Also forgot to mention that Heath’s fastball was, per the MASN radar gun, a couple of ticks faster Tuesday than it was Monday. It’s possible that the radar gun gained an MPH. More likely, Heath is getting back into form.

Also agree about Cole DeVries. Wild on control last night, but hitless for an extended period of time. As an undrafted free agent who sat in the Twins’ farm forever (and wasn’t exceptionally good there), he shouldn’t really be holding any lineup down.

But we (A’s fans) watched Willingham all last year as he blasted 29 HR’s in the Mausoleum and on the road, and watching him swing his first 3 times at bat he looked dangerous. With 9 HR’s he’s approximately on pace for 29 again, and since Target Field looks like it plays similarly to the Mausoleum in terms of power, 29 or that neighborhood looks achievable for him.

Parker was who he is for 6 innings, too many walks, too many 3-2 counts, but ultimately too much stuff for the Twins. What was shocking was Cole DeVries, who never touched 90 on the gun but kept the punchless A’s off balance all night. Two nights of this in a row had the A’s announcers dreaming of a lineup with Cespedes and Manny. It looks like the Great and Powerful Beane has decided that the loser in the Manny-world incarnation will be Cowgill, no surprise-a .240 SLG is bad even by A’s anemic standards. What’s shocking is that Crisp will still see regular playing time, not the Smith/Gomes platoon. The outfield is expected to be Cespedes in left, Crisp in center, and Reddick in right. So average in all fields with plus arms in the corners. But a real penalty offensively in center, though Crisp had a very good game last night. But a 179/229/194 line doesn’t lie. Neither does his declining UZR150. Most of us would prefer the platoon in left, Cespedes in center, and Reddick in right, with Crisp used as a 4th OF/defensive replacement/pinch-runner.

Amazing that a team purportedly rebuilding still pays so much homage to declining veterans like Crisp and Fuentes.

The Hanster found his home run stroke again after a week or two – can’t recall when he parked his last one – for a nice little late game insurance run.

But the best news for the Feesh, I think, was that the Iron Giant when two for three including a two out ribby double in the sixth and hiked his average to .298 in his quest to round into the Complete Slugger. In a local interview yesterday the Giant noted that he’d always hit for average in the minors and didn’t want to be one of those all or nothing guys who go one for four with a dinger all the time. He’s being more patient, and he’s also taking greater advantage of his speed for a big guy. Under the radar, he’s stealing more bases when he’s walked, which is something opposing peetchers will need to take into consideration in close games. And of course, also going somewhat unnoticed because of the focus on his power, he’s been making terrific plays in the outfield and he has a rail gun for a throwing arm,

Wait a minute. Melky broke a record held by Willie Mays? Melky is saving the Giants’ season? Are we talking about the same Melky?

And I’m glad to see Pujols and the Angels turning things around. The AL West is an interesting division and it’ll be that much more interesting with a competitive Angels team and a Pujols playing to his full potential.

Lawrie also made the defensive play of the game in the 9th inning when he caught a foul ball that Brooks Robinson would not have reached.

Put that one in the time capsule, gonna be tough to top.