A's fans have a lot to look forward to this year. After the team's worst season in years, the team is poised to take the weak AL West division this year, based on the improvement of young prospects, the addition of some new ones to the Major League roster, the return of veteran players from injury and the additions of Coco Crisp and Ben Sheets.
It didn't take long for Billy Beane's strategy, as described in Moneyball, to spread throughout the league. No longer can GMs find gems who get on base at a high percentage for almost no money, or pick and choose pitchers who simply had a case of bad luck the year before with as much ease. Now, instead of players like Scott Hatteberg or Jack Cust leading the A's offense, it's speedy players like Rajai Davis. The A's stole more bases last year than they did from 2003-2005 combined. Look for this trend to continue with the addition of speedy center fielder Coco Crisp.
The A's had a rookie pitcher start 116 of their games last year. Look for the rotation to improve as pitchers such as Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill enter their sophomore year. In addition, the A's picked up a pitcher with ace potential in Ben Sheets. If Sheets recovers from his injuries with ease, the A's should be in excellent shape, having picked up a star at bargain prices. In any case, the presence of the veteran Sheets, in addition to the return of veteran Justin Duchscherer from injury, should instill confidence in the team's young staff.
A's fans can also look forward to the debut of first base prospect Chris Carter and outfield prospect Michael Taylor at some point this season.
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The only question I would ask is... what on Earth has Moneyball ever done for the A's?
ReplyDeleteNice article, but I think that division is a bit tougher than most people are giving it credit for.
I don't agree that the AL West is weak, although I do agree that the A's have a potential shot if (IF) all their young talent and injury prone players all come together. It's a slim chance, but definitely possible. (In fact, I went so far as to predict it, haha: http://baseballrevival.blogspot.com/2010/03/3-boldest-predictions-of-2010.html)
ReplyDeleteWell, sure it is possible. I still see them as rebuilding though. Of course, this franchise rebuilds every 2 seasons it seems, hahaha.
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn't get to really post predictions, I do see the division looking more like this:
Angels
Mariners
Rangers
A's
I still think the Angles are the class of that division.
I am torn between Seattle and Texas for 2nd Place, but the Mariners have a very good pitching staff and while Texas has improved, I still think they need a true ACE.
Oakland looks good early, but it would be a lot to ask such a young group to go wire to wire like that.
The Angels have been there time and time again, they have the pitching and the offense to do it. I think it will be tough for anyone to dethrone them as AL West Champs.
I'm not saying it can't be done, because it certainly can, the Angels have flaws too, but it will be tough.