Veteran DH/1B Mike Sweeney got the green weenie when the A’s signed Frank Thomas as he lost his semi-regular role with the team. Sweeney has played in 28 games this season for the A’s and he is 28 for 87 (.322 avg, .829 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 2 homers and 10 RBIs. He also has only whiffed 2 times this season which is quite remarkable. Sweeney might start really cutting into 1B Daric Barton’s playing time if he doesn’t start swinging the bat better soon. Barton has played in 39 games for the A’s this season and he is 32 for 135 (.237 avg, .690 OPS) with 22 runs scored, 2 homers and 15 RBIs.

The Oakland A’s have placed outfielder Chris Denorfia on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his lower back. Denorfia has played in 25 games this season for the A’s and he is 13 for 50 (.260 avg, .639 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 6 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Denrofia has been a little bit rusty so far this season as he has much more power than he has shown. He missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery.

22-year old lefty Gio Gonzalez was the #1 prospect in the Chicago White Sox’ minor league system before the A’s acquired him for Nick Swisher. Gonzalez has started 6 games in AAA-ball so far this season and he is 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. He has allowed 31 hits and walked 16 batters in only 27 innings this season. Gonzalez will not get a chance to pitch for the A’s until he starts to tighten up his control.

22-year old lefty swinging outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is off to a good start in the minors. He was the #1 prospect in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system according to Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook before coming to the A’s over the winter in the Dan Haren trade. Gonzalez has played in 19 games in AAA-ball this season and he is 24 for 70 (.343 avg, .924 OPS) with 11 runs scored, 3 homers and 10 RBIs. Look for Gonzalez to get a shot with the A’s soon if he keeps playing like he is right now.

20-year old righty starter Trevor Cahill is off to an outstanding start for the Oakland A’s this season. He is the #2 rated prospect in the entire A’s system according to Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook. Cahill was drafted out of high school which is strange for the A’s who like college players better according to “Moneyball”. Cahill has started 6 games in A-ball this season and he is 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP. He has only allowed 22 hits in 36 IP this season and he has whiffed an amazing 48 batters and walked only 7. The A’s will likely let Cahill take his time before calling him up.