Game Thread #11: Oakland Athletics vs. Kansas City Royals

Good evening and welcome to our second Friday night drinking thread of the season! Tonight's game kicks off with caramel apple martinis; an ounce of Buttershots, an ounce of vodka, and an ounce of Green Apple Pucker. Mix and pour over a glass lined with caramel sauce and garnish with green apple slices. That should help with the next three hours; when the A's play the (sigh) defending champions, the Royals. I think enough ink has been spilled about this team and its fans, so let's just cut right to the chase, mmmkay?

Billy Burns is not starting tonight and I can't hate that move any more. I get the A's think that Coco Crisp is back, and a starter, and should play every day, and such and so forth, but I just can't see taking Burns out of the lineup. He's your weapon, he's your leadoff hitter, he's the guy that needs the at-bats, the chances, the experience, and should be starting. But what do I know? So Coco Crisp is leading off and playing center and Billy Burns is on the bench. I already love this week so much. I had to watch the A's "play" the Angels all week, only receiving the Los Angeles broadcast, mind you, and now we have to see the Royals, and already I disagree with the lineup right out of the gate. It could be a long night.

Rich Hill will be making his third start of the season; he pitched very well his last time out, winning Saturday's game against the Mariners. He will be facing off against Edinson Volquez and the Royals' lineup tonight.

Here are the rest of your lineups:

Here's your rally baby:

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!