I'm watching this game behind by a few hours since it started while I was at work. It's only the (disastrous) bottom of the fifth, but the score is such that the A's just aren't winning this one. Eight to two? Against James Shields, who's been dominant with the strikeouts (mostly on a cartoon changeup) and a solid Rays bullpen? The A's? Not happening.

I don't have much to say. Jake Fox is mostly horrific as a defensive catcher. Tyson Ross has no idea where the ball is going (and watching his pitching mechanics, are you surprised? He looks like a dad having a catch out there. There's nothing precise in what he's doing at all). Daric Barton's finger worries me, because if he can't throw, that's a major defensive weapon erased.

On the plus side, Eric Patterson might be coming around. If the A's keep letting him play left field with Rajai in center, I think he can do some things. He won't set the world on fire, but can he be a major league utility player? I think so.