A’s kickoff another series vs. Angels

The A’s kickoff a four game series against the Angels tonight, the last time we will see Anaheim this season.  It looks like Parker, Straily, Griffen, and (I imagine) Anderson will be the rotation for the series, going up against Haren, Williams, Santana, and Weaver – who looks to be returning for Thursday’s matinee game – respectively.  Let’s hope the A’s fare a bit better than last week’s terrible showing. 

The A’s made three call-ups today – Jemile Weeks, Daric Barton, and Jessie Chavez.  Weeks is a welcomed return even if Melvin has yet to commit to how or when he will be used.  Weeks also said that he used the demotion to work on his swing.  We’ll see how this goes, but I’m still more comfortable with Weeks vs. Pennington, even if the latter has been playing very well in September.  I trust that Melvin will find some more magic in pushing the right buttons at the right time.  Barton returns as a situational hitter and late game, defensive replacement.  I can’t imagine it goes much further than this plan.  Per CSN’s story, Chavez will be used sparingly from the bullpen, if at all. 

One last, quick update as Brandon McCarthy continues to make progress.  He walked a bit in the hospital today and may return home sooner rather than later.  Good luck Brandon!

With that said, let’s take care of the Angels tonight and over the next couple of days please!  Let’s go Oakland!  This won't be your player of the game ...

Brett Anderson returns tonight and it isn’t the biggest story of the day?!

Brett Anderson returns tonight and it isn’t the biggest news story the A’s rolled out today.  Coming off Tommy John surgery, this has the potential to be a great late season addition to the roster and rotation and just as good or important as any of the hypothetical moves the team didn’t make at the trading deadline. 

However, that isn’t the big news coming out of the A’s clubhouse today, as Jemile Weeks has been optioned to Triple A.  Jane Lee (@janeMLB) has been all over this story.  With the move to pick up Stephen Drew from Arizona, I think most would have figured Pennington to be the one to be designated for assignment, but it looks like the A’s are going to go with a 2B by committee with Rosales and Pennington vs. Weeks.  I’m not sure I agree with this.  OK, I don’t agree with this move at all.  While Weeks hasn’t had a banner year by any stretch of the imagination, he still brings a much higher ‘comfort level’ for me to the lineup vs. Cliff Pennington.  Weeks’ speed on the bases and at the plate brings a dimension that very few can and Pennington certainly doesn’t. 

I’m wondering if there is more to this story than the A’s are releasing.  Is this some type of wakeup call being sent to Weeks?  His confidence doesn’t seem shattered at all given this quote from today, “At the end of the day, I’m going to be a star in this game, man”.  Umm, Jemile … ?

What do you think of the news and moves today?  Anyone have a good conspiracy theory? 

Let’s go Oakland!!