The Toronto Blue Jays (48-56) will attempt to keep their sinking season afloat with the beginning of a three-game series in Oakland against one of the American League's best teams, the Oakland Athletics (62-43), tonight at 10:05 p.m. The game can be live streamed here; Blue Jays backers can hear the game on SN590, while A's fans can tune in on 95.7 FM The Game.
The A's have a six-game lead on the Texas Rangers in the AL West, with a roster that has been constructed in a fashion almost 100 percent contrary to Toronto's.
The Blue Jays made big trades, assembling a roster full of stars, while Oakland's approach has been based on depth, as well as taking chances on the young arms in their minor league system.
Tonight's starter for Oakland, A.J. Griffin (9-7, 3.84) has a lower profile than several of the Blue Jays starters, but has outperformed everyone in Toronto's rotation over the course of the season.
The team mentality is infectious, and helps in games like on Sunday when the A's recovered from a five-run hole against the Angels. "That's just Oakland A's baseball," said catcher Derek Norris. "You know there's going to be a time when both (hitting and pitching) are going to click, and that's going to be scary for teams when they come in to face Oakland."
Their depth has been crucial in pulling out games in every way possible, something manager Bob Melvin has acknowledged. "We've had some guys struggling, and then someone else shows up ... and then someone else shows up," manager Bob Melvin said. "We still have some guys struggling, but we manage to either get just enough or keep adding on like (Sunday)."
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have many flashy names but few who are living up to their billing. Their starter tonight, Esmil Rogers (3-4, 3.74 ERA) is far from flashy though, and the Jays are hoping he can get the ball rolling on a lengthy streak.
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