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(58-59) @ Oakland Athletics(83-34)
Jays 4 - A's 14
WP: Rich Harden (13-5)
LP: Roy Halladay (9-7)

Roy Halladay got pounded early and often. Two runs in the first and five in the second chased Roy from the game. Rich Harden just cruised through his six innings and gave up 3ER. Griffey swung the big bat today going 3-5 with a homer and 5 RBI. Milton Bradley had a nice day going 3-4 with 4R and 3RBI. Jack Wilson smashed his 7th homer of the year as well. A very nice start to the week.

Griffey watch: 3-5, HR(596), 5RBI

August 16th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(58-60) @ Oakland Athletics(84-34)
Jays 3 - A's 0
WP: A.J. Burnett (9-11)
LP: Mark Prior (15-3)
SV: B.J. Ryan (24)

A.J. Burnett showed up for this game. He doesn't give up a run in 7 innings. Mark Prior didn't pitch too badly either. He gave up 3ER in 5.1 innings. The bullpen came in for 4.2 innings of shutout ball but the offense couldn't do it today. Ryan Goleski went 2-4 and Bradley had a 2B in the loss.

Griffey watch: 1-4

August 17th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(59-60) @ Oakland Athletics(84-35)
Jays 3 - A's 0
WP: Danny Haren (11-8)
LP: Joe Blanton (11-7)
SV: B.J. Ryan (25)

A stellar performance by Joe Blanton who gave up just 2ER on a homer by Aaron Hill is outdone by the return of **dun dun dun** Danny Haren. Haren goes 8 shutout innings to beat his former team. I knew Danny was a good pitcher and I figured he would be putting a little extra into this game. Thats two straight 3-0 shutouts. I guess we wasted all the offense in the first game. Kottaras went 2-4 and Bradley and Swisher added a double a piece.

Some bad news today. Milton Bradley was feeling some pain in his right ankle after the game. He went for tests and it was revealed that he has a stress fracture in his ankle. He is going to miss 3 weeks at a minimum. A tough loss. I'm calling up Danny Putnam from AA to take his place on the roster. Bob likes him and we think he will see the bulk of the playing time. Hidalgo just hasn't been showing us anything.

Griffey watch: 1-3

August 18th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-55) @ Oakland Athletics(84-36)
Red Sox 5 - A's 8
WP: Brad Halsey (8-4)
LP: Joel Pineiro (1-8)
SV: Huston Street (41)

A nice comeback win. We score 3 in the 7th to take the lead and then score 2 in the 8th for some padding. Vin Mazzaro looks alright in his 5 innings as he gave up 3ER. Miguel Cabrera and George Kottaras drove in two a piece. Goleski and Wilson drove in the other runs. Huston Street gets some work and picks up save #41.

Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, R

August 19th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-56) @ Oakland Athletics(85-36)
Red Sox 2 - A's 3
WP: Connor Robertson (3-2)
LP: Josh Beckett (13-8)
SV: Huston Street (42)

Robertson doesn't pitch his best but allows only 2ER over 6 innings to get the win. He outduels Bostons Ace Beckett who went 7 and gave up 3ER. Cabrera, Goleski and Abreu all had an RBI in the third inning to win the game. Huston Street gets save #42 on the year. Another nice win over a good team.

Griffey watch: 1-3, BB

Todd Helton of the Rockies got his 2000th hit of his career. Congratulations to Todd!!

August 20th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-57) @ Oakland Athletics(86-36)
Red Sox 3 - A's 9
WP: Rich Harden (14-5)
LP: Daniel Bard (13-5)

The curse of Daniel Bard is over. He beat us twice last year but not this time. Rich Harden goes 6.1 innings and gives up 1ER while striking out 5. A nice start from Rich as usual. Miguel Cabrera powers the offense with a 3-4, HR and 3RBI day. Nick Swisher blasted a 2 run shot out as well. Goleski, Suzuki, Abreu and recent call up Danny Putnam all chipped in an RBI as well.

