From The Chron Game Report:

Ellis has now hit leadoff seven times this season and he's not shy about expressing his feelings about it.

"I love it, LOVE it,'' he said. "I feel like I have the chance to hit every inning, especially on the road. I love being the first batter of the game.''

/[Zito] improved to a remarkable 13-1 this season when his teammates provide him with two runs or more.

That last stat is incredible.

From Chron A's Report:

There's no place to send him for a rehab start, with the minor-league teams in playoff series, so if he's physically ready, he could conceivably start during the series at Cleveland next week, or, more likely, throw one more side session and then go at Boston on a somewhat limited pitch count.

Haren extension talks: Following the same pattern they've used with their other top young players, the A's are working with starting pitcher Dan Haren, 24, on a contract extension that is likely to be similar to the four-year, $9 million deal that Harden signed in April

Travis Buck Romantic Haiku Corner