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, who had been out for a week with tightness in his right calf, served as Oakland's DH Friday night. Garciaparra is expected to start at third base Saturday, manager Bob Geren said. Garciaparra was available to play defense if needed Friday.
--RHP Trevor Cahill didn't walk as many men as he has in his other starts, issuing just two free passes Friday night, but he had the worst outing of his young career. Cahill allowed eight hits and seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, sending his ERA from 2.60 to 5.40. He gave up a solo homer to Gabe Gross and a three-run shot to Carlos Pena.
--RHP Dan Giese has given up homers in each of his three appearances with Oakland, including game-winning shots by Lyle Overbay Saturday and Melky Cabrera Wednesday. Friday at the Coliseum, Carlos Pena homered off Giese in the sixth, a solo shot. Giese worked 4 1/3 innings Friday and that was the only run he allowed.
MEDICAL WATCH:
1B Jason Giambi (hamstring) sat out the April 24 game.
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 played DH on April 24.
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
INF Jack Hannahan
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Matt Holliday
CF Ryan Sweeney
RF Travis Buck
DH Jack Cust
OF Rajai Davis
