Franklin-Simpson product gets called up By Micheal Compton, mcompton@bgdailynews.com — 270-783-3247

Thursday, September 30, 2004

Joe Blanton is right in middle of a pennant race.

The former Franklin-Simpson right-hander was added to the Oakland Athletics roster earlier this month and has made two appearances in the last nine days with the As, who are battling for the final American League playoff spot against the Anaheim Angels.

Blantons debut came Sept. 21, when he pitched the final inning of Oaklands 9-4 loss at Texas. Blanton retired the Rangers in order and recorded a strikeout.

It was amazing, he said. I got to watch three games before I got to go in, so I got to get my feet wet a little bit. Going in though, it was almost like it happened too fast. I was in and then it was like bang, bang, bang and then it was over.

On Sunday at Anaheim, Blanton got a little more mound time. He came in the third inning in relief of Mark Mulder and allowed one run in 31/3 innings, striking out three hitters.

That was awesome too, Blanton said. I got to stay out there a couple of innings. I got a better look at what its like. I had to go through the lineup more than one time. It was a good learning experience.

Sundays performance left an impression on the As coaching staff.

He’s got the stuff and the makeup, As pitching coach Curt Young told the Oakland Tribune following the game. He showed he can pitch in this situation and handle himself. I don’t think there would be any question, if there was a need.

The right-hander is highly regarded as one of the As top starting pitching prospects. He spent his first full season at Triple-A with the Sacramento Rivercats.

Its a great minor league city and a great park, Blanton said. Being my first year at that high level … I had to learn how to pitch more and get prepared for the games more.

Blanton was a co-leader in wins (11) and led Sacramento in strikeouts (143) and innings pitched (176.1). Despite the lofty numbers, Blanton found himself waiting behind a major league pitching rotation of Mulder, Barry Zito, Rich Harden, Tim Hudson, and Mark Redman.

The abundance of pitching has made Blanton a hot name in trade talks.

I dont pay any attention to that, he said. Its something you have to ignore because you are with that team until you hear otherwise. If that happens, then it happens and you have to take that step when it gets there.

For Blanton, the biggest adjustment in Oakland has been working out of the bullpen.

Its a lot different, he said. You always have to be on your toes. You never know when you are going to be in the game. When you start, you can relax and watch the game. Here you have to be ready at a moments notice.

Even if the As make the playoffs, Blanton is not expected to be part of the postseason 25-man roster, meaning his season will likely come to a close Sunday. Blanton said he plans on coming back home and enjoying the offseason.

Ive thrown a lot of innings this year, Blanton said. As far as next year, I dont make any expectations. Ill just try to go out at spring training and do the best that I can and let things take its course.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700