sportsnow

On Saturday, the Oakland A’s could not put away the New York Yankees in the bottom of the 9th. Closer Huston Street gave up consecutive two-out hits to Robinson Cano, a double, and Wilson Betemit, a game-tying single, blowing his second straight save opportunity. The Yankees went on to win the game in the 12th on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. The A’s pitching has been stellar throughout the season. They have quietly been in the AL West hunt the whole year. Recently, they traded their seemingly No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers in Rich Harden and Joe Blanton. The A’s general manager, Billy Beane, is regarded as one of the best in the Majors, but with the A’s in contention, one has to question these moves. Besides, the players he has gotten in return for Harden and Blanton, who anchored the pitching rotation, are not eye-opening additions to an already young ball club. Also, what kind of message are you sending your players if you are trading your best ones for minor leaguers/prospects? The A’s were right in the hunt, but now are missing two integral pieces to their roster. I never question Billy Beane’s GM capabilities, but you have to wonder about the recent moves he’s made. It’s almost as if he doesn’t believe the A’s can win right now.

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