The New Big 3?

by eck767 on Apr 22, 2005 10:54 AM PDT

Well, at least for April.

I took a look at the AL leader board today for ERA, and what did I see?

#1 Rich Harden, at 0.44
#5 Joe Blanton, at 2.04
#7 Dan Haren, at 2.37

YES, it's only April. YES, we A's fans are a little (or a lot) perturbed at Barry Z's slow start. YES I wish we had that RH stick to balance our offense. YES YES YES we need to start hitting, especially in the money slots.

But we've got some significant upsides on this team right now, not the least of which is a tremendous early effort from our young starting staff.

Even within the non-objective fan community, did anyone predict that these guys would be THIS effective early on?

It's a long season, and a very tight division. We see our own flaws, but I think (now that we've played everyone in the division once) that the Angels, Rangers and Mariners are not without flaws, as well.

I don't know about you, but the starters' good early start has me very hopeful.

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Actually....

I was thinking the exact same thing this morning. Our future could be very bright if these guys continue to produce at this rate. All we need to do is get Blanton and Haren some runs.

by FlagsFlyForever on Apr 22, 2005 10:57 AM PDT reply actions

yup

BZ just doesn't look too "big" right now. I have positive hopes for him to come around, though. He's also had a little hard luck, though that game in Tampa was a super-stinker.

by Brian in 317 on Apr 22, 2005 10:58 AM PDT reply actions

I don't know how to code html or PHP

but I think it would be cool if a little window on the side of the page above the 'recommended sections' area constantly calculated the top 3 pitchers on our squad versus harden mulder and zito and then spat out whether or not we're better off.

by tblazrdude on Apr 22, 2005 12:39 PM PDT reply actions

freudian slip

i mean hudson.

by tblazrdude on Apr 22, 2005 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Great News!

But Blanton not for real (yet). He's been money so far, but I want to see him go 'round the league a couple times before I anoint him successor to Big Three.

But it would not surprise me (Harden + Haren + Blanton)|2005 > (Hudson + Mulder + Zito)|2004. The question is one of depth. And when that depth include Barry Zito, well, that ain't bad.

Fearing Mecir since 2000.

by salb918 on Apr 22, 2005 12:52 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed about Zito being a SOLID number #4

and if we can just produce a VERY GOOD #5 starter...i.e. and improved Meyer or another prospect we steal in a late season trade...

this staff could be incredible for the next few years...

Wherever You Go...There You Are -J. Kabat-Zinn

by jrwolf on Apr 22, 2005 1:11 PM PDT reply actions

On the Radio show last night

I started to refer to them as the Young Guns!!!

Harden is Billy the Kid
Blanton is that Cowboy that spits alot
Haren is Kiefer Sutherland's character
And all we need now is for Chavez Chavez to get on board.

I think that Barry is the Asian Bride!!!

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 22, 2005 1:46 PM PDT reply actions