One thing’s for sure: the A’s are sick and tired of losing in the first round. They’ve got playoff experience and this year, unlike previous seasons, everyone’s counting them out.

The A’s have home field advantage and had the best at-home record in the Majors this season. They have two lefties starting against a Sox lineup that is filled with lefties (Johnny Damon, Ortiz, Todd Walker, Trot Nixon). Nixon will not be 100 percent throughout the series, regardless. Jason Varitek has a career average of under .235 against Oakland. Mueller hits much better against righties than lefties. Nomar has been terrible on the road this season (.286 OBP).

The A’s may not be as talented. They may not have the money. They might not be the “chosen” ones this season.

But maybe that’s why the A’s will finally advance to the second round of the playoffs in 2003.

—Staff writer Alex M. Sherman can be reached at sherman@fas.harvard.edu.