Oak, CA -- Mandatory workouts were held today before a three game set against the Yankees commences tomorrow. From all accounts, it was a laid back kind of practice, a few laps around the park and some calistenics. "We just want to be loose and ready to go," Graham told the media.
Graham had previously thought of skipping Hiljus in the rotation and giving it a go with Hudson, Mulder and Fyhrie, however backed down from it earlier than the day. "You never want to throw out one of your worst pitchers for game one of a big series, I guess it all evens out in the end though," Graham said.
The Yankees are coming into the game with a 13-7 record, tops in the American League in wins, however, only a 5-6 road record. The Yanks road record bodes well with the Athletic's, however, something of a concern is the Yankee's ability to absolutely murder lefty starters. New York is 4-0 against lefty starters on the season. With Zito notched for the potential rubber game, he will need to be on top of his game against the Yankee's lineup.
The A's have faired rather the same no matter where they play, home or on the road, however that isnt necessarily a good thing. The Athletic's home record is a shade over .500 at 6-4, and on the road 4-5. The A's have been sputtering a bit as of late, going 4-6 in the last 10 games. In somewhat of a shock, in one run games this year, the Athletic's are 5-1, quite amazing considering how awful their bullpen has looked. One thing Oakland can rely on for success at home is their power. The Oakland power bats in the lineup seem to light up more at home, clocking 12 homers as opposed to their opponets four. Oakland has managed to out slug almost all of their opponets in terms of home run numbers, by a score of 23-13.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Oak, SS: Miguel Tejada (Tejada is hitting .408, with six bombs and 12 ribbies. Tejada is doing consistent damage so far this season, hitting .406 vs lefties and .409 vs righties. No way we see any rest for Tejada anytime soon.)
NYY, CL: Mariano Rivera (Rivera has barely a blemish on his 2002 campaign thus far, with a 1.04 ERA, to go along with four saves, averaging about a strikeout per inning. The only concern we see going forward with Rivera is his rare walk total this year. He has already walked four batters in nine innings, unusual for the sure-handed Rivera. Keep your eyes on him, he will kill you if they throw him out in the eighth inning early.)
NYY, 1B: Jason Giambi (Giambi wil return home for the first time since departing the Bay Area to sign with the Yankee's. Fan's have publicly addressed their anger and disgust for the cowardly move. Giambi is only hitting .270 so far with three homers and 15 ribbies. Expect a chorus of boo's to rain down on the Yankee's first sacker. However, if Giambi busts out of his slump, it could be a long day for Giambi hater's at Network Associates Coliseum.)
If you do plan to attend the game, please make sure you ensure a safe environment, glass bottles being chucked onto the field and coke cans spilling into dugouts will NOT be tolerated. However, you are a paying customer, so feel free to to verbally harrass players.
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