Oakland's biggest question mark coming into the season was the young rotation, but the A's rookie pitchers weren't the problem as the team dropped four of its first six games. Instead, it was the beefed up offense, which was stranding runners at a high clip -- 59 in the first six games, the most in the majors. Oakland's cleanup hitters -- usually Matt Holliday -- spent the first week batting .200, and the No. 5 hitters batted .167.
PLAYER NEWS: --INF Nomar Garciaparra said he expects to play Friday at Toronto after sitting out Wednesday with calf tightness. Garciaparra believes he avoided a more serious calf strain by coming out of Tuesday's game after the first inning. Garciaparra is likely to start at third if he can go Friday because Eric Chavez is out until at least Saturday with shoulder and neck soreness. If Garciaparra hasn't improved significantly, the A's might have to consider dipping down to the minors, because the bench is thin in the absence of Chavez and Garciaparra.
--RHP Andrew Bailey has appeared in five of Oakland's first nine games and has not allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings, the most innings among AL relievers who have pitched scoreless ball. The rookie is regularly appearing in one-run games and tie games, and it is possible that he could wind up with some save opportunities if he continues to have success.
--RHP Michael Wuertz has worked in five of nine games and has retired 15 of 17 batters. A fastball-slider type, Wuertz was acquired from the Cubs for two minor-leaguers in the offseason and has yet to allow a run in 5 1/3 innings. He'll be well rested for the A's trip, last working on Monday.
MEDICAL WATCH:
INF Nomar Garciaparra (right calf tightness) left the April 14 game and did not play April 15. He expects to play April 17.
3b Eric Chavez (neck, right shoulder stiffness) did not play April 11-15, and he won't return before April 18.
RHP Justin Duchscherer (arthroscopic elbow surgery in March 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. There is a chance that when he is able to throw off the mound, he will be moved into the bullpen to try to safeguard his health. He is expected to return in early May.
RHP Joey Devine (sore right elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. He was scheduled for a bone scan and CT scan on April 15.
OF Ben Copeland (sprained left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Copeland is a Rule 5 draftee from the Giants.
ROTATION:
LHP Dallas Braden
RHP Trevor Cahill
LHP Dana Eveland
LHP Brett Anderson
LHP Josh Outman
BULLPEN:
RHP Brad Ziegler (closer)
RHP Russ Springer
RHP Santiago Casilla
RHP Michael Wuertz
LHP Jerry Blevins
RHP Sean Gallagher
RHP Andrew Bailey
CATCHERS:
Kurt Suzuki
Landon Powell
INFIELDERS:
1B Jason Giambi
2B Mark Ellis
SS Orlando Cabrera
3B Eric Chavez
INF Nomar Garciaparra
INF Bobby Crosby
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Matt Holliday
CF Ryan Sweeney
RF Travis Buck
DH Jack Cust
OF Rajai Davis
