I think the walks were a symptom of his earlier troubles, not the cause. The cause was a lack of velocity. His fastball was at 85-87mph, instead of 91-93. Without his normal velocity, he was afraid to throw too good a strike (because if he did, they were hit hard), and had to nibble at the corners more. That led to more walks.

So Beane looks smart for the last third of the season but gets a pass on Loaiza's lousy two thirds? I respect Beane but you shouldn't cherrypick like that.

Well...barring a total collapse at the hands of the Angels...the A's are almost guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, and playing the best ball they've played all year. Further, the vets he signed are all playing a part in it. Maybe if Loaiza had performed all year they'd have a spot locked up already...but really, as long as they make it and he's pitching well when it matters, I'd call that a good signing.

Basura -

Beane looks smart because the decision to sign Loaiza was fundamentally sound in the first place. Loaiza's problems during the first half of the season had nothing to do with inconsistency and everything to do with physical ailments (back) and the resultant personal problems which culminated in a DUI and an immense amount of negative pressure. Since he's returned from the DL, he's been superb. In fact, more superb than he ought to be, given past performance: I expect a dropoff sometime soon.

I watched him very closely in 2005 as he pitched for the Washington Nationals. He put up impressive numbers all season long (his W/L record should be ignored - no NL pitcher received less run support in 2005 except Clemens, I believe), and I had little doubt he could replicate that performance this season.