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 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 finished third in bullpen ERA is back as well.
Team Weaknesses: Injuries eviscerated the A’s starting rotation last year to the point that 13 distinct pitchers made five or more starts. They finished 17th in beginner’s ERA (4.17) and will probably be without leading starter Sean Manaea (shoulder) and midseason saviors Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson (free agency).
What They Were About It: The A’s re-signed Mike Fiers and Brett Anderson and introduced in Marco Estrada at no agency to bolster the staff. Beyond them, the group will rely on pitchers it acquired as prospects–Jharel Cotton, Daniel Mengden, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, Paul Blackburn– to step up. Best prospect Jesus Luzardo is waiting in the wings should they falter.
Final Outlook: The strength of Oakland’s offense and bullpen should continue to keep the A’s competitive, but a lot is going to need to break with their young novices to strategy 97 wins .

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