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Maybe I shouldn't have gotten so cocky about the outcome of the A's/Red Sox series. Though it appears the A's are turning a corner, they are still saddled with some sketchy relief and more importantly, one of the worst managers in baseball.

Ken Macha never looks worried. Sure he may pace a bit, but his expression really doesn't change whether Matt Watson is driving in the game-winning runs (last night), or Juan Cruz is walking the bases full (in his THIRD inning of work tonight).

What I'm getting at here is maybe he should be worried. His team can't score runs. The Red Sox can (despite the 13 they stranded on Monday). Sure his bullpen is a bit depleted with Duchscherer and Calero out, but did Macha really think he was making a winning move by bringing Juan Cruz out for a third inning of work in the eighth? He had Rincon and Huston Street to go to. Street throws strikes and has allowed more than one run in only 1 of his 18 appearances. Cruz has allowed more than one run in 4 of 12 appearances. He had gone to a third inning only once this season -- and guess what -- he gave up four runs, two earned. This is the kind of thing that the fan at home, or in the stands, knows will be a disaster, but is powerless to stop. How many times have you seen a late-game reliever retire the side in his third inning of work? OK, now how many times have you seen that type of guy get lit up in his third inning of work? This isn't rocket science, here.

The previous night Macha brought in Keichi Yabu in relief (who proceeded to get shelled) despite the fact that he was due to start on Thursday. Now I don't necessarily fault Macha for that, but it doesn't jive with his move tonight. Is he looking to win now, or is he making sure his bullpen doesn't get worn out early in the week? Does he even know which he is doing? Is there a small mouse at the controls inside his head like Captain Murphy in Sealab 2021? These are questions we need answered, people.