--1B Jason Giambi, who issued an apology of sorts after his leaked testimony emerged from the BALCO proceedings, was asked about Manny Ramirez's suspension on Thursday. "I just don't know the circumstances. I don't know anything about it, really," Giambi told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's a phenomenal player, and that's going to have an impact on the Dodgers for sure. What he does for a team is amazing. He helps the guys ahead of him and the guys behind him."
--SS Orlando Cabrera is good friends with Manny Ramirez from their time in Boston. "If there's a guy in the game I admire, it's that guy," Cabrera told the San Francisco Chronicle. "But I'm not sure about anyone but myself. The only (other) person I can tell you is not doing something is my wife (Katie). Now it's about personal negligence. You have to cover your back -- I'm afraid to take anything, even a vitamin. My wife won't let me. You just don't know. The list of banned stuff, half of it on there you could get at GNC five years ago." --RHP Dan Giese made what the A's called a spot start Wednesday against the Rangers after LHP Dana Eveland was demoted to Class AAA Sacramento because of control problems the day before. Giese, waived by the Yankees before the season started, went 5 2/3 innings and allowed eight hits and three runs while striking out three. Giese gave up a solo homer to Elvis Andrus in the first, the fourth homer Giese has allowed in five appearances, the other four in relief.
--OF Ben Copeland, a Rule 5 draftee, was activated before Tuesday's game with the Angels. Copeland had been on the disabled list since the start of the season after incurring whiplash-like symptoms after running into the wall making a catch during spring training. Oakland must keep Copeland on the roster all year or waive him and then offer him back to the Giants for $25,000; it's unlikely he'd stick on the roster all season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2.61 -- The A's bullpen ERA entering Sunday, the best mark in the majors at that point. Opponents were batting .188 against Oakland relievers, which was also the lowest mark in the majors.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The guy is a great athlete. He's 6-foot-5, Greek physique, an all-state basketball player in high school." -- A's starter Dallas Braden, on OF Ryan Sweeney, who went over the wall in Texas to rob Ian Kinsler of a home run.
