Piazza

[nice max]

Any news on when he's going to return? I know the A's want him to play catcher, but I don't know when he's slated to play.

[denicola_dominates]

http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpage ... LB&id=1772

looks like hes nowhere close to recoevry unfortunately prolyl after the all star break man

[duckbillgates]

Unfortunately, he was close to returning (planned a minor league rehab stint this week) before the A's decided they want to get him ready to catch.

As Rotoworld pointed out, this is kinda stupid, since Kendall was showing signs of life. I also don't understand why they don't DH him to get his bat back in the lineup and work him back slowly as a catcher.

[poopdungbeatle]

this is a weird situation. i thought the reemergence of kendall was a good thing. Kendall hitting, Piazza doesnt have to catch but still in the lineup as DH just as planned in the beginning of the season. I understand the Cust has come up and done a very good job....but Piazza will still put up better numbers this year....

[BklynsFinest]

Unfortunately, he was close to returning (planned a minor league rehab stint this week) before the A's decided they want to get him ready to catch.

As Rotoworld pointed out, this is kinda stupid, since Kendall was showing signs of life. I also don't understand why they don't DH him to get his bat back in the lineup and work him back slowly as a catcher.

I agree!! This sucks I was counting on him comming back this upcomming week!

[cwrtlm]

Any updates? I keep eyeing him as an upgrade over Johjima once he returns. Is he going to play everyday at C/DH or mainly DH.

[rwdiii]

From Rotowire:

Jul 13 Oakland has abandoned the idea of Piazza (shoulder) doing some catching this season, the Associated Press reports.
Recommendation: Piazza was scheduled to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento Friday. Manager Bob Geren said Piazza would need about 7-10 days to get comfortable swinging and should return shortly after as a DH. This is obviously going to cut into the playing time of Jack Cust, but since Cust leads the team in home runs (15) and sports a .953 OPS, the A’s will need to find ways to keep his bat in the lineup.

[Splendid61]

Rehab Assignment (AAA)

Fri: 2-5 off a pitcher that went 7 innings (1 ER, 7 K)
Sat: 3-5 with 2 doubles off Clay Hensley

[champy41]

is Piazza an upgrade over catchers like Johnjima and Estrada? I know he can be, but not sure if I should jump the gun on him yet or wait and see how he hits after activated.

[Ursa]

is Piazza an upgrade over catchers like Johnjima and Estrada? I know he can be, but not sure if I should jump the gun on him yet or wait and see how he hits after activated.

If you wait too long, he'll be gone, assuming he's on your wire. Problem is, we don't know how much he'll play.