The Angels are 6-4 against the A's this year, but lost the last 4 game series in Oakland. Both of these teams have spent time in the cellar this season, a place they currently share. As the 80s film once said: "There can be only one." Both of these teams made some moves at the trade deadline, with the A's snagging 3 prospects from the Dodgers who are now their #3, #11, and #16 top prospects.
The A's are coming off a 12-14 month while the Angels went 15-11 during the month of July. The A's were also just swept by the Indians in 3 games.
Biggest question(s): Who remains the cellar dweller?
Matt Shoemaker vs. Sean Manaea Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016 @ 7:05PM
Shoey and Weaver are now the last men (starters) standing from the start of 2016
Shoemaker is coming off a rough start where he gave up 5 runs in 6 innings. It was his second 5 run game in the month of July. But since early May, Shoemaker has lowered his ERA from around 9 to his current 4.17. He's faced the A's twice this year and in 12 innings has only given up 1 earned run.
24-year-old rookie Sean Manea has not yet faced the Angels. In 15 starts this year he has a 4.57 ERA and a 3-5 record. In his last 4 starts, he has given up 3 or less runs (zero in two of them). Also in those games, he has not walked a single batter.
VERDICT: Angels will probably kick off the series with a win, but Manaea has been tough as of late.
Jered Weaver vs. Kendell Graveman Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 @ 7:05PM
Feel the Weave. Believe in the Weaver. I don't know, just win.
Jered Weaver v. Oakland Athletics (2015-2016)
G
IP
H
HR
K
BAA
ERA
5
32.1
31
3
13
.250
4.21
Kendell Gravemen v. Anaheim Angels (2015-2016)
G
IP
H
HR
K
BAA
ERA
5
30.2
27
2
17
.237
2.09
Players/Stats to watch:
Marcus Semien v. Jered Weaver (last 5 years)
AB
H
RBI
HR
BA
14
6
0
0
.429
Stephen Vogt v. Jered Weaver (last 5 years)
AB
H
RBI
HR
BA
28
9
4
2
.321
Albert Pujols v. Kendell Graveman (last 5 years)
AB
H
RBI
HR
BA
13
5
2
1
.385
Jered Weaver threw 5.2 innings of 1 run ball in his last start before being pulled by Scioscia and prompting dropping eff bombs all over the field. In 3 of his last 4 starts he's only given up 1 run and had a 3.65 ERA in July. Weaver threw a complete game shutout against the A's on June 19th, then followed it up with a 4.2 innings loss the following week. His fastball has been sitting in the 82-84 MPH range all season, but he has touched 86-87 from time to time.
Graveman pitched back to back games against the Angels in June, both of which the A's won. Graveman gave up just 3 earned runs through 13.2 innings and only allowed 1 walk. Over the month of July, Graveman never allowed more than 3 runs in a game and he had a 2.67 ERA. He also threw a complete game against the Rays on July 23rd.
VERDICT: Really depends on which version of Weaver shows up. Graveman has also been tough to beat this year, so the A's probably have the edge here.
Ricky Nolasco vs. Jesse Hahn Thursday, August 4th, 2016 @ 4:05PM
Nolasco makes his Halo debut.
Ricky Nolasco v. Athletics Current Roster (Career)
AB
H
HR
BB%
K%
BAA
FIP
52
16
2
8.2
16.4
.308
4.95
Jesse Hahn v. Angels Current Roster (Career)
AB
H
HR
BB%
K%
BAA
FIP
27
7
1
15.6
9.4
.259
6.75
Players/Stats to watch:
Ricky Nolasco is making his Angel's debut so fans will soon be able to judge Billy Eppler's trading skills based on this one start. Nolasco has never been a dominate starter, but he can eat innings. In 14 of his 21 starts he has pitched 6+ innings. His last time on the mound against the White Sox he pitched a strong 8 innings while allowing just 3 hits and 1 run.
Jesse Hahn will be re-called from AAA to take the spot of new Dodger Rich Hill. He's started 8 games this year and has a 5.53 ERA. Hahn's last start was his best of the year with 7.2 IP and only 1 run allowed on 4 hits.
VERDICT: Which way is the win blowing?
OVERALL VERDICT: Angels may win the series, but these are two of the worst teams in the AL so it could go either way.