Griffey watch: 2-4, BB, R

Vernon Wells is a richer man today, 32 Million dollars richer. He signs a 5 year extension with the Jays worth 6.4M a year.

August 21st 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-58) @ Oakland Athletics(87-36)
Red Sox 4 - A's 3 (11)
WP: Jonathan Papelbon (2-1)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-5)
SV: Hideki Okajima (2)

One pitch away from a 4 game sweep of the Sox. Duchsherer lets up the game tying run and the Sox take the game in the eleventh. Mark Prior pitched very well in his 7 innings giving up just 1ER. Suzuki, Abreu and Kendall all had 2 hits and an RBI on the day.

Griffey watch: DNP

An average week at 4-3 but the team stayed pretty consistent. If the ball had rolled differently in those three losses we would have been looking at a great week but the season will go on...

[BichetteMan]

I'm definintely finishing this season and continuing this dynasty. How could I not?


August 22nd - August 28th 2008

We have a road trip with a couple AL East teams this weak. First we face the Orioles for three and then off to St. Pete for three with the Rays. Should be fun.

August 22nd 2008

A day off at home before we head to Baltimore in the afternoon to take on the Orioles. I'm looking at some of the young guys I am going to bring up to get a look at before September call ups. There are some guys who are really getting it down on the farm like:

Kevin Melillo(IF) - .385 avg in 220 AB's between AA and AAA.
Billy Rowell(3B) - .390 avg, 24HR, 108 RBI between A and AA.
Blake Hawksworth(SP) - 186.2 IP, 2.22 ERA, 13-3 in 26 starts at AA.
Fabio Castro(RP) - 2.34 in 100 IP at AA.

There are a lot of other youngsters who may have a future in Oakland as well.

August 23rd 2008
Oakland Athletics(87-37) @ Baltimore Orioles(53-71)
A's 0 - Orioles 5
WP: Daniel Cabrera (9-6)
LP: Joe Blanton (11-8)

Not a good way to start the week. The offense looked a bit sluggish. Ichiro had a hit and Goleski had two hits from the top two spots. Joe Blanton got hit hard in his 5.2IP giving up all 5ER. Chris Reitsma looked good in his 2.1IP giving up no runs on 3 hits.

Griffey watch: 0-4, K

August 24th 2008
Oakland Athletics(87-38) @ Baltimore Orioles(54-71)
A's 12 - Orioles 8
WP: Manny Delcarmen (4-0)
LP: Chad Bradford (4-6)

Vin Mazzaro gets roughed up a bit in his 3 innings. He lets up 6ER on 6 hits with 4 runs coming on a grand slam by Ramon Hernandez in the 3rd inning. The offense however picked up the slack. The offense got no home runs but 12 runs with 7 doubles. Tony Abreu was a big part of the success with his 2-4, 2 double and 4 RBI day. Wilson, Kendall and Ichiro all added a pair of RBI as well.

Griffey watch: DNP

August 25th 2008
Oakland Athletics(88-38) @ Baltimore Orioles(54-72)
A's 3 - Orioles 0
WP: Rich Harden (15-5)
LP: Anthony Reyes (9-6)
SV: Huston Street (43)

Not much offense here with both teams only getting 4 hits. We got the big hit though. Ichiro blasted a 3-run shot in the 5th to give Harden all the run support he would need. Harden went 7 shutout innings allowing 4 hits, 2walks and striking out 7. A very nice performance from our Ace Rich Harden.
Huston Street picks up his 43rd save of the year with a perfect ninth.

Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, K

Texas made a move for the future today. They signed their young Ace Robinson Tejeda to a 2-year deal worth 4.3M a year.

Also for Texas, speedster Carl Crawford steals the 300th base of his career.

August 26th 2008
Oakland Athletics(89-38) @ Tampa Bay Rays(57-71)
A's 4 - Rays 10
WP: Jae Weong Seo (5-3)
LP: Mark Prior (15-4)

Mark Prior has a rare bad outing. He gives up 5 runs, 3ER, in 5.2 IP. The bullpen didn't fare much better giving up 5 more runs. Miguel Cabrera hit HR(30) and added a double in the game. George Kottaras added in a 3-4 day from the 8th spot in the lineup. Danny Putnam hit his first triple of his career and drove in two runs.

