http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor?sort=hitsFactor&season=2007

On the road, the A's are actually 4th in the AL in hits, runs, and OPS. At home, they're 13th in all three categories.

When you look at road stats only, it's actually been the pitching that has been substandard, not the hitting. And that's where losing Rich Harden and Justin Duchscherer and, at times, Huston Street has really killed the team this year.

All's I'm saying is there is a certain passivity to the A's approach at the plate that I find a wee bit troubling and a lot bit dull.

But back before I had ever even heard of sabermetrics, I had always thought it was a smart plan for the A's to acquire players who walked a lot, because walks are more valuable in the Coliseum than in other ballparks, precisely because it's so hard to get on base there via a hit.

My point is, the A's scored five runs today, and seven yesterday, and lost both times--that used to be more than enough to win, especially at home.

The pitching and defense are the big problems now: and perhaps it's partly because Kendall and Crosby and Kotsay and Chavez went away. Murphy and Scutaro are nowhere near the fielder Crosby is, Hannahan is no Chavez with the glove, and an outfield of Stewart, Swisher and Cust is a defensive nightmare.