San Diego 43% - Brandon Webb has been having problems recently, and resorted to tinkering with his mechanics in his last start, with not very good results. It took him 105 pitches to get through 5 innings, against a so-so lineup, which is unusual for him. Four of his five starts since his struggles began have come on the road, but that is probably incidental; when he dominates it tends to happen equally on the road and at home, and the same is true when he is struggling. He has had second half problems before in his career, and he did have some arm issues reported about a few weeks ago. In general, he comes into this game surrounded by some legitimate question marks.

Woody Williams has been modestly impressive for the last few months, although pitching at Chase will be much more treacherous for him than the parks he has pitched in this year, which have almost exclusively been notably pitcher-friendly. Still, if Webb does struggle, Williams is capable of matching him.

San Diego hits and plays better on the road, and if Webb is unable to control the game, San Diego will have an edge in a close game where leads are likely to be traded back and forth.




Oakland 66% - By now, most people who follow baseball closely are well aware of the myriad problems afflicting Boston recently. While they are still professionals who have pride and will be clawing for respectability as their slide continues, this game does not offer promising circumstances.

Spot starter for Boston Kason Gabbard was not faring well in the minors when he was called up, and the patient Oakland lineup is likely to make things difficult on him here. Oakland draws a lot of walks, and walks are a particular weakness of Gabbard's; at Triple A he walked 26 in 52 innings, including an alarming 11 in 12 innings in his final two starts there. Boston does not have a quality bullpen right now either, so they will be hard-pressed to hold Oakland down throughout the entire game.

Boston will again be without Manny Ramirez and others, and their offense is likely to continue to struggle. The surprising recent success of Esteban Loaiza only adds to the value on the side of Oakland, but a dominant start is not necessary. As long as he does not get crushed, Oakland will enjoy a strong edge overall.