Oakland at Minnesota

The Oakland A's have won the AL West two straight seasons with what appears to be a lesser roster than some of their division counterparts. Oakland's extra inning win last night gives them eight straight triumphs vs. the Twins. Oakland may find the late innings more difficult to navigate this year, as Grant Balfour has departed for Jim Johnson, who blew the save yesterday. Oakland starters have allowed 3 or fewer runs in all eight games this season, and that variance will catch up to them soon, and Minnesota has been swinging the bats rather well. Oakland is just 3-8 in Strailys' last 11 starts to a total of 7 to 8.5, including 0-4 on the road. The Twins break through this afternoon, so play them in this one.