The Oakland A’s are making a determined bid for a playoff position with all the speed of a jet plane, and with the same purpose — get there!

Should Oakland get into the playoffs they will be very difficult to get by.

Games for Aug. 10-12.

Giants at Cubs: The Giants go on the road where they are five games under .500. The road can be a problem for San Francisco. The Cubs aren’t going away soon, or maybe at all. Key series. Cubs will send Jon Lieber, Kerry Wood and Julian Tavarez in hopes of winning two of three.

Rockies at Reds: The Reds have been on a roll of late. Rockies are their same old dismal self. Going with the Reds, Jose Acevedo and Chris Reitsma for a couple of wins.

Astros at Marlins: The Astros, a decent road team, face the Marlins, who are a great home team. Florida’s chances are slipping away in a hurry, but in this spot will be a dangerous opponent. Going with Brad Penny and Ryan Dempster to keep Florida’s playoff hopes alive.

Padres at Pirates: Both teams are out of contention. Question is which one will give their all the rest of the season. Young Padres with Brian Tollberg and Brian Lawrence will take two.

Cardinals at Mets: Two disappointments in baseball go at each other. Fireworks predicted here. Mets pitchers Glendon Rusch and Kevin Appier ready to take a couple of wins.

Diamondbacks at Braves:  Another duo in a battle for first place and playoff spots here. Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine will see service in this series against probably Curt Schilling and Miguel Batista. Going with Glavine and Maddux.

Tigers at Royals: A series without playoff possibilities by both teams. Will have some hitting here. Going with the ”˜over.’ Will double-up should Steve Sparks (Detroit) and Kris Wilson (KC) hook up.

Red Sox at Orioles: Sox chances of gaining ground in playoff and division races improve with this series. Young Orioles will give it their all. However, they are no match for David Cone, and possibly Pedro Martinez.

Twins at Devil Rays: The Twins’ choppy play could work in Tampa Bay’s favor. Minnesota’s strong pitching should come to the front here. However, going against Brad Radke (injured) should he take the hill. Going with Twins starters Joe Mays and Eric Milton.

Indians at Rangers: The Rangers are half out of their coma. The Indians not too sharp of late. Key series for Cleveland with 52 games left. Time could be fleeting. ”˜Over’ is the play, no matter the hurlers.

White Sox at Mariners:  Can anyone stop the Mariners? Any hope of stopping Seattle will have to wait for the playoffs. White Sox hopes are diminishing. No luck here for Chicago. Mariners take two and maybe three. Going with Freddy Garcia, Aaron Sele. Only chance Sox have is against Jamie Moyer.

Blue Jays at Angels: The Jays are out of it, but could play the role of spoilers against Anaheim. The Angels have slim hopes of making the playoffs. Very slim. Going against Toronto pitchrs Esteban Loaiza and Brandon Lyons.

Yankees at A’s: This could be a preview of things to come in October. Wouldn’t want to play Oakland at this stage of the season. Going against Roger Clemens and Todd Lilly. Will side with Andy Pettitte for the lone Yankee victory.