Andrew Bailey's strong work in August earned him American League Rookie of the Month honors, just in time to raise his profile when it comes to the end-of-the-year award. Bailey went 2-0 in August and he was 7-for-7 in save opportunities while allowing four hits in 11 innings. He didn't walk a man, and he struck out seven. He is two shy of Huston Street's Oakland rookie record of 23 saves. "Hopefully, that will lead on to Rookie of the Year," manager Bob Geren said. "I think he's had that kind of year."
Bailey hasn't issued a walk in 14 appearances, and he has converted 16 consecutive save opportunities. In addition, the 24-year-old was an American League All-Star.
Other potential candidates for Rookie of the Year include Chicago third baseman Gordon Beckham and several starting pitchers: Tampa Bay's Jeff Niemann, Toronto's Ricky Romero and Detroit's Rick Porcello.
Bailey, who was pitching in Class AA at this point last year, said, "I just kind of go by the daily routine. That stuff is all plusses, but I'm focused on what happens on the field and in the clubhouse. If it happens, it would be a great accomplishment, something I would cherish, but it's not in the forefront of my thinking."
MARINERS 7, A'S 4: All of Seattle's runs off Brett Tomko came on two-run homers. Tomko had allowed only three runs in his first three starts for the A's, but he surrendered four in the first inning Thursday, on homers by Franklin Gutierrez and Bill Hall. Kenji Johjima added a two-run homer in the fourth.
Gutierrez added a squeeze bunt to send in Seattle's final run in the ninth.
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