Series Preview: Oakland Athletics vs New York Mets
Jun 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) is caught off of second base as Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie (8) gets him out as the New York Mets take on the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Athletics are finally heading back home after a disastrous road trip in which they dropped 6 out of 7 games. The A’s take on the New York Mets at O.co Coliseum for a quick two game inter-league series on Tuesday and Wednesday. The A’s had a much needed day off on Monday, after 17 consecutive games since the non-waiver trade deadline.
The Athletics are 73-51 (still leading the majors or tied depending on Angels). While the team is 3-7 over the last 10 games, with a 5 game losing streak. The A’s are 40-21 at home. The Mets are 59-66 (second to last depending on today in the NL East). They are 5-5 (include today), and 29-35 on the road (include today).
Inter-League Play
The Athletics are 10-5 in 2014 vs the National League, scoring 77 runs while allowing 55. Meanwhile, the Mets are 8-7 vs the American League. It’s a wash on their runs as they have scored 74 and allowed 75.
Athletics vs Mets
The A’s have already played a two game series vs the Mets this season. The teams split the series 1-1, the A’s had 9 runs total, but allowed 15.
Last match up
The clubs last met on June 24/25 2014. The Athletics were (47-30, 23-15 away) at the time, while the Mets were (36-41, 17-20 home).
June 24: Mets won 10-1
W: Bartolo Colon (8-5)
L: Scott Kazmir (9-3)
The normally dominant Kazmir gave up 7 earned runs and was taken off the mound after only 3 innings. The Athletics only run was produced by a two-out Cespedes RBI. The 4 hits came from Cespedes (twice), Moss, and Crisp.
The next day the Athletics rallied back and split the series.
June 25: Athletics won 8-5
W: Brad Mills (1-0)
L: Zack Wheeler (3-8)
S: Sean Doolittle (11)
The Athletics scored 2 runs in the first inning, another 4 in the second, as well as a single runs in the 4th and 6th. Like the game prior, Cespedes, Moss and Crisp were productive, and all generated runs. Jaso, Reddick and Callaspo also scored runs.
Payroll Comparison
Both teams are in the bottom third in payroll. Of the 30 teams, the Mets rank 22nd and the A’s rank 25th. The A’s are just shy of $83.5 million, with the Mets just above $89 million.
Tuesday Probables
Tuesday night we will likely see Dillon Gee (RHP) of the Mets and Scott Kazmir (LHP) representing the Athletics.
Since August 1st, Gee has thrown 308 pitches, over 3 starts and 18.2 innings. He allowed 12 hits, 7 runs/earned runs. 3 home runs, 10 walks, 13 strike outs. Two no decisions and one loss.
In the same time frame, Kazmir has also pitched 3 games. 19.2 innings pitched, 22 hits, 12 runs/earned runs, 1 home run, 3 walks, 9 strike outs. 282 pitches thrown. Kazmir was 1-2 this month, moving his ERA from 2.37 at the end of July to 2.78 coming into the Mets’ series. 13 hitters from the Mets have faced Kazmir, with an average of .318, .348 OBP, .614 SLG and .961 OPS.
Comparison of Kazmir and Gee’s last outing
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The A’s vs Dillion Gee
Crisp has faced Gee before, and has 1 hit, giving him a .333 AV/OBP/SLG, and .667 OPS. Gomes and Punto have been walked by Gee, and have a 1.000 OBP and OPS. Parrino has had 1 walk and 2 strike outs. .333 OBS & OPS
The Athletics have a .254 BA vs RHP, including 410 RBIs and 85 HRs. Additionally, they have a .331 OBP, .399 SLG and .729 OPS.
Kazmir vs the Mets
Kazmir has pitched 3 innings against the Mets, giving him a 21.00 ERA.
8 hits, 7 runs/earned runs, 1 walk, 4 strike outs. 3.00 WHIP.
Wednesday Probables
Wednesday’s matchup should feature Jeff Samardzija (RHP) vs Zack Wheeler (RHP).
Wheeler has been extremely hot lately, as he has a 2.02 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over the 9 most recent starts. However, he does have a potential weakness. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reported that:
"Terry Collins said the Mets have a “330 rule” with young pitchers — that the pitch total from three consecutive starts should not exceed 330. – August 16, 5:53PM ET"
The A’s vs Zack Wheeler
How does the “330 rule” impact Wheeler’s start vs Oakland? Well, it would mean that the Mets will allow him to only pitch 98 pitches total that day. Considering the A’s scored 6 runs vs Wheeler on their last matchup the A’s could very quickly get his pitch count up. Wheeler has a 27.00 ERA vs the Athletics.
Samardzija vs the Mets
The Shark hasn’t matched up against the Mets, yet. He has pitched 92.0 innings against National League batters, generating a 3.33 ERA. Samardzija is likely to take a major bite out of the Mets. Since his move to Oakland, he is unbeaten at O.Co! Not only is he unbeaten, all five outings have been quality starts. The A’s could potentially wreak havoc on the Mets bullpen if they get off to an aggressive start and knock out Wheeler early. So should the Athletics and their fans be concerned or confident going into the series? Let me know what’s on your mind regarding the series.
Comparison of Samardzija and Wheeler’s last outing
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Prediction
Despite the Athletics struggling throughout August I feel that they can sweep the two game series.
So what do you think?
Any predictions for the A’s vs Mets 2 game series? – Jennifer Trumpp (@jennifertrumpp)
there will be 2 games played – 6FootN8ion (@6FootN8ion)
Series split. 1-1. – Justin Redman (@jnredman)
MINI SWEEP – Owen Watson (@ohwatson)
Should the Athletics and their fans be confident or concerned? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.