Team Strengths: The A’s have a long history of homegrown power hitters, from Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire into Jason Giambi and Miguel Tejada into Matt Chapman and Matt Olson today.

Together with Chapman, Olson and midsize trade acquisitions Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty all back, the A’s reunite the majority of the lineup that finished third in home runs and fourth in runs scored last year. A relief corps that ended third in bullpen ERA is back too.
Team Weaknesses: Accidents eviscerated the A’s starting rotation last year to the point that 13 different pitchers made five or more starts. They finished 17th in starter’s ERA (4.17) and will be without top starter Sean Manaea (shoulder) and midseason saviors Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson (free agency).
What They Did About It: The A’s re-signed Mike Fiers and Brett Anderson and introduced in Marco Estrada at no service to bolster the staff. Past them, the team will rely upon pitchers it acquired since prospects–Jharel Cotton, Daniel Mengden, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, Paul Blackburn– to step up. Best prospect Jesus Luzardo is waiting in the wings if they falter.
Final Outlook: The strength of Oakland’s offense and bullpen ought to keep the A’s competitive, but a lot is going to need to break right with their young novices to approach 97 wins .

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