Know Thine Enemy: Athletics Nation
If Braden had any semblance of an offense he'd have a win-loss record that more accurately reflects his abilities. But since, once again, win-loss records are stupid, we have to look at everything else.
In some ways, he's like Nick Blackburn (when Blackburn is successful). He doesn't strike a lot of guys out, but he limits walks, strands an average rate of base runners and throws strikes. His fastball-changeup combination has been his bread and butter, so expect him to continue to continue with those two pitches tactically. The changeup will be thrown in any count to right-handed hitters, while keeping a bit more with the breaking stuff to compliment the fastball versus lefties.
Slowey's gone with his fastball less often this year, and with good reason--he's been more successful when going to his off-speed stuff more often. His one job this game: go longer than five innings. Throw stikes against a lackluster offense, make them put the ball in play and hopefully the defense does their job.