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A preview of the 2006 Oakland Athletics
2005 Description:
Oakland finished the 2004 season with an impressive record of 91-71 years only to end the one full game behind the division leaders Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the 2005 season did not end so well for Oakland, as they finished the year with a final record of 88-74, 7 games behind the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels.
Despite some very unstable after 2005 A bullpen pitchers kept the team in contention entering the 2nd half of the season. Thanks to relievers Hudson Street (5-1 1.72 23 saves) and Justin Duchscherer (7-4 2.21) the two that appeared in a combined total of 70 games before the holiday of stars, everything. The starting pitching was led by Barry Zito (14-13 3.86), Joe Blanton (12-12 3.53) and Rich Harden (5.10 2.53). Newly acquired Danny Haren (14-12 3.73) also contributed to the boot while Kirk Saarloos (9.10 4.17) increased its stake in 2005 to win 10 games for the first time in his young career of four years.
Production of the 2005 Athletics' offense was led for outfielder Mark Kotsay (.280 15 82), third baseman Eric Chavez (.269 27 101) and outfielder Nick Swisher (.236 21 74) newcomer outfielder Jay Payton (269 13 42) who was acquired mid-season Boston Red Sox have also helped stabilize the starting lineup. The surprise offensive season was the first rookie baseman Dan Johnson (275 15 58), who was called in late May.
Move Off Season:
The Oakland Athletics had a busy first season out signing free agent pitchers Jay Witasick (1-5 2.84), Matt Rooney (1-5 5.45) and starter Esteban Loaiza (12-10 3.77). The A's also picked up reliever Chad Gaudin (1-3 in 5 games) over the Blue Jays trade and outfielders Milton Bradley (.290 13 38) and Antonio Perez (.297 in March 1923) in trade with Los Angeles Dodgers. Free Agent Frank Thomas was also signed by the World Champion White Sox (0219 December 26) to help complete the formation of 2005.
2006 Analysis:
need for a strong pitching the Athletics from 2006 if they want to compete. The bullpen can not be taken as a measure to maintain Oakland in the race. Esteban Loaiza should be a good pick to help solidify the rotation. Barry Zito is in the final year of his contract and GM Billy Beane is known that dump contracts before losing players to free-agent market. He had been shopping around Zito on a limited basis and has made it known that he will listen offers, so it will be interesting to see how things shake. The bullpen is strong and Witasick help make it stronger. In addition to Milton Bradley is a nice truck as Frank Thomas, the A's hope will recover after playing just 35 games in 2005. Bradley also had limited at bats in 2005, appearing in only 75 games. The pick of the young third baseman Antonio Perez also help. Athletics wait to be in contention if they can get pitching consistent starter. The offense should be fine – look for first baseman Dan Johnson to flourish in his second season.
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Gio Gonzalez – Oakland A’s | Headz Up TV