A's 6, Rangers 3

It was amazing enough that Billy Beane was able to get actual players for Jason Kendall when he traded the light-hitting catcher a few weeks ago. But that one of those actual players played a big part in winning a game for the A's - that's absolutely astonishing.

Rob Bowen single-handedly kept this game from being of the aggravating, extra-inning variety, breaking a 3-3 tie with a solo shot in the seventh and adding a two-run homer in the eighth. It sure is nice to have a big, strong catcher who can drive the ball. No offense to Kurt Suzuki, of course. But after two and a half years of Jason Kendall, it's just nice to see.

The A's enter today's off-day with a waiver claim hanging in the balance - the Cubs claimed Shannon Stewart, and now the A's have two days to trade him, pull him back, or just give him up. I don't imagine the latter will happen, as moving him wouldn't save them much money and he might net them a supplemental draft pick. But will he be worth something the Cubs can pass through waivers? We shall see. I won't be surprised if Shannon is still an A in Detroit this weekend.

Since today is an off day, I won't tell the A's to go... so, rest well, A's!!