1: Can the A's stay healthy in 2010? The injury bug has been more of an infestation in Oakland over the past three seasons. Some of the players dealing with or recovering from injuries at the start of the 2010 season are INF Eric Chavez (back), RHP Jason Duchscherer (elbow, back), RHP Joey Devine (elbow) and OF Ryan Sweeney (both knees). Again, those are only some of the players. While it is impossible to see which players will stay healthy, the A's added some insurance in the offseason by trading for INF Jake Fox (Cubs) and signing OF Gabe Gross (Rays). Both players add depth in case of injury.
2: How big is the addition of SP Ben Sheets? Sheets has shown the ability to be a dominant pitcher at points during his career. In 2004 he pitched as well as any starter in the major leagues, finishing the year with 264 Ks, a 2.70 ERA, and a WHIP of 0.98 in 237 IP. However, playing on the 94 loss Brewers limited him to a 12-14 record. Since that season Sheets has continued to pitch well, but as been troubled with injuries. He has not cracked 200 IP since 2004 and missed the entirety of the 2009 season recovering from elbow surgery. The A's took a $10 million chance on him for 2010 because they see a multi-faceted upside in the 31 year old righty. First, if Sheets pitches well and the team plays well, they have a valuable veteran pitcher in their rotation during a run at the playoffs. Secondly, if Sheets pitches well and the A's don't play well, GM Billy Beane can trade Sheets to continue to stock the Oakland farm system. Look for the latter to occur.
3: Where are the runs in the lineup? The A's have one of the least potent lineup in the American League. Amongst their full time players in 2009, DH Jack Cust was the best, hitting 25 HRs with a .773 OPS. 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff showed the ability to drive in runs with San Diego (84 RBIs in 2008, 88 in 2009) and the A's are counting on him doing the same in Oakland. CF Rajai Davis showed the potential to be a dynamic player in 125 games in 2009, batting .305 and stealing 41 bases. If he plays a full season in 2010 he could challenge for the lead league is steals.
4: Is “Moneyball” dead? In the first decade of the 21st century the A's made the playoffs five times. They had talent all over the roster and one of the deepest farm systems in the majors, all thanks to Beane and his "Moneyball" approach. Beane's evaluation of prospects is rooted in Sabermetric principles and aims to produce the most cost-effective teams possible. While the Oakland farm system is still loaded with talent, it hasn't lead to success at the big league level over the past three seasons, each of which ended with 85+ losses. Will Beane be able to bring his team back to relevance?
5: Where will the A's finish the season? This is a team that is still rebuilding and will likely only be competing to stay out of the division cellar in 2010. Manager Bob Geren needs to let his young players develop and hope he gets some nice prospects if Sheets is indeed dealt. You can find Oakland at +2050 to win the American League and at +5250 to win the World Series at Sportsbook.com.
