A Crazy Series Unfolds

With the Athletics one is never bored.  Today saw the removal of Dan Johnson from the team, which makes me very sad, and Harden looking like he will not be ready for his next start.  Room had to be made on the roster to bring up a pitcher to start the game today and Dan Johnson was designated for assignment as a result.  He was drafted seven years ago with the Athletics and was a big part of the team the past few years.  Johnson was always a fan favorite nicknamed DJ, and was an extremely nice guy. But as my father said earlier today "Its business".  I wish that were not the case.  Harden is still experiencing soreness in his right shoulder blade ans was quoted today saying" I don't know if it's too likely that I'll be starting Saturday, but we'll see.  It's the one spot on my body that I don't take any chances with." That is enough however on the negatives and now on to the past two games.  This has been a crazy series and both teams will be glad to see it end. 

Tuesday's game was won on an RBI triple from rookie Ryan Sweeney for a final of 9-8. The game was a rollercoaster with the Athletics ahead 8-6 in the 8^th inning.  Embree walked Wells and then former Athletics player Thomas hit the long ball for a two run shot.  Thus the game was tied.  Luckily the Athletics had a powerful top of the 9^th.  It all began in the second for the Athletics with a five run 2^nd inning that saw Buck hit an RBI double.  He finally was able to break his 0 for 22 streak becoming the hitter he was last year.  Street cam in fir the 9^th doing what he does best aside from one walk.  All in all it was a positive game much better than the negative injury reports coming out of the Athletics camp. 

Today's game again was crazy.  Ellis recorded four hits, which included a game tying triple in the 9^th.  He is having a fantastic start to the season and so are the guys being brought in with the disabled list announcements.  Today was Greg Smiths first major league game and he was the starting pitcher.  He seemed nervous in the first giving surrendering three runs but after the 1^st inning he was able to rally within himself and settle down.  Smith had five shutout innings after the first and I was impressed that he was able to stabilize and get the job done.  When he left the game it was 3-2 and at one point he got eight men out in a row.  Very impressive stuff for a rookie in the beginning of the season.  Smith looks very promising if he is able to repeat today's performance .  Today was the day for rookies with Fernando Hernandez also making his debut, pitching a scoreless 8^th and receiving the win.  The final was 6-3 and boy was I glad to see the game end.  What I take away from this is that the Athletics have talented rookies and are able to rally back after falling behind.  All positives.