Canha, A's retooled lineup showing promise early

OAKLAND -- It's hard to make sense of these A's just yet. This, we do know: Every other day, they're scoring runs at an astounding pace.

In thumping the Mariners, 12-0, in Friday's three-game series opener to improve to 3-2, the A's have outscored opponents, 30-0, in victories on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In Tuesday and Thursday losses, they plated a combined two runs.

"I don't know what to make of these three games, to tell you the truth, but we're seeing some good things," said A's manager Bob Melvin. "Albeit it's been every other day to this point, but for a team that has a lot of guys that haven't played together very long, we're seeing a lot of good things."

Among them: Mark Canha, a Rule 5 Draft pick the A's quietly snagged in a trade with the Rockies this winter. The rookie enjoyed a three-hit night Friday, along the way belting his first big league home run, a two-run shot off right-hander Taijuan Walker. Canha finished with two RBIs, giving him six RBIs and seven hits in his first three games -- both tied for most by any A's player since at least 1920.

Video: SEA@OAK: Canha hits his first Major League homer

"He's the best hitter ever, isn't he?" said starter Drew Pomeranz, smiling. "He's hitting everything. He's probably the guy no one wants to face right now in the big leagues because he hits everything they throw up there. Even when he gets out, he hits hard outs. too."

"It's been unbelievable for a number of reasons," Melvin said. "One, he's never played in the big leagues before. And a Rule 5 guy that has to work his way on to the team. His first few games here, pretty special for him. He's earned his time, no doubt. He's swinging the bat great for us."

Canha downplayed his success after the game, referring to small sample sizes.

"It's three games. It's a long season," he said. "I'm just going to come to the park each day and try to prepare the same way and try to replicate swings. It all starts with preparation, and I feel like the better prepared I am, the more confident I am when I get in there."

Canha was one of three A's players to tally three hits in the 16-hit affair, joining Sam Fuld and Ike Davis. As a team, the Mariners mustered three total.

Video: SEA@OAK: Davis talks about his four-RBI night

"We've got some hitters on this team, a lot of scrappers on this team," Davis said. "What Canha's doing, it's very impressive. I'm happy for him."

"It's been fun," Canha said. "A lot of lopsided games. [Billy] Butler was joking in the dugout today that, one of these days, we're going to have to win a close one. For whatever reason, that's just how it's been. Unusual."