Greg Pappas

I'm not sure if it's just a short-term slump, related to the injury, or just a natural age-related regression. But I've not been comfortable with this pen since Bautista went down, during the entire off-season, nor thus far this season. If we get Prime Kimbrel, then yes, it makes a big difference. Yet, even with that (not likely) the other bullpen options, outside of Cano, Coulombe, and maybe Perez, are not good enough to make for a quality pen. Reinforcements could arrive soon from the starter pool, but regardless, that's for another discussion.

Developing situation with Hays-McKenna?

One interesting career stat is Mounty's notable difference when batting clean-up. Batting 2nd (303 PA's) .271/.340/.487/.827 Batting 3rd (448 PA's) .273/.315/.488/.803 Batting 4th (670 PA's) .230/.297/.383/.680 Batting 5th (306 PA's) .312/.356/.520/.876 Batting 6th (145 PA's) .289/.317/.504/.821

Right, that's what I meant by the slash. It's a lazy way or just using an already short word (or) LOL!

I like him a lot too.

I imagine Kopech would cost more than Norby/Stowers. Perhaps notably more. There are many teams that would be in on acquiring him, so IMHO they are not taking back an older (26) AAA guy like Stowers, though he still has decent value. What it would take is hard to figure, but I'd think Beavers would be someone they'd be interested in.

Assuming health for this staff is a big ask, however, if healthy, what would you expect the staff to look like moving forward? My best guess would be: SP's: Burnes, Bradish, Rodriguez, *Irvin, Kremer RP's: Kimbrel, Cano, *Coulombe, Wells, *Perez, Tate, Suarez, *Means EDIT: As good as Means looked in his debut, it will be interesting to see how Hyde works these six starters into the rotation. A good problem to have.

Strike.... errrrr, I guess not

We'll happily take it!

WHAT!? LOL!

YES!

I cannot wait until they bring pitch challenges or the robo ump system to the bigs. Umps do the best they can, but being wrong so often on ball/strike calls is correctable. Every game I watch I'm frustrated with the home plate umpire. Every game. Sad, but true.

15 straight innings without a run.

The A's desperately need bats and we need arms. It wouldn't be a surprise to see these teams deal with one another at some point by the trade deadline.

THIS. A good throw to Gunnar has a chance to nail the runner.