Bob Melvin’s debut as new Oakland A’s manager was a 9-4 loss in Chicago to the White Sox. Thursday night was yet another unspectacular showing from the A’s offensively and defensively. Aside from Hideki Matsui’s two-run homer, the A’s lineup was quiet as usual, and Trevor Cahill lasted just 2.2 innings.

Oakland’s new manager shuffled the lineup card a little bit, and opted to move SS Cliff Pennington into the No.2 spot behind speedy OF Coco Crisp. Connor Jackson played at first-base for struggling Daric Barton, and hit in the No.3 spot behind Jackson.

The offense didn’t do much against Chicago ace, Mark Buehrle, who went 7 solid innings against the reeling A’s. Then again, it seems everyone is having success against Oakland these days, as Thursday’s loss was Oakland’s tenth straight loss. Yes, that’s right. They’re 0-10 over their last 10 games.

While the offense has been stalling and the defense sloppy, the A’s starting rotation has hit a bit of a rough patch as well. Starter Trevor Cahill lasted just 2.2 innings, throwing 74 pitches in the outing in which he allowed 6 earned runs, 8 hits, and three walks. With the loss, Cahill is now 0-4 since starting the season 6-0.  (more…)

This isn’t something the Athletics need at the moment, as their pitching staff has been their biggest strength this season. Oakland’s team ERA (2.70) leads the majors, and A’s starters have logged 9 quality starts this season, which ranks 5th in baseball.

Braden, 27, has been solid so far this season, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA through three starts. The A’s are hoping that their veteran lefty, who threw a perfect game last Mother’s Day, will not miss too much time. Oakland’s rotation will definitely have a void to fill if Braden misses some time.

Tyson Ross and Bobby Cramer are potential candidates for the job to help fill in for Braden is Braden is out due to injury. Ross and Cramer were originally in the running for the No.5 starter’s job during spring training, but both eventually lost out to Brandon McCarthy. (more…)

How many wins will Brett Anderson get in 2011? (Photo Credit: The Recliner GM Blog)

The A’s feature some very young and talented arms in their starting rotation, and southpaw Brett Anderson is one of them.

Anderson, 23, is the future of the A’s rotation, so long as he manages to stay healthy. Last season, the lefty went 7-6 with a 2.80 ERA in just 19 starts. Two elbow injuries limited the southpaw to just 112 innings in 2010, but Oakland is confident that Anderson will enter camp fully healthy and ready to go.

Oakland awarded Anderson with a four-year extension in April last year, and the A’s are hoping that Anderson can continue to grow and develop as the staff’s ace.

Last year, fellow youngster Trevor Cahill assumed the role of ace for Oakland’s staff. Cahill went 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA last year, en route to a Cy Young-worthy season.

But it’s been long known that Oakland’s best young pitcher is Anderson. Anderson possesses it all. He’s got great control of all his pitches, and he’s capable of becoming a dominant pitcher in the league.

Health, however, has been the only thing setting Anderson back. (more…)