SCOUTING REPORT: For years, the A's have been losing players and winning games.
This past offseason, they lost four of their best, shortstop Miguel Tejada, catcher Ramon Hernandez, outfielder Terrence Long and closer Keith Foulke, but still are considered a contender in the AL West for three big reasons: starters Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito. (The Rays get a break in seeing only Hudson this weekend.)
Having a lineup packed with offense and a resourceful general manager, Billy Beane, doesn't hurt, either.
After a 6-2 start, the A's hit a rough spot, going into Thursday night's game at New York having lost five straight and seven of nine. Their 10-11 record marked the first time they'd been under .500 since June 6, 2002.
The problem has been a lack of offense, which should make for some interesting games against the Rays, who have been similarly afflicted. Their biggest disappointment has been third baseman Eric Chavez, who, after signing a six-year contract extension, was hitting .231 with 10 RBIs through 21 games. Rookie shortstop Bobby Crosby, who replaced Tejada, and Erubiel Durazo are also struggling.
Second baseman Marco Scutaro has been a pleasant surprise filling in for injured Mark Ellis, and outfielder Jermaine Dye has come back strong.
CONNECTIONS: Hudson has an offseason home in Apollo Beach. ... Reliever Jim Mecir was an original Devil Ray and an Eckerd College product. ... Rays reliever John Halama spent last season with the A's.
SEASON SERIES: The Rays are 15-42 overall against Oakland, their worst record against any AL opponent, and 9-18 at Tropicana Field but have lost 16 of the past 21 there.
