The Oakland Athletics host the Cleveland Indians at 12:05pm today in a game that features the A’s debut of outfielder David DeJesus. The A’s acquired DeJesus from the Royals this past offseason in exchange for pitchers Vin Mazzaro and Justin Marks. DeJesus has been dealing with an illness and is finally healthy enough to enter the lineup.
DeJesus is expected to bring some additional punch to an Oakland lineup that struggled mightily in 2010 to produce runs on a consistent basis. Hideki Matsui was the bigger name acquisition and will bring greater press. However, DeJesus could be just as pivotal to the A’s lineup in 2011. If DeJesus can remain healthy he could be a doubles machine, which can be just as valuable as a home run hitter on a consistent basis.
The A’s will send starting pitcher Bobby Cramer out to make the start. Today will be a big day for the fifth starter battle as Cramer, Tyson Ross, and Josh Outman are expected to make appearances today.
The A’s will send out the following lineup:
1. Mark Ellis 2B
2. Kurt Suzuki C
3. David DeJesus RF
4. Hideki Matsui DH
5. Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B
6. Chris Carter 1B
7. Michael Taylor LF
8. Jai Miller CF
9. Steve Tolleson SS