Not soon after it had been reported that his return was imminent, the A's were dealt a significant blow when it was announced today that Erubiel Durazo is finished for the season. He will be having season ending Tommy John surgery and isn't expected to return to the field before next year's All Star Break.

Durazo's contract expires at the end of this season, but I think he has a better chance of being re-signed than Dotel. Where the A's knew they were taking a risk on Dotel, who was an accomplished setup guy, but wholly unproven as a closer. He made for too many nail-biting moments when he stepped to the mound, the last thing you want when the game is on the line.

Durazo, on the other hand, has exhibited his skill as a big RBI guy who you'd always want at the plate in a clutch situation. When he was healthy, he easily helped to shoulder the burden of carrying the entire team -- a job currently shared by Chavez, Kotsay and (very quietly) Swisher. He was Beane's much sought after "Holy Grail" and now that he has him, I'm not quite so sure he would be willing to let him become a free agent so easily. Only time will tell...