[Nick Soulis]

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Overall (8296-8779 W-L, 1901 - 2011) - 9 World Championships, 15 Pennants, and 23 Playoff Appearances

Ball Park - Oakland Atletics Stadium

Manager: Connie Mack

C	Mickey Cochrane	Terry Steinbach
1B	Jimmie Foxx	Jason Giambi
2B	Davey Lopes	Jimmy Dykes
3B	Home Run Baker	Eric Chavez
SS	Burt Campeneria	Miguel Tejada
OF	Rickey Henderson	Jose Cansesco
OF	Al Simmons	Bob Johnson
OF	Reggie Jackson	Joe Rudi
DH	Mark McGwire
SP	Lefty Grove
SP	Catfish Hunter
SP	Vida Blue
SP	Dave Stewart	Chief Bender
CL	Dennis Eckersley

Catchers - A great personality and a great ballplayer Mickey Cochrane is the perfect man for the catching job on this team. Cochrane can also hit with the best of them and the Hall of Famer will remind this team how to win. Terry Steinbach is a great backup who can swing the bat in a pinch as well. Steinbach's best attribute though is his work behind the plate and calling a game.

First Base - The great Jimmy Foxx may have been the most intimidating force the game has ever seen. Foxx was full of muscles and had to bat speed to match as well. His power makes this team more dangerous then most and Foxx will drive in a ton of runs. Jason Giambi is also part of the mix had an MVP career in Oakland. Giambi is a strong pull hitter and takes a number of pitches. Mark McGwire is also in the mix here but the position belongs to Foxx.

Second Base - Not the strongest spot for the franchise and Davey Lopes will likley be the everyday man. Lopes is a great baserunner and finds a way to get on base, look for Lopes to bat 9th and along with Rickey Henderson, add another great running threat. Jimmy Dykes is the utility backup for this team and is needed more for his good glove then anything else.

Short Stop - Bert Campenaris is a winner and a fighter that anyteam is happy to have. He will be the anchor of the infield and is sure to get on his mates if they dont give their all. Campy isnt the best hitter in the world but is smart and will anticipate mistakes well. Miguel Tejada is also a major factor here as Tejada has a great arm and glove at the position and a huge bat when needed. Tejada when he was at his best was something special and this position could get interesting as Mack will have to decide what style of the two to play more.

Third Base - Although his name says otherwise, Home Run Baker is far from a true long ball threat in this league but the Hall of Famer is still the man for the job at the hot corner. Baker is a hard nosed player who plays oldstyle baseball, something the A's are going to neeed. Eric Chavez is the backup and has a gold glove as well as some decent power from the left side; Chavez needs to stay healthy however.

Outfield - Things are as good as it gets for this outfield. Rickey Henderson is the best leadoff man and baserunner in league history and will make his claim for the stolen base crown. Henderson can also do so much more and will surely score a ton of runs. Al Simmons has an incredible bat and will likely bat over .320 while driving in a ton of runs. Simmons is one of those players that can take the league over from nowhere when few expect him to. Finally Reggie Jackson is not only a legendary home run power hitter but also a clutch hitter and the A's will be counting on that. Jackson is also larger then life star and will have a lot to say about his team's chances and performance. Jose Cansesco will look for atbats as well and is the first option off the bench. Bob Johnson is a nice Connie Mack type of player and Joe Rudi rounds off the roster as a winner and another fiesty player.

Designated Hitter - The lineup will have Foxx, McGwire, and Jackson which provides power like no other. McGwire will get his shot as the DH and should see some great pitches to hit with the help around him.

Starting Pitching - There could be made an argument that Lefy Grove was one of the greatest pitchers to take the mound. Grove was a single force in baseball during his era and just couldnt be hit by some of the best to play th game, he is the true ace of this team. Catfish Hunter is a Hall of Fame second man and has all the grit to win and compete. Hunter has an array of pitches and is fun to watch pitch. Vida Blue has also been part of great A's teams and Blue throws hard and takes the ball without hesitation. Dave Stewart rounds off a great staff as Stewart challanges all hitters and feels like he and his team should and will win everytime he takes the mound. Chief Bender, the old time Connie Mack man, is also there to fill in as a spot starter.

Closer - With pinpoint control and a cool demenour Dennis Eckersley will be the closer that the A's go to and that everyother team would love to have. The Hall of Famer uses his spitfinger pitch with ease and makes his skill look so easy. The bullpen like everything else on this team is filled with stars and characters.

Spring Training Battles
Mark McGwire vs Jose Cansesco (DH)
Bert Campenaris vs Miguel Tejada (Third Base)

Cooperstown Rating
Offense - A
Defense - C+
Starting Pitching - A-
Closer - A+
Prediction: 100-62

Quick Word with Connie Mack
"I do have to change the way of my thinking with all the home run power on this team. Still players like Henderson should be a joy to manage"