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Knowing the competition: Oakland Athletics

Yoenis_Cespedes_1
Cespedes has 49 dingers in 2 seasons as a pro. (Photo courtesy of Icon SMI)

Threat Level: 8
Year after year, the A’s continue to stay competitive, even if on paper they may not seem as tough. With the know-how of Billy Beane and his “moneyball” philosophy, he is able to get the most out of what his budget allows. The A’s have won the AL West the last two seasons and seem as good of a bet as any team to win it again this year. Their pitching took a huge blow, however, as Jarrod Parker will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery, but Sonny Gray could take the next step after posting a solid rookie season in 2013. And the lineup the A’s have may not be loaded with stars, but they are ball players who have a well rounded idea of hitting.

 

Major Acquisition: Jim Johnson
Johnson was traded to the A’s for second baseman Jemile Weeks. Weeks never quite clicked on the A’s and with the loss of closer Grant Balfour, the A’s were able to fill a need rather cheaply. Johnson will be looking to rebound from a season that saw him blow 9 saves.

 

Projected Lineup

1. Coco Crisp CF
2. Josh Donaldson 3B
3. Jed Lowrie SS
4. Yoenis Cespedes LF
5. Brandon Moss DH
6. Josh Reddick RF
7. John Jaso C
8. Eric Sogard 2B
9. Daric Barton 1B

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Sonny Gray RHP
2. A.J. Griffin RHP
3. Scott Kazmir  LHP
4. Dan Straily RHP
5. Tommy Milone LHP

 

Closer

Jim Johnson RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Yoenis Cespedes
Although it is a small sampling size, it is clear Cespedes has a comfort when facing the Yankees. In 11 games, Cespedes has belted 4 home runs, the most he has against any AL East opponent.

 

A Killer: Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro played many years on Seattle, so Oakland is a common foe. In 223 games, he has a .328 average. Those numbers are even better when playing in Oakland, where his average jumps to .357 in 108 games. The jury is out on how much playing time Ichiro will see this season, but maybe Girardi glances at these numbers and plugs him in when they play in Oakland.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 6/3-6/5.

IN Oak: 6/13-6/15.