Well, someone went and hit the A's with the injury stick. Or just a big stick. Or both.

A little birdy told us (if by bird we mean Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll...and we do) that Billy McMillon had some epidural work done and he should have a brief three game rehab stint in Sacramento prior to coming back to Oakland. McMillon's injury is, let's just say 'progressively troubling'. The source of the injury is lower back inflammation. The pain that comes along with, is a lack of feeling or numbness in the lads' legs. So, it's not as easy as it sounds. So far, Billy Mac is limited to just hitting off a tee. Wonder if acupressure would work? Or acupuncture?

Chris Hammond was examined by Dr Yocum and pronounced to be a male mammal with swelling below the earlobe, or more specifically, throwing shoulder. Yocum bitch-slapped Hammond with the decree that he can't go out and play catch until the swelling has subsided and the pain is gone. If this sounds familiar to the Micah Bowie situation then you should be concerned. Where is Micah Bowie?

Pitchy Rich Harden is out. Or not. Apparently they have not located a device to relocate dislocated shoulders. Which is what Harden has, a dislocated shoulder. It doesn't sound serious, but it may be a situation where the A's do the Safety Dance and call up a pitcher to make at least two starts in Harden's stead.

QUESTION:Hey, does that mean Billy Beane might be making a deal?

ANSWER:What, are you new around here?

There seems to be a lot of steam to the rumor that Houston wants Arthur Rhodes. Which is as surprising as going to the bathroom a few hours after a large meal settling in with a good read and someone on the door, "Hey, don't flush that! I'll trade you a minor league pitcher or player to be named later for that!"

Any deal for Arthur Rhodes that does not include the A's giving up another player, other than Eric Karros, is a reason to believe in the power of certain GM's to suddenly have a Supreme Being-complex after making a big trade. If Houston GM Gerry Hunsicker thinks he can just wrestle Rhodes away (as Billy Beane ponders what other road kill he can shine up and present for teams), why dissuade the poor guy?

The A's are on the hook for about $7 million and change and two and a half seasons on Rhodes' contract. If Houston offers a $5 pre-paid phone card for Rhodes, the A's should hold out for a $1 Off pizza coupon from Doughy's before jumping at the offer.

Homer: Wow! A Valu-Qual coupon book! Let's see ... ten percent off carpet cleaning. Ten! [gasps] Two pizzas for the price of one at Doughy's!

Lisa: Doughy's has terrible pizza!

Homer: Yeah, but there are two!

Sunday, Cruddy Sunday Episode AABF08