Upcoming Series: Mariners vs. Oakland (July 26-29)

The numbers: 6. 3-7. 21. 30. 5. 4.

6 game losing streak.
3 wins in our last 10 games (if you're a math major, thats 7 losses).
21 runs scored.
30 runs allowed.
5 losses in our 6 game losing streak are by 1 run.
4 in a row.

Do I need to say more?

Upcoming Series:

We move onto the Oakland A's at Safeco Field. The best we're going to see from them is Dan Haren, which is about as good as it gets, and we'll see him Thursday (11-3, 2.41 ERA). Chad Gaudin is the 2nd best we're going to see, and that's Saturday. We haven't really scored much lately, and when we do we end up losing it late. We need to put them away fast! We also need to get to the bullpen, seeing as how they aren't the star studded bullpen they have had in the past few years. The A's are 23-26 on the road, and we're 31-18 at home! Numbers say that we'll play well, and hopefully they favor us (can't we please just get a break?).

The Pitching:

They are good. 2nd best team ERA in the AL with a 3.78 team ERA. The team really hasn't had much success in the 9th inning this year, having only 22 saves in 37 opportunities. Their current closer, Huston Street, didn't pitch in June and only pitched once in July! Rusty? I believe so. They don't give up many hits, don't give up extra base hits, and have allowed the fewest long balls in the AL. They are middle of the pack in walks allowed, and have struck out the 2nd least ammount of batters. Fits right into our plan! They have 4 starters with a ERA under 4 also, so they are effective before the bullpen, which is good for them. Just like I said about the Blue Jays, if we get to the bullpen, we can be winning those games. The Toronto games speak for themselves.

The Hitting:

Last in the AL in runs scored. 2nd least ammount of hits. 2nd lowest batting average. I think that even Jeff Weaver (pre- All Star game) could beat them. Middle of the pack in strike outs means they will K. 2nd most walks drawn means they take pitches and work counts. They won't be a threat on the base paths, stealing only 40 bases thus far, which is 2nd least. They have grounded into the most double plays, so we should keep the ball on the dirt. Bottom half of the league in extra base hits; pitching should thrive.

The Individuals:

They don't really have any hot hitters. Travis Buck is the only batter that has worked lately for them. Shannon Stewart is 2nd best for them lately, having 7 hits in his last 20 atbats.
Dan Haren - His last loss was July 6th, to the Mariners. Chad Gaudin has 4 losses in his last 6 decisions.

Keys to the Series:

We need to score runs. The A's do not put up ample runs to put a team to sleep early. We need to get past the starters because their pitching has been outstanding, at least, the starters. The weak bullpen needs to be touched up to make sure they don't get a condifence boost.
On the Mariners side, J.J. Putz needs to clear his mind of his last outing against the Rangers.
Let's hope for the Mariners sake that we can put up runs and keep the rare leads we've been so reluctant to enjoy.