Oh, where to begin on this one? The Big Hurt is on the DL. Esteban Loaiza hit 120 mph on the gun, granted it was a cop's gun and he was inebriated at the time, but at least he finally got his speed up. Who does Loaiza think he is, Jose Canseco? It would be a long way for him to headbutt a pop fly over the outfield wall...then again with a skull as thick as his, it might just work.
Any way, Loaiza was stellar in his last start against Cleveland and he now has a 1-3 record and a 6.39 ERA. The Mariners throw out Jarrod Washburn with a 4-7 record and a 4.28 ERA.
It actually makes a lot of sense to DL Frank Thomas with Interleague play looming. He would only be around for a few pinch hitting appearances any way. Give him the next couple of weeks to get his quad healed. The A's will need him down the stretch. I just hope he doesn't go cold in the process because he's been one of the A's best hitters in June.
The A's send out this lineup to face Washburn:
Scutaro
Swisher
Payton
Chavez
Kielty
Crosby
Kendall
Johnson
Perez
Macha is making some good lineup decisions lately, based on past histories. Scoot has a 1.055 OPS against Washburn and Payton has hit .400 against Washburn in the past. As a group, the A's struggle against Washburn, so let's hope the offense can overcome that past history. Maybe the significantly altered lineup can help.
The Mariners counter with this lineup:
Suzuki
Beltre
Lopez
Ibanez
Sexson
Everett
Johjima
Reed
Betancourt
The Mariners have whacked around Loaiza in the past. They're hitting .378 as a team against the A's pitcher. Carl Everett has tormented Loaiza in the past, having an OPS near 2.000 against Esteban. Interesting that the Mariners wouldn't group Ibanez, Suzuki and Everett together since they've hammered Loaiza in the past. Then again, most of the M's lineup has.
The Loaiza drunk driving charge is very troubling. I mean, if you're that rich and have that much money...get a taxi, hire someone as your permanent designated driver. Just do something, just don't be stupid and threaten the lives of all the innocent people on the road. It's disgusting.
LET'S GO A'S!!!
