Rich Harden tossed seven shutout innings last night to move into the AL lead for the ERA title with a 0.44 mark. That gives Oakland three starters in the top 10. As you can see here, if Barry Zito pitched decently, the Athletics would have four solid starters. Not bad for a team that stripped two front line pitchers over the winter.

The big problem with Oakland right now is that they only have three regulars who are getting on base at all. The good news is that four of the players with low OBAs are likely to improve; Kendal, Durazo, Chavez, and Hatteberg are all capable of much better numbers. When the collective slump ends, I expect the Athletics offense to jump from it's current 3.8 runs per game, worst in the AL.