After dropping the first game of this four-game set, the A's come in today really needing a win tonight. Oakland RHP Vin Mazzaro (1-0, 6.08 ERA) hasn't quite been able to turn his high prospect status into Major League success, but he'll need to figure out something quickly, as he faces RHP Jered Weaver (5-2, 2.74 ERA). Mazzaro started his Major League career last season with four quality starts in a row, including an 18-inning career-opening scoreless streak. Unfortunately, he hasn't achieved a quality start since then, a span of fourteen starts. Maybe number fifteen is the trick.
The A's have had problems facing left-handed pitchers in the past, so it's somewhat of a relief that tonight's opposing starter is right-handed. The lineup is the usual Oakland lineup with one exception--Eric Patterson is leading off. With usual leadoff man Rajai Davis out for a few days with a strained hamstring, I suppose manager Bob Geren really wants Patterson's speed at the top. Um, thanks, Bob. We really appreciate it.
First pitch is at 7:05. Depending on the outcome of the Seattle-Texas game, the A's could walk away tonight tied with Texas a half-game away from Anaheim, or they could be 2.5 games out of first.
We need this.
Roster Update: RHP Henry Rodriguez was optioned down to AAA Sacramento, and OF Matt Carson was recalled.
