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: --RHP Sean Gallagher was optioned to Class AAA Sacramento, as the A's hope to give him more work. Gallagher has not appeared in a game since April 15, despite the fact the A's played a 12-inning game Saturday and a 14-inning game Wednesday. Gallagher has made three appearances and worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and three runs. He was in the rotation last year after coming over in the Rich Harden deal with the Cubs. The A's had yet to announce a corresponding roster move.
--RHP Trevor Cahill will make his fourth start Friday at home against Tampa Bay. The 21-year-old has been the best of the A's three rookie starters so far, putting up a 2.60 ERA, but he has walked 13 batters in 17 1/3 innings, a number that will have to improve for Cahill to find consistent success. He's finding a way to limit the damage, however. Opponents are batting .203 against Cahill, .118 with runners in scoring position.
--RHP Michael Wuertz gave up his first runs of the season Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. Entering the game, he had pitched seven scoreless innings and retired 20 of the 23 batters he'd faced, but at Yankee Stadium, Wuertz -- who hadn't worked in four days -- gave up back-to-back doubles by Cody Ransom and Derek Jeter and also an RBI single by Mark Teixeira.
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 18-22. 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 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
