The A's have played just over half their schedule, 81 games, and it's safe to say they're well ahead of most projections, with a 44-37 record and within striking distance of the Angels, which they meet in Anaheim the next three games. Oakland's winning for one reason: Pitching. The A's lead the majors with a 3.31 ERA, and that, combined with a strong defense up the middle, has kept the team in nearly every game -- despite the team's .251 batting average.
With the exception of the mysteriously struggling Joe Blanton, the A's Opening Day starter, Oakland's rotation has been superb, particularly All-Star hopefuls Justin Duchscherer and Rich Harden. Both have had some injury trouble the past few years and they both have had brief trips to the DL already this season, but the A's are being cautious with the right-handers and that is paying off, with neither missing a start since mid-May.
The A's lineup lacks punch, particularly with Frank Thomas and Mike Sweeney on the DL, but Oakland has hit well with men in scoring position, among the league leaders in that category with a .284 mark, though it's not a particularly fearsome group. If the A's are to look to make an addition in the second half, a right-handed power bat will be at the top of their wish list.
The team is well ahead of last year's Oakland-record 22-man DL, with 15 already this year, but the injuries haven't knocked the A's out of contention, unlike last season, largely because youngsters such as LHP Greg Smith, RHP Brad Ziegler and OF Carlos Gonzalez have played so well.
GIANTS 11, A'S 1: After making his best start in June his last time out, Joe Blanton was hammered again Sunday, giving up eight hits and seven runs to help the Giants take their first series against Oakland since 2006. Blanton didn't allow a homer, however, the first time he has not given one up in nine outings. The A's scored only one run against San Francisco in the past two days.
