Friday, October 01, 2004
The playoffs start now
Actually, they start Tuesday. However: Anaheim (90-69) at Oakland (90-69); tied for 1st in the American League West; final three games of the regular season. First to win two is in the playoffs. The other? Going home.
Everyone knew this would happen. When the schedules came out, experts and fans alike looked squarely at Oct. 1-3. Anaheim at Oakland. Although, given the mediocrity from Oakland this past month, its surprising that we're here. They held a 6 game lead which has since evaporated. It took some bottom-of-the-ninth heroics last night over lowly Seattle for the A's to level with Anaheim for the best two out of three showdown.
The A’s have continued to win year after year, and the Angels significantly improved themselves this winter. Both teams were destined to clash at some point in a very meaningful series.
Well, here it is. Three games, winner takes all. The season series is tied at 8-8. The top three Anahem pitchers – Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar, Jarrod Washburn – will face off with the top three Oakland pitchers – Mark Mulder, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson. Oakland is great at home, Anaheim is great on the road.
Oakland has an edge with pitching, Anaheim with hitting. Oakland’s starters are working on four days’ rest, Anaheim’s on three. However, Oakland’s vaunted “Big Three” have struggled mightily in September:
Mulder – 0-3, 8.10
Zito – 1-2, 4.54
Hudson – 2-2, 6.23
I’m not going to get too excited about this because it’s still Mulder, Zito, and Hudson pitching. They’re still very good and can turn it around right quick. Hopefully homefield and clutch hitting will push Oakland throught to the post season.
|
Everyone knew this would happen. When the schedules came out, experts and fans alike looked squarely at Oct. 1-3. Anaheim at Oakland. Although, given the mediocrity from Oakland this past month, its surprising that we're here. They held a 6 game lead which has since evaporated. It took some bottom-of-the-ninth heroics last night over lowly Seattle for the A's to level with Anaheim for the best two out of three showdown.
The A’s have continued to win year after year, and the Angels significantly improved themselves this winter. Both teams were destined to clash at some point in a very meaningful series.
Well, here it is. Three games, winner takes all. The season series is tied at 8-8. The top three Anahem pitchers – Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar, Jarrod Washburn – will face off with the top three Oakland pitchers – Mark Mulder, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson. Oakland is great at home, Anaheim is great on the road.
Oakland has an edge with pitching, Anaheim with hitting. Oakland’s starters are working on four days’ rest, Anaheim’s on three. However, Oakland’s vaunted “Big Three” have struggled mightily in September:
Mulder – 0-3, 8.10
Zito – 1-2, 4.54
Hudson – 2-2, 6.23
I’m not going to get too excited about this because it’s still Mulder, Zito, and Hudson pitching. They’re still very good and can turn it around right quick. Hopefully homefield and clutch hitting will push Oakland throught to the post season.
Comments:
Post a Comment
