Monday's A's/Rays matchup pits Blackburn vs. Patino. Blackburn has been a part-time starter with an unheralded career and a high ERA. He has not broken any records this spring. The A's sold the farm and are in fulltime rebuild mode, so any game against the Rays is a bit of a mismatch. If the A's are going to beat the Rays, it won't likely be with Blackburn starting.

The Rays are off to a good start to no-one's surprise, due in no small part to their bevy of young tough pitchers. Patino is another promising righty who showed well last year. In limited action, he has performed well this spring.

The A's are likely still in shock mode with all of the recent changes. Look for the home-town Rays to wear them out on Monday. Take the Rays - 1 1/2.