I've been going to the Rivercat games down here in Vegas against the 51's all week and will go again tonight for the series finale. The Rivercats have taken 2 of 3 thus far. I've seen some good baseball and it's been nice to see some our future players up close.

I've had seats right behind the Rivercats dugout all week and I really like what I see in Tony DeFrancesco as a manager. This guy has to be a big league manager at some point.

As far as some of the players...

Hiram Bocachica is playing like he wants a job in the big leagues. I'm really surprised he's not already, either for the A's or for someone else. I'm pretty sure he's out of options??? In any event, the guy is hitting and playing solid defense and is a heck of a nice guy.

Daric Barton is struggling. He's currently batting .220 and just doesn't look confident at the plate. I think a full year or maybe more of Triple A is what Barton needs. I don't see him being ready for the A's yet.

Kurt Suzuki looks great. I really wish we would just call him up now. He manages a nice game and looks as of he has a lively bat. The one problem I see is he is prone to the strikeout, but who isn't?

Kevin Melillo looks great and I wouldn't be surprised if he is the A's starting 2nd baseman come 2008. Very good in the field and isn't half bad at the plate. Currently he batting .320 and has torched the 51's this week.

Donnie Murphy is playing solid as well.

Our buddy Antonio Perez seems to be struggling but seems to be in good spirits about it.

Jason Windsor looked good this week and hopefully he can keep it up.