Dustin Pedroia's injury works to Oakland A's benefit

[Auggie]

The A's traded out-of-options utility infielder Eric Patterson for 21 year old lefty pitcher Fabian Williamson, a player the A's had pined for but the Red Sox had been reluctant to trade. Pedroia's broken foot injury, suffered on a foul tip in Friday nights game against the San Francisco Giants, forced the Red Sox to act on Patterson rather than risk losing him to another team via the waiver wire.

It's been a tough road trip for the Red Sox. Starter Clay Buchholz was forced out of Saturdays game in the second inning against the Giants with a hyper-extended knee while running the bases.

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Hey, it's not another soccer thread.

[Upton]

1. I was forced to watch the Red Sox telecast

of Friday's game, and when it was reported that Pedroia's x-rays were inconclusive, Jerry Remy speculated right away that Pedroia's injury might be a break..

The Giants are killing them!

[Auggie]

2. That Colorado series took a huge toll...

I wouldn't call it a killing by the Giants. More like a killer road trip.

The Giants missed an opportunity to beat a depleted bullpen yesterday. It's time for a change. Giants hit too many double plays. Leave too many runners stranded. Throw too many walks in relief. They can't win the division unless two of those things change in a hurry.

[Auggie]

3. Numbers on Williamson: sounds like a steal of a trade

Williamson was 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 14 starts for Single-A Salem of the Carolina League. He allowed just three home runs in 65.1 innings and yielded a .242 opponents batting average, including .211 with runners in scoring position.

SNIP

Williamson went 10-5 with a 2.42 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 108.0 innings in 28 games, 12 starts, with Single-A Greenville last year. He has a 24-13 record and a 3.17 ERA in 68 career appearances, including 50 starts, in four professional seasons.

Patterson was designated for assignment on Tuesday after batting .204 with four home runs and nine RBI in 45 games with Oakland. He had started just five of the A’s last 34 games and was 5 for 32 (.156) in 18 games total over that span.

LINK: http://www.csnbayarea.com/06/26/10/As-Trade-Patterson-to-Red-Sox-for-Minor-/landing.html?full_args=06/26/10/As-Trade-Patterson-to-Red-Sox-for-Minor-/landing&blockID=261531&feedID=2797

Williamson may be tabbed as a starter or trade fodder - no telling with Billy Beane. The A's may have issues this season, but they're really close to contending.