Continuing with what will be a 30 part series in which I preview all 28 MLB teams as well as the Royals and the Nationals, next up is the Oakland Athletics. Or, if you prefer how I like to think of them, "the team we should have kept." The A's of recent years past have been very good, making the playoffs 5 times in the last 7 years. Billy Beane, their Moneyballing GM, has done a very good job working with a payroll that consistently fits into the bottom third of the league, and he has his excellent drafting and farm system to thank.
That being said, I don't see the A's making the playoffs this year. Jason Kendall is their leadoff hitter for fucks sake. He's a catcher! Who has one more major league home run than I do in his last 349 games! Okay, he hits for average, and isn't the worst leadoff hitter around, but still.
The X factor determining whether or not the A's make the playoffs will be the pitching staff. It's good, it's young, and it's brittle. At least Rich Harden is, anyway. Yes, his name is Richard Harden. Who's his dad, Ron Jeremy? Can we just force him to go by Dick Harden? Please? Pretty please? Oh how I would enjoy that. Anyway, he's a great pitcher, but he has missed significant time the past two seasons. If he makes 30 starts, watch out. Also, I think Piazza thrives as a DH. The man can hit. Still, it wont be enough to top the Angels, and there's no way two teams are making the playoffs from this division in the ubercompetitive American League. Over-Under wins: 85.
No comments:
Post a Comment