The Oakland Athletics open up a four-game series tonight with the Texas Rangers in a last gasp effort at revitalizing their razor-thin playoff chances. The A's dropped a crucial matchup with the White Sox yesterday, which combined with a Rangers victory dropped the A's to eight games out of first place with 11 games to go. Although most have left the A's for dead, a sweep of the Rangers would leave the A's four games out with seven remaining. The team's playoff chances hinge on an epic collapse by the Rangers coupled with more or less winning out for the A's. I'm not holding my breath, but that doesn't meant I can't invoke the "We Believe!" mantra of the Golden State Warriors.
The A's have the pitching to win this series even when you factor in the aged rookie Bobby Cramer, who has won his first two major league starts. Although Brett Anderson won't take the hill, the A's rotation has been strong top to bottom this season. The question is whether their offense will provide sufficient support. The offense has really been the Achilles' heel of this team for much of the season. Even with expanded rosters the day in and day out lineup has been less than spectacular.
Although the A's likely won't make the playoffs this year (gotta love that .1% chance!), they are building strong momentum towards 2011. If they can further develop their offense, they should be in prime position to challenge for the AL West title.
Current Series
4 game series vs Rangers @ Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
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Texas Rangers Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, 7:05 PM PDT Cliff Lee vs Dallas Braden Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75.
Complete Coverage > |
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| Fri 09/24 - Tommy Hunter vs Bobby Cramer | 7:05 PM PDT | |
| Sat 09/25 - Derek Holland vs Gio Gonzalez | 1:05 PM PDT | |
| Sun 09/26 - Colby Lewis vs Trevor Cahill | 1:05 PM PDT | |
