The New Look A's (In More Than One Way)

Oakland Athletics' Nick Swisher has a "Bazooka Joe" bubble gum comic stuck to his forehead after taking off his batting helmet late in the game against the Seattle Mariners Thursday, June 23, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle. It was unknown whether the comic placement was a prank from teammates or intentional. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Yeah, I found that picture on Yahoo! from today's game. Thought it was interesting. I think the bubble gum wrapper definitely brings out Swisher's artistic side. Or something.

Either way, the boxscore I did find was very fun to read. I wasn't able to watch the game today because Extra Innings once again decided to not carry the game, but the guy I had been criticizing, Saarloos, threw a CG 4-hit 7 K shutout. Pretty insane for a guy who usually barely makes it out of five innings. If he can continue to improve like this throughout the season..well, what a steal.

The starting pitching as a whole has just been sick lately. Screw that, the whole team has been sick. Everything's coming together and the team is reeling off wins so fast it's not even funny.

The Gigantes again tomorrow night, with Joe Blanton on the mound. My emotions for that guy have really fluctuated throughout this season. At the beginning, I was excited. Around the middle, I was like, man, I'm not watching this guy get tore up again. Once again, he has become intriguing as heck. I'm praying it remains that way. I'd like nothing more than to see this guy succeed and prove his doubters wrong.

And on a final note, big game by Hatteberg. Even with Dan Johnson showing that he's infact the real deal, he comes out there and has a 4 H, 1 RBI game. Everybody's steppin' up lately.