truebluefan

The formula worked perfectly for the A's in the Division Series, so they'll follow it again in the American League Championship Series.

Barry Zito will start Game 1 on Tuesday evening at the Coliseum, Esteban Loaiza will start Game 2 and, it strongly appears, Dan Haren will start Game 3. Each of the three picked up wins against the Twins, and no one's spot in the rotation will be interrupted.

The odd man out is Rich Harden. He missed 31/2 months with a sprained elbow ligament and dedicated himself to being ready for the postseason. But the A's sweep of the Twins cost him a start last round, and now the right-hander looks as if he's at the back of the line. Oakland has not officially announced starters for Games 3 and 4, but indications from several team sources were that Harden would go in Game 4.

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