Preview/Prediction

When it's used to describe pitchers, the term "crafty" is a pretty subjective one. 

Does it apply to all soft-tossers who get results?  Or maybe it should only apply to pitchers with impeccable control and consistently low walk totals? 

Based on common usage patterns, you might assume that the term describes all pitchers who play or have played for the Oakland A's. 

There hasn’t been a lot to get excited about recently if you are a Pittsburgh Pirates fan.

In 2010, the Cincinnati Reds ended a 14-year playoff drought by winning the NL Central Division with an overall record of 91-71.

The Reds' regular-season success didn’t carry over to the postseason, as they were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round.

It was again a year not to remember for the Chicago Cubs in 2010, as they once again failed to deliver on high expectations.

The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be the class of the National League in 2011. 

With Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, the Phillies have perhaps the most fearsome pitching rotation, on paper, in the modern baseball era.

Philadelphia has been installed as 13-to-4 favorites to win the World Series. The Phillies are overwhelming 1-to-4 favorites to take the National League pennant. 

The over/under on their win total has been placed at 96, which is also the best mark for any team in the league in the preseason. 

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.

He was a 16th-round pick in the 2000 MLB draft, just another pick out of many on draft day, but James Shields, with his bulldog mentality, made more out of his experience in baseball than just being a draft selection.

Shields made his major league debut at 24 and struck out 184 batters the next season, on his way to a 12-8 record. His win-loss numbers would improve the next season, as he became the opening day starter for the Rays.

All major league teams are now full bore in camp and the countdown until March 31st can't get here quick enough. With teams going through their full workouts and games starting last weekend, who are the "old timers" that came into camp maybe a little more fit than last year? Bleacher report will look at these aging stars and see if they can regain or increase their numbers from last year.

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As spring training 2011 begins on a positive note, the expectations of many statistically dominating players only begin to skyrocket.

We've grown fortunate enough to witness breathtaking performances from some of the most imposing individuals the game has to offer; and this season looks to be no different.

Football season is over, basketball season is at its midway point and the NCAA Tournament is still a month away.

Yup, it's almost March and that means it's finally time for baseball spring training.

After an exciting offseason, fans everywhere are eager to get the 2011 season going.

Pitchers and hitters are scheduled to report to their respective spring training facilities in Florida or Arizona over the next few days, and games will begin in a couple of weeks.