5 Games to Go : Why are the A's struggling ?

The A's have always managed to continue winning based on their starting pitching. With the vaunted "Big 3" of Hudson, Zito, and Mulder, the A's have battled their way to to the post-season for the past 4 years in a row. Historically, the A's have shined post-AllStar break with a big surge to the playoffs.

Sadly, the A's seem to have faltered just steps from the finish line this season. With 5 games left, the Angels have tied with the A's for first place in the AL West. What has gone wrong ?

As the A's have won with their pitching, they have been losing with their pitching as well. Hudson, Zito, and Mulder are all having off years compared to their career numbers. Particularly when looking at their September numbers :

Combined numbers for September 2000-2003
Zito - ERA 2.28 / WHIP 1.11
Hudson - ERA 2.75 / WHIP 1.18
Mulder - ERA 2.73 / WHIP 1.08

Now let's break them down by each season :

September 2000
Zito - ERA 1.73 / WHIP 1.06
Hudson - ERA 1.39 / WHIP 0.88
Mulder - ERA 3.44 / WHIP 1.47

September 2001
Zito - ERA 1.89 / WHIP 1.24
Hudson - ERA 3.76 / WHIP 1.33
Mulder - ERA 2.79 / WHIP 1.05

September 2002
Zito - ERA 2.33 / WHIP 1.11
Hudson - ERA 1.69 / WHIP 1.07
Mulder - ERA 2.40 / WHIP 0.96

September 2003
Zito - ERA 3.18 / WHIP 1.03
Hudson - ERA 4.18 / WHIP 1.58
Mulder - injured

September 2004 (to date)
Zito - ERA 4.54 / WHIP 1.27
Hudson - ERA 6.23 / WHIP 1.62
Mulder - ERA 8.10 / WHIP 2.03

Just looking at this season's September numbers makes me cringe. With numbers like this, it is a wonder we haven't actually lost MORE games than we have.

Also take a look at the numbers for every previous September, including their cumulative stats and the difference is even more startling.

If the A's Big 3 can not get it together immediately, they may not make the playoffs. Even if they do, it is doubtful they will make it very far into the post-season.

C'mon guys, get it together, IT IS CRUNCH TIME !!