The A’s just went on a nine-game swing through the east coast, playing Baltimore, Boston, and Tampa Bay. They lost two out of three to the Orioles, but took two out of three from the Red Sox and Rays. A few thoughts on the trip as a whole:

* Brandon Inge became an A in the middle of this road trip and has started at third base every game since joining the team. He’s not that good of a hitter, but a good fielder with some veteran presence is valuable, and I think the third base shuffling stops now and for the rest of the season. I’d much rather put a guy with experience out there than watch failed converted catchers and waiver pickups all season.
* Tyson Ross and Tommy Milone – ugh. Two of the four losses came in games that saw Ross and Milone get shelled. Milone gave up four runs in the first inning of the final game of the trip but settled down and the A’s somehow busted out offensively to get him the win. I’m less worried about Milone than I am about Ross. Send Tyson back to AAA and bring Brad Peacock up?
* Another young starter, Jarrod Parker, was again impressive in his start against the Red Sox at Fenway. He’s got swing-and-miss stuff and it’s fun to watch him pitch.
* Coco Crisp was finally placed on the DL, which I’m glad to see. He’s not that great when he’s 100%, so seeing him run out there at less than that was brutal. Get well, come back, and play a little so then maybe we can trade you!
* Daric Barton has played well in the recent games he started, going 4-for-8 with two walks. But he is going to have to hit, hit, and hit some more to live down that third strike he watched down the middle with the bases loaded in Boston. That got the Twitter A’s fans all riled up and they were still talking about it over a week later.
* Jonny Gomes had a great series in Tampa, but should that equal more playing time for him? I hope not. Micheal Taylor is here and Michael Taylor should play. Keep Gomes as a bat off the bench versus lefty pitchers.

The A’s are off today, then will take on the Blue Jays and the Tigers in a six-game homestand. Go A’s!!