Oakland is a dead team. The psyche of the team has to be affected with the realization that management has decided to throw in the towel and play for next year. That was made evident when Scott Kazmir was dealt to Houston earlier this week.



The A's have lost three in a row, averaging only two runs per game during this span. They are at low ebb, while the Giants are 10-1 during their past 11 games, clicking on all cylinders.



San Francisco owns edges on offense and in the bullpen. The starting pitching matchup is more even pitting Kendall Graveman against Tim Hudson. Neither is in good form.



Hudson may be at the end of the line. This is his second start, though, since returning from a shoulder strain. He should pitch better than he did in his first outing back this past Monday, a 4-2 road loss to San Diego. Following that game Hudson was quoted as saying, "Once I get (on) the mound more, my fastball command will definitely come."



Graveman has turned cold with an 8.18 ERA in his last two starts.