LHP Joe Saunders
RHP Jered Weaver
RHP Ervin Santana
RHP Kelvim Escobar
BULLPEN
CL Brian Fuentes
RHP Scot Shields
RHP Jose Arredondo
OAKLAND ATHLETICS (75-86, 3rd)
MANAGER: Bob Geren (3rd season)
PAYROLL: $60 million
X-FACTOR: Kids like Trevor Cahill and LHP Brett Anderson could form the basis of the A's next great Big Three, but how soon?
BEST CASE: Jason Giambi, back for a second run in Oakland, is able to turn back the clock to his MVP days. Veteran SS Orlando Cabrera, under the spell of GM Billy Beane, suddenly develops a patient hitting approach. They bounce back offensively overall after outscoring only the Giants and Nationals in the majors last year.
WORST CASE: A bum shoulder continues Eric Chavez's sad decline. Prospective free agent Matt Holliday is just passing through on his way to a real contender in July. Missing Justin Duchscherer (elbow surgery) for at least the first month or two puts too much pressure on a young starting staff.
LINEUP
CF Ryan Sweeney
SS Orlando Cabrera
DH Jack Cust
LF Matt Holliday
1B Jason Giambi
RHP Jered Weaver
RHP Ervin Santana
RHP Kelvim Escobar
BULLPEN
CL Brian Fuentes
RHP Scot Shields
RHP Jose Arredondo
OAKLAND ATHLETICS (75-86, 3rd)
MANAGER: Bob Geren (3rd season)
PAYROLL: $60 million
X-FACTOR: Kids like Trevor Cahill and LHP Brett Anderson could form the basis of the A's next great Big Three, but how soon?
BEST CASE: Jason Giambi, back for a second run in Oakland, is able to turn back the clock to his MVP days. Veteran SS Orlando Cabrera, under the spell of GM Billy Beane, suddenly develops a patient hitting approach. They bounce back offensively overall after outscoring only the Giants and Nationals in the majors last year.
WORST CASE: A bum shoulder continues Eric Chavez's sad decline. Prospective free agent Matt Holliday is just passing through on his way to a real contender in July. Missing Justin Duchscherer (elbow surgery) for at least the first month or two puts too much pressure on a young starting staff.
LINEUP
CF Ryan Sweeney
SS Orlando Cabrera
DH Jack Cust
LF Matt Holliday
1B Jason Giambi