Griffey watch: 1-4, BB, R

August 27th 2008
Oakland Athletics(89-39) @ Tampa Bay Rays(58-71)
A's 8 - Rays 7
WP: Justin Duchscherer (4-5)
LP: Wade Davis (2-4)
SV: Huston Street (44)

Blanton has another tough start but the offense picks him up. Blanton went just 4.2 IP giving up 6ER. Miguel Cabrera goes deep for the second game in a row. This time it was a grand slam though. Kottaras adds the game winning solo home run in the top of the ninth. Street wraps up win and his 44th save with another perfect ninth.

Griffey watch: 0-5, 2K

August 28th 2008
Oakland Athletics(90-39) @ Tampa Bay Rays(58-72)
A's 0 - Rays 5
WP: Bronson Arroyo (7-11)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-2)

Vin Mazzaro has a tough time for the second time this week. He gives up all 5 runs. The only other thing I am going to say about this game is that Bronson Arroyo went for a complete game shutout against us. BRONSON ARROYO!

Griffey watch: 2-4

3-3 with an 11 game lead and heading into September is acceptable. I'd like to see the team get real hot with maybe 3 games to go so they can roll into the playoffs on a tear.

[HeraldSports]

good read, glad to see you keeping it up, very enjoyable

[BichetteMan]

I'm going to update for August 29-31 then update for the month.

August 29th - August 31st 2008

August 29th 2008

An off day back at home after the East Coast trip. We have the Angels coming in this week and we could essentially end the division race this week.

August 30th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(74-56) @ Oakland Athletics(90-40)
Angels 1 - A's 2
WP: Justin Duchscherer (5-5)
LP: Scot Shields (6-3)

Rich Harden throws a gem here but can't get the win. Harden went 8 very strong innings giving up 1 ER on 5 hits, 1 walk while striking out 9. Earvin Santana was just as good for the Angels with the exact same line but only 3 K's. The Angels scored their run in the top of the sixth on a Howie Kendrick single scoring Gary Matthews. We scored our runs in the bottom of the 8th and ninth. Ryan Goleski hit a sac fly to score Danny Putnam in the 8th and George Kottaras singled in Ken Griffey Jr. after a leadoff walk. A very exciting game.

Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, R

Toronto locks up another player for a couple years. Gustavo Chacin receives a 2 year 2M per year extension.

August 31st 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(74-57) @ Oakland Athletics(91-40)
Angels 7 - A's 1
WP: Jered Weaver (10-9)
LP: Mark Prior (15-5)

Mark Prior doesn't pitch too badly here but the Angels take advantage of a couple key errors. As a result Prior gives up 7 runs but only 1 earned. On the other side Jered Weaver 2 hits us through his 8 strong innings. George Kottaras hit a double and was singled in by Danny Putnam for our only run and hits.

Griffey watch: 0-3

[BichetteMan]

August 2008 Review

Minnesota is still the best team other than us. We should have no problem wrapping up the division unless some sort of real life "METS" like collapse happens. Even if we would have the wild card because there is no one close. Regardless it's the last month and I want to see the team perform.

