Game Thread #16: A's at Dodgers

Two of the Cactus League best go head to head today at the Dodger's Camelback Ranch Stadium. Yes, it's sure to be an afternoon filled with riveting tension, as the A's try to make up ground on the spring training second place Dodgers.

Nope, it's still spring training. If you were unsure, Billy Burns holds a .441 batting average and leads all of MLB is runs and hits. While A's fans can dream of bright days ahead for the leadoff prospect, the big news today involved opening day. Sonny Gray was officially announced as the A's opening day starter in move sure to send shockwaves through the East Bay fan-base. Though not direct quote, Gray was heard to utter, "yea duh."

Kendall Graveman goes against Zack Greinke today. Graveman's been excellent so far, with no earned runs allowed and a 2-0 record. Greinke has not been sharp, with a 9.00 spring ERA, but Dodger insiders confirm he is still under consideration for the starting rotation.

This is the first of two meetings between the A's and Dodgers this spring. A familiar face, Chad Gaudin is scheduled to pitch for the Dodgers, while for the A's it will be Graveman followed by a scheduled mix of Cook, O'Flaherty, Otero, Venditte, Verdugo, and Whelan.

Today's game will be televised on the MLB Network tonight at 6:00pm. The A's will be back home tomorrow to face the San Diego Padres, with Scott Kazmir scheduled to start against Odrisamer Despaigne.