Ok so I know that I'm a little late on this, but hey, atleast I remembered to do it.
5-19-08
Shields vs Blanton
Shields is one of the young pitching phenoms for the Rays team. He's absolutely lights out at home, but on the road his ERA skyrockets and his records plummet. He's 2-1 in three career starts vs the A's and has a 4.05 ERA. Blanton was the hard-luck loser again when he faced Sabathia and the Indians. Our offense let him down again, despite him scattering 2 runs over 7+ innings. If we can get a good amount of runs on the board early, then this game should be ours.
5-20-08
Kazmir vs Smith
Kazmir was insanely dominant in his last start vs the Yankees, and he's looking to build upon that great performance against the A's. Smith failed to pitch into the 6th inning for just the second time all season. His knack for allowing first-inning runs continues to plague him, however we have only scored one run in his past four starts, so we're not helping our own cause either.
5-21-08
Sonnanstine vs Eveland
Sonnanstine pitched a great game vs the Cards his last time out. He's 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA vs the A's. He has had problems in the past with pitch sequences and when to throw what pitch, so working the count and driving his pitch count up could run him out of the game early. Eveland pitched great in his last start up until the 6th inning, when he allowed 2 runs and ended up getting a no decision. Eveland has been having control issues as of late, and has not won a game since April 25.
Ok well we are currently losing tonite's game 4-3. Blanton is really having to labor through each AB. Game 2 looks to be another great pitcher's duel and could go either way. Game 3...I have no idea. I guess it could go either way, though if our offense can wake up I think we can pull out a series win.