American League Standings


National League Standings


Wild Card Standings


League Leaders - Batting


League Leaders - Pitching


Oakland Batting Statistics

2008 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Suzuki, Ichiro            OAK  126  .287   527  151  21   8   3   38   59   30   4   87   48  .374  .335
Cabrera, Miguel           OAK  128  .285   508  145  31   1  21   55  107    4   0   79   95  .474  .362
Swisher, Nick             OAK  131  .235   490  115  23   1  25   81  133    1   4   77   85  .439  .360
Goleski, Ryan             OAK  119  .269   472  127  26   7   3   69  110    8   5   85   48  .373  .363
Bradley, Milton           OAK  114  .328   457  150  30   3  17   59   78   11   1   79   74  .519  .404
Wilson, Jack              OAK  121  .273   425  116  24   2   7   22   52    2   3   53   41  .388  .309
Griffey, Ken              OAK   96  .236   326   77  12   0  12   23   78    1   0   41   48  .383  .285
Abreu, Tony               OAK   80  .262   302   79  19   5   2   25   41    2   4   30   25  .377  .320
Kottaras, George          OAK   89  .297   290   86  24   2   8   28   60    0   1   41   44  .476  .361
Kielty, Bobby             OAK   87  .251   287   72  18   1   5   13   57    1   0   31   37  .373  .288
Kendall, Jason            OAK   81  .285   221   63  12   0   0   17   23    1   3   27   22  .339  .342
Johnson, Dan              OAK   55  .246   183   45  11   1   8   23   23    0   0   22   33  .448  .327
Hidalgo, Richard          OAK   51  .236   157   37  10   2   4   15   53    2   2   24   20  .401  .318
Scutaro, Marco            OAK   43  .221   131   29   6   6   0   24   27    0   0   19   10  .359  .346
Durazo, Erubiel           OAK   46  .265   113   30   6   0   9   20   20    1   0   22   29  .558  .376
German, Esteban           OAK   33  .336   107   36  10   0   3    6   18    4   1   13   16  .514  .372
Castillo, Jose            OAK   10  .209    43    9   2   0   0    3   11    0   2    5    2  .256  .261
Putnam, Danny             OAK   11  .167    36    6   3   1   0    3    9    0   0    4    4  .306  .250
Perez, Antonio            OAK    5  .273    11    3   1   0   0    1    2    0   0    2    0  .364  .333
Brown, Jeremy             OAK    6  .167     6    1   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    1    1  .167  .167 

Oakland Pitching Statistics

2008 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Delcarmen, Manny          OAK   28.0  1.29   20   0   4   0   1   31    3  7.39
Street, Huston            OAK   54.1  1.49   57   0   5   0  44   42    6  7.45
Prior, Mark               OAK  183.1  2.36   28  28  15   5   0  186   61  9.82
Reitsma, Chris            OAK   39.1  2.52   28   0   0   0   1   14    5 12.81
Harden, Rich              OAK  188.1  2.82   29  29  15   5   0  174   66  9.89
Gaudin, Chad              OAK   70.2  3.06   56   0   5   3   1   52   18  9.81
Duchscherer, Justin       OAK   69.1  3.12   61   0   5   5   1   51   10  8.05
Mazzaro, Vin              OAK  141.0  3.26   22  22  11   2   0  100   61 11.94
Halsey, Brad              OAK   73.2  3.42   39   3   8   5   1   45   19 11.36
Robertson, Connor         OAK   40.0  3.60    6   6   3   2   0   21   13 11.03
Calero, Kiko              OAK   29.0  4.34   28   0   1   2   1   38    9 12.41
Blanton, Joe              OAK  175.1  4.41   27  26  11   8   0   89   45 12.22
Windsor, Jason            OAK   98.1  5.31   17  17   8   4   0   73   36 13.00
Johnson, Steven           OAK    5.1 10.13    1   1   0   0   0    4    3 16.88 

[BichetteMan]

September 1st - September 4th 2008

We finish off our series with the Angels and then the Mariners, who currently sit 37 games back, comes into town. If our guys are having any trouble right now I hope they can figure it out against the M's.

September 1st 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(75-57) @ Oakland Athletics(91-41)
Angels 1 - A's 4
WP: Joe Blanton (12-8)
LP: Kelvim Escobar (5-2)
SV: Huston Street (45)

Joe Blanton has one of those rare games where he excels. He nearly went the complete game shutout but came one out away. His line was 8.2 IP, 8H, 1ER and 4K. A very nice performance. The top four guys(Suzuki, Goleski, Swisher and Cabrera) drove in a run a piece in the win. Street also picks up his 45th save in true vulture style.

