It's unfortunate that both the A's and Giants have played themselves out of the playoff race. Not because both teams began last season at torrid paces, then cooled off, then snuck into the playoffs. Not because the Giants won't be a validated as a dynasty until they make the tournament in an odd year.
No, the real reason I'd like to see this game mean something is for the comedy in today's pitching matchup.
Barry Zito ($5,100) versus Tim Hudson ($5,500)
In 2002, the Oakland Athletics won 103 games.