It's hard to imagine a better week in the life of an A's fan as the A's destroyed the Blue Jays in a four game set, swept the Giants in the first two of four, and saw 7 of their own invited to come play in Minnesota for All Star festivities, giving them a chance to influence the homefield advantage for the American League. Call this one what you want; a two-game series, a four game series with two games home and two on the "road", but the A's are in San Francisco tonight, looking to finish what they started in Oakland on Monday. The A's are rolling right along, but they certainly are in the wrong division to coast on their previous successes. The Angels won again today, and are relentless in their pursuit of the top spot in the AL; they trail the A's by just 4 games.
Taking the mound for the A's is Jason Hammel in his first green and gold, white shoes start, and the A's will be thrilled if he can pitch even half as well as teammate Samardzija. The A's are throwing the best team out there for him; Cespedes/Moss/Donaldson will anchor the middle of the lineup, while Callaspo handles second base and the hot-hitting "I believe in Stephen Vogt" has moved up to the second spot and playing at first, while Moss patrols the outfield in this "wait, is that a pitcher batting?" league. At least Hammel will feel right at home when he takes his at-bats.
I know I say this in every game thread, but you youngsters should be enjoying this team to the fullest, and if you ever have a chance to go to the games, do it. I was all about the A's in my freedom and youth of my early 20's, and still wish I had treasured them more. And they weren't half as sparkly and exciting and well-known, and talked-about as this one. So do not take this team for granted; teams like this are once in a lifetime.
Here are your lineups:
LET'S GO OAK-LAND!