Griffey watch: 0-3, 2K

Rich Harden tweaked his hamstring and we have decided to hold him out of his next start to prevent further injury. We are going to need him in the playoffs so no need to take any chances.

September 2nd 2008
Seattle Mariners(54-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-41)
Mariners 8 - A's 5
WP: Justin Thomas (3-11)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-3)
SV: J.J. Putz (23)

Vin Mazzaro has been downright terrible in his last 4 starts. This one he lets up 8ER in just 4 innings. He might just be losing that 4th starter spot in the playoffs to Conor Robertson. On the Offensive side, Tony Abreu shined going 4-4 with 2R. In his first action of the year Kevin Melillo goes 1-4 with a RBI. Jason Kendall drove in 2RBI as well but none of it was enough.

Griffey watch: DNP

September 3rd 2008
Seattle Mariners(55-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-42)
Mariners 4 - A's 2
WP: Jarrod Washburn (11-12)
LP: Connor Robertson (3-3)
SV: J.J. Putz (24)

Another disappointing loss. Robertson pitched fairly well giving up 4 runs, 2ER, in his 6 innings. The offense just couldn't get it done. A bright note is that Kevin Melillo goes 2-4 with a 2B and an RBI. Nick Swisher pitches in with a RBI too.

Griffey watch: DNP

September 4th 2008
Seattle Mariners(56-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-43)
Mariners 1 - A's 2
WP: Huston Street (6-0)
LP: Eric O'Flaherty (3-3)

Rookie callup Blake Hawksworth, starting in place of Rich Harden, looked like he was down at AA pitching. He dominated the Mariners all day. He went 8 shutout innings while giving 4 hits and 4 walks. A very nice debut. Unfortunately the 1 run lead he left with in the top of the ninth didn't hold up as Huston Street blows the save in the top of the 9th. But fortunately for us Ken Griffey Jr. comes out of the hole he was hiding in and blasts a walk off solo HR to win the game in the bottom of the 9th, the 597th of his career. Ryan Goleski had the only other RBI in the game driving in Danny Putnam in the 6th.

Griffey watch: 1-4, Walk off HR(13)(597), RBI

I really thought Griffey was going to disappear for the rest of the year. He is only 3 away from 600 and I really hope he can get it. I didn't like losing 2 games to the Mariners but we will survive. Almost there and I can taste the playoffs. I'm figuring we will see the winner of the East, Boston or Toronto.

[BichetteMan]

September 5th - September 11th 2008

Back out on the road for some more action. I'm going home to Fenway with my team for three with the Sox. Then we head into KC for three with the Royals. Milton Bradley will be back this week. That is alot to look forward to. He is really going to get a spark back into the lineup.

September 5th 2008

An off day. Nothing too crazy, just a plane ride across the country to Boston. I played cards with a few of the guys and got my ass kicked. They get pretty good with all these road trips. I think I should practice a bit before I try again.

September 6th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(93-43) @ Boston Red Sox(73-63)
A's 2 - Red Sox 4
WP: Jon Lester (9-6)
LP: Mark Prior (15-6)
SV: Jonathan Papelbon (32)

Mark Prior pitched decently here. He goes 4 innings and gives up 4R, 3ER, while striking out 7. The defense just hasn't been behind Mark lately. Miguel Cabrera provides all the offense going 2-4 with a HR(22) and 2 RBI. Hopefully we can bounce back tomorrow.

Griffey watch: DNP

September 7th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(93-44) @ Boston Red Sox(74-63)
A's 9 - Red Sox 4 (12)
WP: Huston Street (7-0)
LP: Damaso Marte (2-4)

Joe Blanton goes 6.1 innings and gives up just 4ER. The offense could only muster 4 runs while Blanton was in there and this game goes extra frames. Fortunately in the top of the 12th the offense exploded for 5 runs against Damaso Marte and put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. Miguel Cabrera and Ken Griffey Jr. went back-to-back to lead off the 12th and give the us the lead. On the day, Cabrera was 2-5 with a HR, 2B and 3RBI. Griffey was almost identical but went 2-6 with a HR, 2B and 3RBI.

