So, the A’s ended up with the toughest draw in the playoffs - they get to face Santana and the Twins. It would have been nice to catch the Tigers now as they reel from being swept by the Royals but something told me the A’s wouldn’t get so lucky. After all, the whole season has been about overcoming some obstacle, right?

Tomorrow morning will see Barry Zito face Johan Santana (probable Cy Young Winner) in a place where the A’s have a tough go of it. The Dome has not been kind to the A’s in recent years. They key will be getting at least a split there and then coming home and taking care of business. This team can do it and they match up well on all counts. They can play with Twins, no doubt.

Many are making something of the A’s run from 2000-2003 where they were ousted in the first round each year. But, I think this team has a deeper purpose and more drive that those teams. It’s not a team who surprised anyone or is just happy to be there. There are players with something to prove - Chavez, Zito. Some who are there for the first time hoping to go deep - Kendall, Kotsay. Others looking to help a team who gave them a chance - Thomas, Bradley.

It’s Thomas who can be the difference. He’s a leader - not a rah rah guy - just a guy with a few words which all take seriously. He’s also carrying the big stick for this team and will likely be up in situations where he can hurt the Twins. And, he’ll have to in order to take the pressure off of Chavez.

Zito has the opportunity to set the tone for this series. If he pitches well and gives the team a chance to beat the Twins, it puts the Twins into a must-win on Wednesday while placing the A’s firmly in the driver’s seat with Loaiza and Harden ready to go.

Good lucks A’s!

Susie, Pam and Gloria

Originally uploaded by Omar G!.

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