Geren still defending strategy against Cubs

(06-19) 04:00 PDT ST. LOUIS -- One day after the A's fumbled away a game in Chicago, manager Bob Geren spoke more Friday about his moves in the final innings.

As to why he didn't execute a double-switch when closer Andrew Bailey entered in the eighth, Geren said, "I liked the defense I had."

But by not double-switching, Geren was forced to pinch hit for Bailey, who was the first scheduled batter in the ninth. In the bottom of the inning, Geren went to reliever Jerry Blevins, who gave up a run and took the loss.

Whispers were heard from several members of the team's traveling party, in and out of uniform, who wondered why Geren didn't double-switch. Options could have included putting Ryan Sweeney in right field in place of Jack Cust or Adam Rosales at third base in place of Kevin Kouzmanoff. That way, Sweeney or Rosales could have led off the ninth, with Bailey remaining in the game.

On Friday, Geren said Bailey would have hit for himself and pitched the ninth had he protected a 2-1 lead in the eighth (he entered with one out and the bases full and gave up a sacrifice fly).

Also, Geren backtracked on comments he made Thursday about limiting Bailey's outings to one inning. Bailey said that's exactly what Geren had told him last weekend in San Francisco. But on Friday, Geren said, I'll try to use him as much as I can for one inning, and if he's well-rested, I'll use him more than one inning. It's nothing out of the ordinary at all."

Braden's elbow: Dallas Braden said his left elbow tendinitis is a "problem," and he doesn't plan to make his normal between-starts throwing session. He did say he fully expects to make his next start, Tuesday against the Reds.

He said he threw no breaking balls Thursday other than one slider, because of the elbow tenderness. He was pulled after 83 pitches, having surrendered one run in six innings.

This article appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle