Welcome back to me! What in the world have you all done to my baseball team? I left the A's under .500, and they were also Chris Carter-less. Now I come back, and they have passed Miss .500, and playing like they never lose! (Well, except for last night, which was pretty horrific, and probably a clear indication that I should head straight back to Europe.)

I'd like to see some more good A's baseball, so here's to hoping that the A's would like to split the series with the Rangers this afternoon before welcoming in the New York Yankees; a series which I hope will be fun. And for the first time in almost a month, I'll be able to watch all of it.

Travis Blackley, who missed his last start due to tightness in his back, will take on Colby Lewis. Blackley actually beat the Rangers in his last start on July 1st. Coco Crisp is back leading off today and Derek Norris will be catching; let's hope that sets the table for a win.

Here are your lineups:

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!