The Athletics Ideal Lineup for the Wild Card Game

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin (6) celebrates with first baseman Brandon Moss (37) and third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) following their teams 4-0 win over the Texas Rangers a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Athletics clinched a wildcard playoff spot with the win. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

As the A’s go into the biggest game of their season, Bob Melvin is faced with the same task that he has dealt with all year—setting the lineup. He’s done it 162 times, but the 163rd will be by far the most important.

With Jon Lester on the hill for the A’s, one run may be the difference in this game. The key is figuring out how the A’s will manufacture that run (something that they’ve struggled to do for two months), especially considering the fact that they are facing Kansas City’s ace James Shields.