A's host White Sox in Best-of-Three Wildcard

LISTEN AT 11:10am on KPAYSPORTS 1290AM (CHICO)

 

     For the sixth time in the last nine years the Oakland A's are in Major League Baseball's postseason. But, unlike recent visits the A's will get a mulligan should they stumble in their first game. The A's and their loyal fan base have been tormented by excruciating exits in one-game playoffs in 2015, 2018 and 2019. This time they not only get a game to play with, but also will be hosting their first round series versus the upstart White Sox.

 

     A's manager Bob Melvin has tapped lefty-phenom Jesus Luzardo as his opening game starter, Chris Bassitt will get the ball in game two.

 

     One concern the A's have coming into this series is their suddenly slumbering offense. They have cooled off of late and even with their consistent starting rotation and exemplary bullpen they will have to score runs to make a deep run in October.

 

     The White Sox are a big surprise, but should we really be awe-struck with a franchise that sold off their pricey assets for young prospects. Those youngsters propelled the White Sox to an exciting 60 game run. Led by their elder statesman in first baseman Jose Abreu the Chisox made a run at the AL Central title. Luis Robert and Eloy Ramirez are young power bats in the middle of the Chicago line-up. On the mound Lucas Giolito has come into his own and leads a staff looking to pull an upset of the A's in the three-game wildcard round.

 

     Many experts saw the White Sox being a contender, but to say they would be a serious threat for an AL Pennant ? Not many saw that.

 

     This should be an entertaining series and if the A's advance from the three-game gauntlet their depth in the bullpen could prove to be a huge advantage in this month-long postseason where there are no days off between games. This is the year depth could lead to the hardware.