A's Lineup: Moss, Carter platoon continues

SEATTLE -- The A's start the most brutal stretch of their 2012 schedule on Friday in Seattle. Seventeen of Oakland's next 20 games are on the road.

Today's lineups, as announced by managers Bob Melvin and Eric Wedge.
Oakland Athletics (76-60) lineupCoco Crisp, CF
Seth Smith, DH
Josh Reddick, RF
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Brandon Moss, 1B
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
George Kottaras, C
Cliff Pennington, 2B
Instant AnalysisNo player on the A's roster has hit a home run against Felix Hernandez. The last time he faced the A's was July 8, and Oakland won the game 2-1 in extra innings. Brandon Moss and Chris Carter have each done so well offensively that it seems the platoon is back. Since Moss is the left-handed hitter he draws the assignment of facing the right-handed Hernandez. Any little bit helps against the former Cy Young-award winner and author of Major League Baseball's most recent perfect game.
Moss is batting .387 with four homers and 10 RBI in his last nine games. Carter is batting .310 over his last 25 games and has homered four times in his last nine games as well. It seems like no matter who Melvin chooses, he looks smart. Top of the OrderSeth Smith has become one of the A's most important hitters. Since returning from the disabled list he is batting .317 (13 for 41) with 10 runs, four doubles, two homers, and six RBI. Check out the increase in Smith's batting average by month.
(Courtesy: Bloomberg Sports)Heart of the OrderLast week Josh Reddick was given the American League Player of the Week honors. He hit .387 (12-for-31) with three home runs, and 10 RBI. Since then he has slumped a little bit, going 2 for 18 over his last five games. It's hard to be down on a guy that is having such an extraordinary season for the usually offensively challenged A's. Bottom of the OrderCliff Pennington has the best track record against Hernandez. He is hitting .297 (11 for 37) in his career against him. Overall, Pennington is batting .250 since being reinstated from the disabled list. He has made each of his last 10 starts at second base and has looked good in his new role defensively. Stephen Drew is starting to get back into the swing of things after returning from a season-ending ankle injury in June. He is hitting .286 (4 for 14) in September and has started 14 of the A's last 15 games at shortstop. Seattle Mariners (67-71) lineup:Dustin Ackley, 2B
Franklin Gutierrez, CF
Kyle Seager, 3B
John Jaso, C
Michael Saunders, LF
Justin Smoak, 1B
Eric Thames, RF
Luis Antonio Jimenez, DH
Brendan Ryan, SS
Starting PitchersA.J. Griffin (4-0, 2.26 ERA) takes the mound for Oakland. He will be opposed by Mariners' ace "King Felix" Hernandez (13-6, 2.51 ERA).