Griffey watch: 2-6, HR(14)(598), 2B, 3RBI

A tough loss for the Red Sox in the game. Jonathan Papelbon left the game with a strained shoulder. The Red Sox aren't sure how long he is going to be out but they really lost a key piece of their team.

September 8th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-44) @ Boston Red Sox(74-64)
A's 9 - Red Sox 4
WP: Josh Beckett (15-9)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-4)

Gross. Just absolutely gross. Vin Mazzaro has lost his touch. He walks 7 and gives up 7 hits. It's just amazing that he didn't give up more than 5ER. Ichiro hit a HR and that's about it for the offense.

Griffey watch: 0-3, BB

Mitlon Bradley has been activated from the DL. He has been ready to go for a few days but we needed to wait for him to clear from the DL. It's good to have him back.

September 9th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-45) @ Kansas City Royals(63-76)
A's 5 - Royals 6 (13)
WP: Scott Elbert (2-7)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-6)

This has not been a good start to the final month of the season. Robertson pitched alright for a 5th starter. 6 innings and 5ER isn't too bad. The offense matched it but we went to extras again. We couldn't get on the board in the extra frames and the Royals take the win. Milton Bradley was 1-4, 2BB and an RBI in his return. Kottaras hits a 2run shot in the game. Cabrera stays hot and goes 2-5, 2BB and 2RBI.

Griffey watch: 0-6, K

September 10th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-46) @ Kansas City Royals(64-76)
A's 6 - Royals 7
WP: Ron Flores (4-1)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-7)
SV: George Sherrill (30)

We had a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the 8th and Brad Halsey has his second straight bad game. The defense didn't help either. They made two errors and the Royals took the lead 7-5. Miguel Cabrera gave us some hope with a lead off HR in the top of the ninth but we couldn't get the second run to tie it up. The usual quality start from Harden. 7 innings, 3ER and 9 K. Miguel Cabrera is smoking hot. He went 4-5 in the game.

Griffey watch: 2-4, R

September 10th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-47) @ Kansas City Royals(65-76)
A's 1 - Royals 4
WP: Brian Bannister (8-7)
LP: Mark Prior (15-7)
SV: George Sherrill (31)

Everyone on this team needs to step it up. I thought I built a great defensive team. Apparently not. 4 errors in the game lead to the 3 unearned runs that made the difference. Mark Prior may as well not have anyone behind him. He went 6 innings and gave up just 2 hits but got the loss because of two of those errors. Cabrera stays hot going 1-1 with 3BB and thats about it.

We also lost our young speedster Ryan Goleski for a while. He broke his foot when he was catching a ball against the wall in center. He planted his foot in the wall and cracked the bone. This is a tough loss.

Griffey watch: 1-4, K

A real tough week for the team. We lost 5 of 6 and got swept by the Royals. We need to get it back on track if a World Series is going to be the goal.

[BichetteMan]

September 12th - September 18th 2008

We have an action packed week ahead of us. We head up to Seattle after leaving Kansas City. Then we head home to take on the Twins. Many experts are now touting this as the preview of the ALCS. I would really like to get there before we start talking about it.

September 12th 2008
Oakland Athletics(94-48) @ Seattle Mariners(57-85)
A's 4 - Mariners 6
WP: Justin Thomas (4-11)
LP: Joe Blanton (12-9)
SV: J.J. Putz (26)

Joe Blanton gets beat around a bit here. He goes just 5.2 innings and gives up 6ER on 13 hits. Once again the bright spot on offense was Miguel Cabrera. He hits his 25th HR of the year and drive in 3 runs. Abreu and Wilson were both 2-4 with a pair of doubles each.

