3 in a row the good way

Everyone's job appears to be safe for now, at least until the next 6 game losing streak.

I wouldn't get too excited about the performance of the pitching staff in Oakland. Especially with Bradley and Swisher out, that is a pretty weak lineup. Washburn did a fine job, but that's the kind of pitcher he is. The pitch to contact, rely on your defense guys can turn in some really great performances when all the balls find gloves.

Remember this line? 8.2 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 5H, 1K, 2BB. It was a three hit shutout through 8 innings and everyone went crazy for it. That was Ryan Franklin, April 11, 2005. And we all know how that turned out.

Or this one? 9 IP, 9H, 2R, 2ER, 0 BB, 0 K. That was Joel Piniero, enroute to winning AL Pitcher of the Week in 2006. And we all know how that turned out.

To be clear, it was nice to get some wins and Washburn in particular looked very good. But most guys who don't get at least passable strikeout numbers can get starts like this if everything goes right, but they can also have some doozies.

Still with KC coming into town we could get back to .500 over the weekend. We're only a game and a half behind the Angels. Felix could be back next week. What a difference 4 days make!