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Oakland Athletics 2006 Preview
2005 Description:
Oakland finished the 2004 season with an impressive record of 91-71 years only to end a full game behind the division leading Angels. Unfortunately, the 2005 season did not end so well for Oakland, as ended the year with a final record of 88-74, 7 games behind AL West champion Los Angeles Angels.
Despite some very unstable after A 2005 pitching bullpen 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 (10-5 2.53). Newly acquired Danny Haren (14-12 3.73) also contributed to the boot while Kirk Saarloos (9.10 4.17) intensified their game in 2005 and won 10 games for the first time in his young career of four years.
Production of the 2005 Athletics' offense was led by the gardener 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 also helped stabilize the starting lineup. The surprise offensive season was the rookie first baseman Dan Johnson (275 15 58), who was called in late May.
Move Off Season:
The Oakland Athletics, had a busy first season with the signing of pitchers free agents 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 the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Free Agent Frank Thomas was also signed by the White Sox World Champion (0219 in December 1926) to help complete the formation of 2005.
2006 Analysis:
The need for strong pitching the A's from 2006 if they want to compete. The bullpen can not be taken as a measure to keep 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 has been able to get rid of the contracts before of losing players to free-agent market. He has been shopping around Zito in a limited way and has made it known that he will listen to 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 like Frank Thomas, who Athletics hope they 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 consistent starting pitching. The offense should be fine – look for first baseman Dan Johnson to flourish in his second season.
About the Author
Jack Scrafford recommends PlatinumTickets to buy Oakland Athletics tickets. See http://www.platinumtickets.com/mlb/oakland_athletics_tickets.html for more information.