Griffey watch: 0-4, 2K

September 13th 2008
Oakland Athletics(94-49) @ Seattle Mariners(58-85)
A's 9 - Mariners 6 (12)
WP: Huston Street (8-0)
LP: Ryan Madson (0-6)

Vin Mazzaro looks a little better in this start. He goes 6 innings and allows just 3ER. This game was decided much later than when he was pitching though. Milton Bradley was the hero with a base loaded double in the top of the 12 that cleared the bases. He has been a key member of this team all year and it's great to have him back. Jack Wilson pitches in a 4-5 day with 3 doubles. Huston Street picks up the win pitching the 11th and 12th inning. Ichiro picks up the 300th career steal as well.

Griffey watch: 0-4, BB, R

September 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(95-49) @ Seattle Mariners(58-86)
A's 8 - Mariners 1
WP: Connor Robertson (4-3)
LP: Drew Carpenter (2-4)

We lay whipping on the Mariners in our last game against them this year. Robertson looks great in this start. He goes 8 innings and gives up 1ER. A very nice job by Connor. Nick Swisher and Miguel Cabrera both hit their 26th homers of the year. They drive in 2 runs a piece as well. A nice way to end the season series with the Mariners.

Griffey watch: 1-5

September 15th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-50) @ Oakland Athletics(96-49)
Twins 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (6-5)
LP: Pat Neshek (7-3)
SV: Huston Street (46)

A very important win here. I would like to have the Home field in the playoffs. Rich Harden goes 6.1 giving up 2ER. He always deserves to win but the offense didn't kick into gear until late. Nick Swisher hit the late homer to take the lead. Kevin Melillo went 3-4 with and RBI. Ichiro got the other two me across on a triple in the 7th. Huston Street with another perfect ninth to pick up save #46.

Griffey watch: 1-4

September 16th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-51) @ Oakland Athletics(97-49)
Twins 1 - A's 8
WP: Mark Prior (16-7)
LP: Francisco Liriano (10-4)

Mark Prior finally gets a win after 5 losses in a row. It didn't seem like that long but the defense and offense just weren't behind him for a while. Prior goes 6 shutout innings and strike out 6. The offense exploded on the Twins. Cabrera, Ichiro and Kendall all went deep. Milton Bradley also went 3-5 with an RBI in the game.

Griffey watch: 2-4, RBI

The Mets are two games back chasing the Phillies in the NL East. They will now be without their closer Billy Wagner for the rest of the year. Wagner has blown 4 saves in a row and an examination showed shoulder damage. A tough break for the Mets.

September 17th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-52) @ Oakland Athletics(98-49)
Twins 5 - A's 4
WP: Pat Neshek (8-3)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (6-6)
SV: Joe Nathan (38)

Joe Blanton pitches fairly well here. He goes 6 innings and gives up 4ER. The offense was going early scoring all 4 runs in the first two innings. Milton Bradley hit a two run shot in the first. In the second inning Abreu, Griffey and Kendall hit back-to-back-to-back doubles to score two runs. Duchsherer gave up the game winning run to lose it in the 8th.

Griffey watch: 1-4, 2B, RBI

September 18th 2008
Minnesota Twins(96-52) @ Oakland Athletics(98-50)
Twins 4 - A's 5
WP: Justin Duchscherer (7-6)
LP: Pat Neshek (8-4)
SV: Huston Street (47)

A nice win. Vin Mazzaro pitched well in the game. A few errors by his defense kept him from winning this one. He goes 6 innings giving up 4 runs, 2ER. A pair of two run shots by Jack Wilson and Nick Swisher paced the offense. Miguel Cabrera drove in the winning run with a double in the 7th. Huston Street shuts the Twins down in the ninth for save #47.

Griffey watch: 0-3, K

A nice week. 5-2 is a great record expecially 3-1 against the very good Twins. I hope that is a something of a preview of the ALCS because we would be looking good for a World Series appearance. In any case it was a good week.

[BichetteMan]

September 19th - September 25th 2008

We stay home this week for 6 games to end our home schedule for the year. We have the Rangers and Rays coming in for 3 a piece. We can potentially clinch the division this week with a good showing against the Rangers.

