The A’s lost to the Brew Crew Thursday despite scoring 7 runs in the second inning. Trevor Cahill had the start and gave up 2 runs. Josh Willingham, the A’s new left fielder, had a monster day. One run, Two hits and Three RBI’s for Willingham. Willingham crushed a three run homer for the A’s.  Coco Crisp, despite the distractions, had a nice day as well at the plate having 2 hits and an RBI. The A’s gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to lose on a walk off home run. Jerry Blevins also appeared in this game for Oakland. Andy LaRoche and Matt Carson also hit a home run. The A’s play rival Texas tomorrow in Phoenix.

The Oakland A’s are looking this year in spring training for a 5th starter to anchor the rotation. Lots of possibilities come from young guys and former relief pitchers. Rich Harden, who the A’s signed again for a possible choice, injured his arm once again and will miss a week. Harden will likely pitch in the bullpen if he can stay healthy. Tyson Ross, a young gunslinger who has made a few appearances this spring, is also a candidate. Bobby Cramer and Brandon McCarthy are two guys who i like really well, Both have good potential and Cramer has already proven he can pitch effectively. Whoever does not get the 5th spot, will either go to the bullpen or AAA. So they an be used in plans for the future.  

The Athletics beat the Tribe 4-3 at Phoenix Minucipial Stadium for there first home spring win of the season. Bobby Cramer, who is trying to compete for the 5th starter job, threw to innings of scoreless ball. Lots of A’s had good offensive days including Kurt Suzuki, Mark Ellis, and Michael Taylor. Hideki Matsui had a Strikeout and a walk and David DeJesus had 2 at bats and a strikeout. Some of the A’s pitchers to appear in this game were Tyson Ross, Brad Ziegler, and Josh Outman. Ziegler picked up the save as the A’s won 4-3.

Josh Donaldson, who is quietly having a good spring, is looking to prove to the Oakland A”s that hes worthy in the future. The A’s have a lot of good prospects in AAA Sacramento and AA Midland. Some good prospects along with Donaldson are Chris Carter, Michael Choice, Jemile Weeks, Grant Green and and Michael Taylor. Donaldson may not start in the majors this season, but watch out later on.

The A’s lost their first spring home game 7-6 today despite good pitching from Gio Gonzalez. The lefty pitcehd 2 perfect innings with 5 strikeouts. Other pitchers in the game were Brett Anderson, Brian Fuentes, and Grant Balfour, who gave up 3 runs. Chris Carter had 2 hits today as the A’s spring record is now 1-2 

In Hideki Matsui’s debut with the green and gold today was pretty good.He had an RBI and a walk.  In the 8th inning Michael Taylor blasted a 3 run homer. The A’s rally fell short in the 9th as they scored two runs, but needed 3. The A’s lost 8-7 Dallas Braden picked up the loss by giving up 2 Earned Runs in the bottom half of the first.Brandon McCarthy, who is trying to get the A’s fifth and final sport in the rotation, Gave up a run and had one strikeout. The A’s play there first home game of the spring season tomorrow against the Split Squad Reds.Look to see either Gio or Anderson on the mound tomorrow.

A’s will try to get their second win tomorrow as they travel to face the Los Angeles Angels. Expect to see Dallas Braden and Brian Fuentes in tomorrows game.

Trevor Cahill may have been a little rusty heading into this start, giving up 4 runs to the cubs.However Coco Crisp tied the game on a Grand Slam off of Matt Garza to tie it 4-4. The Athletics then scored 7 runs in the 7th inning to cap a 15-7 win in there first spring training game of the year,