A Few Thoughts

We've run into good pitching like Wily Mo runs into strikeouts. Seriously, I'm writing this in the top of the eighth in our second of 1-0 games in consecutive days. My nerves can't take this. Speaking of nerves, who wouldn't give a huge shout out to Jon Lester. Welcome back to the bigs, Jon. We missed you and we're all glad to see you back on the mound.

Another thing we're all glad to see is that the offense still works without Ortiz in it. It's always nice to see the wheels turning without all the spokes. That makes no sense, but I think you know what I mean.

As we're approaching the trade deadline, the latest rumors I've heard is that we're out of the running for Tex but that we're close to getting Bobby Kielty. Apparently, the Rangers asked for some big prospects (Bucholz and Ellsbury). We laughed at them, hung up the phone, and then laughed some more. Kielty, on the other hand, is reportedly only a matter of time. Our highly touted Spring Training closer was finally designated for assignment (another blessing related to Jon Lester's cancer comeback), but the A's aren't interested in pine-riding Pineiro. But I'm sure there's plenty of Little League teams looking for another arm in the pen with the stretch run to Williamsport coming up. Hopefully they could find some room for Joel. Maybe even the outfield?
But seriously, Kielty seems to be a better fit than Wily Mo. Which is to say that even though he doesn't hit much better, at least he actually has baseball instincts and can play defense, run the bases, and other baseball activites. You know, all that stuff that whenever the coach in Little League starting talking about, Wily Mo started giving a wet willy to the kid next to him.

The way I see it, Theo will find a way to make this Kielty move and maybe even add another arm to the pen without changing the face of the team too dramatically. It'll be a big move, but not a monster move on the scale of the Nomar trade. We're in great shape and could just use a little more depth to make sure we have enough stamina to make it all the way to the end of October.

While these words have been written, AC singled, Lugo was put in as a pinch runner and got caught stealing. Beckett is back out on the mound going strong. Take one pitch away and this is an even more nerve killing score of 0-0. Trot (or as he's known in some circles: the guy who is playing just as badly as J.D. Drew, but would have been cheaper and adored by fans) just singled so hopefully that's a setup to a nice double-play and not an RBI chance. This coffin needs no more nails. No DP but a K and a flyout to Mr. Overpaid will do. Seriously, Drew is a bum. Andrew, I've reached that point and he didn't even have to go on the DL. I officially hate J.D. Drew. Give me some batteries. If somehow we could trade him, you would not be able to pry the smile off my face ever again. Ever.

And, sadly, Joe Borowski closes the door for the Tribe. I really feel bad for Beckett, because he doesn't deserve the loss. He didn't lose this game, the offense did. They couldn't get one single run. Back to back 1-0 games are hard on me as a fan so I really hope this doesn't kill our momentum. We've got Gabby going tomorrow against Cliff Lee, which should rejuvenate even the quietest of bats. And then it's off to every batting average's favorite place: Tampa Bay. May the spirit of the Splendid Splinter be with us all tonight.

And not that I'm saying anything, but in case you were wondering Andrew is still alive and well, with lots of time on his hands too.