CHAVEZ DRIVES A's PAST MOTOR CITY KITTIES

I didn't get to see the game last night thanks to the idiots who bargained MLB's TV contract. Plus, I was one the phone when Art Howe yanked Aaron Harang in the 5th. I'll read around to find out why, but, it doesn't look, sound or feel good when the fifth starter gets yanked before throwing 90 pitches in a relatively close game. The last thing the A's need is for Art to overwork the bullpen.

Once, again, Billy Beane made a roster move and a trade to get a player that increases flexibility in the lineup. This deal, like most Beane picks, is of mid-long term importance. Too often trades are analyzed as direct consequence on the lineup that the teams involved use the day before and not so much as an organization as a whole.The Durham trade won't get the buzz the Canseco deal got or even the Damon and Dye deals until after the A's season plays out

The good news is that Chavez is on the happy side of his streakiness. DH'ing might be the contributing factor. With the acquisition of Ray Durham (who was officially incorporated to the Swingin' A's with his first homerun last night) coupled with Eric's lower body problems (back, hamstring, knee, feet) not having to play the field for a few days seems to have helped him and the line up. Mark Ellis has been John Mabry-like of late and playing a few games at third only helps his value (if you're a fantasy geek, too) by being able to keep him in the lead-off spot. Earlier this year Art would have to summon the ghosts of Yahtzee! and lotteries past and try to figure out how to keep the Player Formerly Batting Lead Off in the line-up with an injury anywhere north of Visalia. 

The A's are at a great time for creativity and flexibility in their lineup. Miggy plays every damn day at short, so you really don't have to worry about a backup. Chavy was a high school short-stop so it wouldn't be that hard for him to move over a few feet if needed. He's played in left field this season, too. Chavez, Saenz and Ellis can play 3rd. Mabry, Hatteberg and Saenz can play first. Ellis, Durham and Miggy (if need be) could play 2nd. 

The outfield is serviceable at-best in center. Terrence Long in center is about as sturdy as the San Andreas fault line. Moving him to left-field isn't really an option either if he's still not getting it done at the plate. A .700 OPS from an outfielder isn't acceptable in AAA. This is from a player who was a leadoff guy two seasons ago. His Career OPS is .748 and BA .276 (this season included). He's down 50-30 points on both this season. It would be great if Eric Byrnes were given a shot, but, Terrence has earned the ability to go down in flames for having to 'learn' how to be a centerfielder and 'learn' how to be a lead-off hitter. He's been labeled as a left-fielder and an RBI producer. It's really a question which will run out first, Billy Beane's patience or his youth/learning curve. The corners are well preserved with David Justice, Jermaine Dye, Mabry and Byrnes.

The A's catching position is solid. As long as the opponents don't score runs. Then the A's catching position looks a little creaky. Ramon Hernandez was originally a good bat that played catcher. Over the years he has matured with the big three and learned to call a good game with veterans shipped in and out to counsel him. Mike McFarlane, Sal Fasano and now Crash (Greg Myers) have all been influences on Ramon's catching. Is it just me or does Crash look like Luke from the Gilmore Girls? The A's need production from Ramon and Crash to counter Long's decline. It's not good when your catcher and centerfielder are hitting 8-9 in the order.

The odd man out? Well, it's Randy Velarde. I'm sure this isn't they way he wanted his final season to transpire, but, he may end up being part of a waiver deal in the next few days. The A's have three 2nd basemen and Randy is just a freakin' ball magnet. If it's at the plate, in the field or even on the basepaths the guy is going to get nailed with the ball. Before you start complaining about how it's a 'shame' that this would happen to Velarde, he can read the writing on the wall. He's a veteran. But the A's really can't afford secondary pinch runners who make $1 million. 

If the A's could fold him into their system as a coach someday in Midland, I think that would be the closure needed, not this season.

You always have to sit back and analyze Billy's moves with a good sense of what is good for Oakland, Sacramento, Midland, et al. 

Praise ownership, too, for elbowing Billy in the ribs earlier this year to make the changes.

If anyone watches BP at the Coliseum before an A's game, count the number of times Chavy hits the plexiglass in right center. I'm starting to think there's a correlation between his BP performance and the team's performance. Or maybe it's just superstition/false confidence thing.