September 19th 2008

We get to relax and unwind after that intense Twins series. This is it for the season at home until the playoffs. We have to figure out CF and who is going to be taking Goleskis place for the remainder of the year.

September 20th 2008
Texas Rangers(91-59) @ Oakland Athletics(99-50)
Rangers 1 - A's 2
WP: Rich Harden (16-5)
LP: Brandon McCarthy (18-7)
SV: Huston Street (48)

Rich Harden pitches really well here. He gives up 1 ER in his 7 innings while striking out 7. Rich looks like he is getting ready for the postseason. Ichiro goes 3-4 and scores both runs in the game. I knew he would be a valuable part of this team. Huston Street is dominant as usual and picks up save #48. It also feels very good to hit the 100 win mark as well. We haven't done that as an organization in 6 years.

Griffey watch: 0-3

September 21st 2008
Texas Rangers(91-60) @ Oakland Athletics(100-50)
Rangers 1 - A's 6
WP: Mark Prior (17-7)
LP: Bartolo Colon (10-11)
SV: Justin Duchscherer (2)

This one was decided in the first as we scored 4 runs. Mark Prior wasn't going to let the Rangers back in the game. He went 7 innings and gave up just the 1ER. Ichiro led the game off with a Homerun. Richard Hidalgo hit a pinch hit homer in the 7th. Cabrera, Kendall, Abreu and German all knocked in a run as well.

Griffey watch: 1-3, 2B, R

September 22nd 2008
Texas Rangers(91-61) @ Oakland Athletics(101-50)
Rangers 7 - A's 5
WP: Kameron Loe (2-0)
LP: Joe Blanton (12-10)
SV: Eric Gagne (40)

It wasn't as close as the score suggests. We scored 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to make it a bit closer but didn't have enough. Blanton got beat up giving up 6ER in 6 innings. Griffey and Swisher knocked in a pair from the middle of the lineup.

Griffey watch: 1-4, 2B, 2RBI

Scott Rolen and David Ortiz both hit career home run # 300 today. Congrats to David and Scott!

September 23rd 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(67-86) @ Oakland Athletics(101-51)
Rays 0 - A's 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (13-4)
LP: Wade Davis (2-7)
SV: Huston Street (49)

Vin Mazzaro wasn't going to let a chance to celebrate a 2008 AL WEST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP wait any longer. He went out and dominated the Rays. He goes 8 innings, gives up 4 hits and strikes out 10. A very nice thing to see from Vin as we head to October. Ichiro leads another game off with a homer. Bradley and Cabrera drive in the other runs in the game.

Griffey watch: 1-2, BB

2008 AL WEST DIVISION CHAMPIONS!

September 24th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(67-87) @ Oakland Athletics(102-51)
Rays 3 - A's 2
WP: Wade Townsend (8-13)
LP: Connor Robertson (4-4)
SV: Juan Salas (37)

I can forgive this loss because of the excitement from clinching the division crown. Robertson pitches fairly well in his 6 innings giving up 3ER. The offense just didn't come along. Cabrera and Wilson got the RBI's in the game. Ichiro stays hot and goes 2-4 with a BB.

Griffey watch: 1-4

September 25th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(68-87) @ Oakland Athletics(102-52)
Rays 3 - A's 2
WP: Jon Switzer (4-4)
LP: Chad Gaudin (5-4)

A little too much carry over for me now. RicH Harden looked alright giving up 4ER in 5 innings and leaving with the lead. The pen couldn't hold it and gave up more runs after he left. All of our runs came on two hits. Milton Bradley hit a 3 run shot in the 1st. Nick Swisher went deep with a 3 run shot in the 5th. Ichiro is smoking right now and goes 4-5 on the day.

Griffey watch: 1-4, BB

Well we wrapped up the division and we have just one week until the playoffs. It is almost guaranteed that we get Boston/Toronto in the first round. The Wild Card is coming out of the west and the Twins are right behind us in terms of record.

In REAL LIFE I am going to watch the Sox and Rays. Go Red Sox!