The A's and Esteban Loaiza with an 0-2 record and an 11.42 ERA take on the Tigers and Justin Verlander with a 1-1 record and a 6.52 ERA.
I wouldn't call this start a make-it-or-break-it start for Loaiza, but his performance could lead the A's front office to deduce that he does in fact need to have a stay on the DL.
The Tigers suddenly become a formidible team for the A's with the addition of A's-killer Kenny Rogers. It's important to try and get this game tonight since Rogers and Bonderman await in the next two games.
In honor of thousands of rock stations across the USA, I present the A's lineup, otherwise known as Mandatory Melhuse (Metallica fans unite) whenever Loaiza pitches.
Ellis
Kotsay
Crosby
Chavez
Thomas
Bradley
Swisher
Payton
Melhuse
OK, I know the A's love Payton, but can we please get DJ back in the lineup? How is he ever going to get his confidence and swing back if he's sitting?
The Tigers counter with this lineup:
Granderson
Polanco
Rodriguez
Ordonez
Thames
Shelton
Guillen
Monroe
Inge
Babe Shelton is hitting sixth. Hmmmmm...
LET'S GO A'S!!!!!!!
