Oakland Athletics

I admit that if the Athletics had lost this game, I would probably have fallen into the crowd that says "well this is just spring training and doesn't matter, we'll get them in the regular season." Thankfully, the A's took care of business (and the Giants) today behind a solid pitching performance and plenty of support from the lineup beating the World Champion Giants, 6-0.

Oakland Athletics General Maneger Billy Beane’s unconventional management methods were the focus of Michael Lewis’ 2003 blockbuster book Moneyball.  By focusing on on-base percentage and other sabermetric tools, Beane was able to build a successful ball club with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. 

I know it sounds crazy, but is it that crazy?

An article released today in the San Francisco Chronicle cited various internal sources that said the San Francisco Giants are prepared to release Barry Zito or attempt to buy out his contract before Opening Day.

With not a lot of competition for roster positions existing thanks to the added roster depth during the offseason, let's take a look at who's filling each spot on the A's roster right now. As things change during the spring, we'll update and reevaluate as necessary.

During the offseason, the A's said goodbye to Justin Duchscherer, Eric Chavez, Travis Buck, Jack Cust, Ben Sheets, Gabe Gross, Rajai Davis, Henry Rodriguez and Vin Mazzaro.

Nearly two years removed from season-ending Tommy John surgery that interrupted his very promising rookie season, Josh Outman is back on the mound for the Oakland Athletics in spring training, and it appears he is ready to pick up right where he left off.

In his first live action during a scrimmage game against his own teammates Outman looked like his old self pitching against his teammates.

As the A's get ready to officially begin the 2011 season on Sunday, a few questions still circulate around this club, but the optimism remains high. With a fresh season and healed players, the A's are starting to take the shape of a complete ball club, but as it goes for all teams, spring training is in place for a reason.

Sunday February 27th marks the first "real" game of spring training for the Oakland athletics. The pitcher, at least for an inning or so, is likely to be Trevor Cahill. He is also likely to be on the mound against the Mariners on April 1st. Anderson, Braden, and Gonzalez are surely to follow in some order.

Everybody knows two things about Dallas Braden. He threw a Perfect Game last year, and he is not intimidated by anyone. Bravado aside, the question remains whether or not he should be part of your fantasy team. A look at his career record of 25-35 would suggest not, but we know how wins can be a tricky measure to gauge a pitcher.

With the beginning of Spring Training now a week gone, the focus shifts to opening day. What will the roster look like? How will the team avoid injuries during Spring Training? Who will be the opening day starter?

And most importantly, how will the team do this season?

All the other questions pale in comparison to the last one. How will the team perform? Will they be contenders or pretenders?

The A's, as always will depend on their pitching, and while the fifth starter spot is probably going to take a while to determine, the first four are already a certainty.

It feels like I'm having a flashback or experiencing déjà vu. Welcome back Rich Harden, to the disabled list that is.

Technically, Harden will not see the disabled list for his latest injury, at least not yet, but he did manage to strain his lat muscle during the first day of official spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers.