Oakland Athletics 2010 Primer

Is Moneyball dead? If you looked at the A's on-field results over the last few years, it would be easy to get that impression. Oakland has floundered at or near the bottom of the AL West for the last three seasons, a precipitous fall from where they were at the start of the 2006 ALCS -- four wins away from the World Series and in the midst of one of the most successful runs in franchise history.

From 1999-2006, the A's had a winning record every season, twice won more than 100 games, won the AL West four times and made five playoff appearances. Billy Beane detractors love to point out that, despite his apparent genius in Michael Lewis' memorable tome, his teams have won only one playoff series. They have even more fodder for criticism after the last couple of seasons.

Of course, the legacy of Moneyball is merely a side story in the Bay Area. The A's still have a young roster, but there is actual experience up and down it. They are also-rans in the deep AL West, but also capable of throwing a wrench into the plans of their divisional rivals. Who knows? Maybe Beane's dormant club can rise again.

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Coming and Going

In: Ben Sheets, RHP (free agency); Jake Fox, IF (trade); Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B (trade); Adam Rosales, IF (trade); Gabe Gross, OF (free agency); Jason Jennings, RHP (free agency); Dallas McPherson, IF (free agency)
Out: Adam Kennedy, IF (free agency); Bobby Crosby, IF (free agency); Scott Hairston, OF (trade); Nomar Garciaparra, IF (free agency); Aaron Cunningham, OF (trade); Santiago Casilla, RHP (free agency);

Around the Horn

Ben Awhile ...
Oakland surprised a lot of people when it signed Ben Sheets to a one-year, $10 million deal this winter after he spent all of 2009 on the sidelines. For a small-market team that is building, that represents a significant short-term risk. If Sheets returns to his '08 form, the A's will have the veteran anchor they need at the top of a young pitching staff. If not, it could be a disaster.

What About Brett? ...
Sheets isn't the only potential ace on the A's. Brett Anderson made 30 starts as a 21-year-old last season, going 11-11 with a 4.06 ERA. Those steady numbers mask a sterling finish. Over his final 101 innings in '09, Anderson, he went 7-4 with a 3.03 ERA. He's got the polish and poise to avoid a sophomore slump and hit the next level.

Once You Pop ...
The A's have an emerging rotation that could be the deepest in the division by year's end, but the offense is a huge question mark. Oakland ranked ninth in the league in runs scored last year and was dead last in slugging. To make matters worse, it won't have Matt Holliday around for a half season. Getting runners from first base to home could be a real challenge.

First Question ...
Daric Barton is the incumbent first baseman, but he hit .269 in 54 games in the majors last year. Also in the mix are Jake Fox, Jack Cust and Eric Chavez. That's not an impressive quartet, though Barton at least has some upside. Getting production there could be key to boosting the sagging offense. If none of these four are up to the task, prospect Chris Carter, a pure masher, could get a look before season's end.

Projected Opening Day Roster




2010 Outlook

The A's are actually in a nice spot. Most people aren't expecting much from them in the way of playoff contention this year, but there is enough talent around for the team to cause trouble in the AL West. Oakland is probably building toward a real run at the playoffs in 2011, but it is good enough to be a fringe factor in the race this year.