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Home - Baseball
Predictions - 2007 MLB Predictions
A's Predictions
Time to take a close look at the American League West, starting with our
2007 Oakland A's predictions. The bookmakers are setting the line
at 84.5 and we are leaning on taking the over, but this is just an opinion and
not a strong bet. There definitely are other teams that show more value
than Oakland does at that number.
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It was the end of an era when Barry Zito parted across the bay
to join the San Francisco Giants. The team is still
loaded with talent in the rotation with Rich Harden heading
the staff. Harden was hurt for much of last season but
in 2005 went 10-5 with a 2.53 ERA and in 2004 was strong with
a 11-7 record and a 3.99 ERA. This guy has loads of
potential but needs to throw for 30 plus starts before we sign
off on him on being the next great thing. Dan Haren went
14-13 with a 4.12 ERA last season and was 14-12 the year
before. He will consistently produce those kinds of
numbers which is weak for a number two in the American League.
Esteban Loaiza was a beast back in 2003 for the White Sox, but
since he has been less than stellar. Coming off a 11-9,
4.89 ERA season, he is going to have to get back on track for
Oakland to have a decent chance this year. Joe Blanton
gave up a lot of hits and runs last year but still finished
the year off at 16-12. He is going to have to throw
better this year or his wins and losses will likely be
reversed. Joe Kennedy returns to being a starter after a
year in the bullpen. The relievers are led by close
Houston Street and potential close Duchscherer. If it
goes deep into the game Oakland will always be in it.
The lineup isn't very impressive but it's good enough to put
up a few runs. Eric Chavez is supposed to be the big
stick, but his average has suffered and his power keeps him
under 30 HR a year. Jason Kendall's power is laughable
and his average is dipping, wondering if he's good enough to
hold down the staff behind the plate. Dan Johnson and
Bobby Crosby are both young and unproven. The outfield
has Milton Bradley, Nick Swisher, and Mark Kotsay leaving them
with a trio of qualified, yet not intimidating set of
outfielders.
Oakland has gotten used to picking up wins without a whole lot
of star power, and their fans are hoping for the success to
continue. The staff is going to have to stay healthy and
produce like everyone knows they can. If those five guys
can hold their own then the A's will be fine, but the team is
going to go the direction that those five go.
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