ORSP: Oakland A’s

We are continuing our foray into the AL West today by looking at the popular pick to win the AL West, the Oakland A’s.

Biggest Additions: Josh Willingham, David DeJesus, Brian Fuentes, Grant Balfour, Hideki Matsui

Biggest Subtractions: Justin Duchscherer, Jack Cust, Vin Mazzaro, Eric Chavez

Offseason Review: The A’s didn’t have a great offseason, but it wasn’t awful either.  After failing to sign Lance Berkman and Adrian Beltre, the A’s upgraded their offense by adding Josh Willingham, David DeJesus and Hideki Matsui.  As is typically for the A’s, they didn’t make a big splash in free agency, but were pretty active in the trade market, trading for the former two of their offensive upgrades.  Even on a decline, Matsui is a pretty nice guy to have a DH, especially when you can get him at the expense of one of your division rivals.  The A’s also strengthened their bullpen, which will give their young starters a little bit of confidence heading into the season.

Season Preview: I like the A’s.  I think they are going to be a pretty good team this year, but I’m not buying into the hype that they are the team to beat this season.  They are going to battle with the Angels for second place in the AL West.

Final Record: 85-77, 2nd in the AL West.