Terron Chapman
Oakland Athletics vs. LAA Angels (MLB) - Apr 29, 2008 10:05 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: 132 Oakland Athletics

The A's caught the Angels flat footed last night returning home to play a division rival after a long road trip. They passed them in the standings in the process and look to hold their spot atop the AL west tonight when they send young Greg Smith to the mound to face Joe Saunders and the Angels in the second game of the series.

Both pitchers have yet to lose this year and their teams haven't lost with them on the mound. The Angels were embarassed last night in a 14-2 loss and look to get back on track tonight but it won't be easy. Smith has been brilliant so far this season with a 2.88 ERA and 1.16 whip. He has won twice on the road this season with wins at Toronto and the White Sox.

This will be the first time the Angels have seen Smith while the same can't be said for Joe Saunders who has lost his last two outings at home against the A's. Now he finds himself with the added pressure of having to perform at the top of his game tonight in response to last night's embarassment. I'm not quite sure if Saunders is ready for that responsiblity yet and could see him struggling some tonight.

The Angels have hit lefties well, but actully find themselves at a disadvantage having not seen Smith yet. The A's are for real and until an adjustment is made we will continue to play them when the setting is right. They are 9-2 their last 11 as a road pup.

Play the Oakland Athletics for 1 unit.

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