On the heels of Chad Billingsley's debut--one that left me...um, stoked--the Dodgers hoof it up north to take on the flaming hot A's, who have won 7 in a row. While Zito seems to outclass Tomko, the Lefty offers the Dodgers a chance to bat Saenz fifth, rest Drew, and put Cruz in right while batting right handed. It makes one wonder if a Cruz/Ethier platoon might materialize in left down the line. Of course there's always Kemp.
Despite going 4-6 in their last ten, the boys remain in first place, thanks to a 1-9 flame-out by the Diamondbacks over the same span. But just 2 games separate the top from the bottom in the NL West. Both teams are fighting to preserve slim divisional leads tonight.
Go Blue.
The Pitching Match-up:
Brett Tomko (RHP. Dodgers) vs. Barry Zito (LHP, Athletics)
For your (36-30) Los Angeles Dodgers:
Furcal, SS
Lofton, CF
Garciaparra, 1B
Kent, 2B
Saenz, DH
Kemp, LF
Cruz, RF
Martin, C
Martinez, 3B
For the (35-31) Oakland A's:
Kendall, C
Swisher, LF
Kotsay, CF
Chavez, 3B
Crosby, SS
Johnson, 1B
Payton, RF
Kielty, DH
Scutaro, 2B