Last we saw of Arlington, Texas, Michael Young's spikes were on a collision course with Jason Kendall's face. Tonight, Barry Zito and the offense (now there's a good name for a band) try to get back on track after a travel day to reflect on the latest in a string of bizarre A's wins scattered throughout this improbable season. Texas counters with Juan Dominguez, 3-3, 3.52, currently on a run of three consecutive quality starts (21.1 IP, 11 hits, 4 ER).
In recent years, I have always felt that the A's match up especially well with Texas. The Rangers have a fearsome lineup, but good pitching beats good hitting and the A's hurlers are up to the task of keeping the Rangers' bats from exploding. Meanwhile, the A's patient approach pays off in spades against a Rangers pitching staff prone to walks and high pitch counts, and lacking in overall depth. Personally, I think Texas presents the most favorable matchup for the A's among the Western division opponents--and quite possibly the entire league.
The starting lineups, which I can actually kind of get behind:
Ellis
Kendall
Kotsay
Chavez
Payton
Hatteberg
Johnson
Swisher
Scutaro
Matthews Jr.
Young
Teixeira
Soriano
Mench
Blalock
Nevin
Barajas
DeRosa
