Through the first 12 games, Oakland made nine errors, the most in the league. Some of that is the result of Bobby Crosby (two errors) learning new positions on the fly and some to having Jack Cust (one error) in the outfield, but even second baseman Mark Ellis, a superb defensive player, has two errors, though both came on difficult plays. "We know we have a good defensive infield," Ellis said. "Sometimes errors are overrated. We'll be fine." With a very young rotation, the A's have even greater need for a solid defense.
PLAYER NEWS: --INF Nomar Garciaparra remained sidelined by a tight right calf, although he took batting practice on the field before Tuesday's game. Manager Bob Geren said if Garciaparra came out of that OK, he might be a possibility Wednesday in New York. But considering the chilly weather in the Bronx, that seems unlikely, especially with the A's scheduled for an off day Thursday.
--RHP Joey Devine will be out for the rest of the season and potentially much of 2010 after undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery in Birmingham, Ala. Devine, acquired in the Mark Kotsay trade with Atlanta, was expected to be the A's co-closer along with Brad Ziegler this year. Devine had been sidelined three times by elbow discomfort in less than a year.
--RHP Andrew Bailey allowed his first run of the season, a solo homer by Johnny Damon in the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Bailey, a 24-year-old rookie, had appeared in six of Oakland's first 12 appearances and didn't give up a run in 8 1/3 innings.
--LHP Josh Outman's next scheduled start will be skipped because of Monday's rainout and A's off days Thursday and next Monday. Outman, who worked on Friday at Toronto, will not start again until May 2 at Seattle. He is available in the bullpen, and he has experience pitching in relief in both the majors and the minors.
MEDICAL WATCH:
INF Nomar Garciaparra (right calf tightness) left the April 14 game and did not play April 15. He played April 17 but was out again April 18-21. He is day-to-day.
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.
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.
RHP Joey Devine (sore right elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. He had Tommy John surgery April 21, and he is out for the season.
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
RHP Dan Giese
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
