OAKLANDAfter starting rookies in each of the first two games of theirAmerican League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, the As have thebenefit of veteran-by-comparison Brett Anderson starting a must-win Game 3. This series is kind of like a microcosm of our season,Anderson said Monday. Youve got two rookies and a guy thats been hurt 90percent of the season. This team has handled adversity better than any teamIve seen, so you wouldnt expect anything less.Anderson is coming off a right oblique strain sustained in astart on Sept. 19 at Detroit. The As 24-year-old lefty allowed three runs in2.1 innings in that start and is 2-2 with a 3.78 ERA in four appearancesagainst the Tigers.While Jonny Gomes joked that the As Game 3 starter ruins the rookierotation, its clear that Andersons teammates have plenty of faith in him, aslong as hes healthy enough to compete.I dont know how he feels, but he says he feels good, closerGrant Balfour said. He has great stuff. Hes going to go out there and do agreat job for us Im sure.As manager Bob Melvin said he doesnt plan on babysittingAnderson, despite the layoff from the oblique injury coming soon after an evenlonger absence from the game following Tommy John surgery.Not too many limitations, Melvin said. I dont think were going to doanything as far as his pitch count goes. Were just going to see every inninghow he feels and monitor that. Adrenaline kicks in and sometimes you have morein the tank than you normally would after a little bit of time off.
ENTEEN: A's won't change approach heading in to must-win game
Just like in his mid-season debut, Anderson wont get thebenefit of a meaningless game to get his groove back. Anderson made his 2012debut on August 21 and allowed just one run in seven innings as the As were inthe thick of a playoff push. Now, Anderson takes the ball in an eliminationgame against a tough Tigers lineup.So what does Anderson expect from himself?Just continue to do what our starters have done the first two games, Andersonsaid. Theyve given us a chance to win. I like the way that Ive been playing.Were down 0-2. We won three games in a row against the Rangers and I dont seewhy we cant do it again.For the As to shock the baseball world (again) Anderson will have to find away to quiet the bat of Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, who is hitting .375with two doubles this postseason.Ive got to keep guys off base in front of Cabrera,Anderson said. Youve got to go out and execute pitches and get him out justlike everybody else.
RATTO: A's philosophy -- 'Why the hell not?'
Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Monday that he plans to usethe same starting lineup he did Sunday against Tommy Milone, so Anderson knowswho the everybody else is that he will face.
Unfortunately for the As,everybody else has moderate success against him. Including Cabreras 3-for-7history, the Tigers projected Game 3 lineup is 11-for-39 (.282) with threedoubles, five RBI, five walks and six strikeouts against Anderson. ForAnderson, all that matters is the chance to make the first postseason start ofhis career, even if hes not 100 healthy.I feel good and the postseason, who knows when were goingto get back here, Anderson said. Youd like to say youre going to get backhere again. But you have to put the knicks and knacks away and get ready toplay, because everybody has them at this point.Anderson admitted that his velocity hasnt fully returned topre-surgery levels, but hopes he can still help Melvin by staying on theColiseum mound as long as possible.My bullpens have been strong, Anderson said. Its a Catch 22I took sometime off with my oblique, so my arm feels good. Well let the game dictate whathappens, but hopefully Im out there for awhile.
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