5 Things that "Must" Happen for the A's to contend in 2010

In 2007, the Oakland A's broke an 8-year run of finishing 1st or 2nd in the American League West. Little did they know a new streak was just starting and it is one that they are not proud of.
Heading into 2010, the A's have finished third or last in the division three straight seasons with a losing record in all three. Has Billy Beane's money ball theory run its course? Have the A's made too many bad decisions in trading and not signing key players and getting nothing in return?
With ownership looking to move the club and fans staying away because of the poor seasons as of late, the A's embark on a very important season to try and get respectability back in Oakland. For that to happen, these 5 key scenarios "Must" happen this summer.

Sheets and Duke are Key

Ben Sheets and Justin Duchscherer must come back healthy and come back winning. When last seen in 2008, each player was on their leagues respective all star teams. If Oakland is going to have any chance, each will have to pitch a full season and have at least 15 wins. They lead a pitching staff that include an improving Brett Anderson, Vin Mazzaro and Dallas Braden.

Chavez has to Play

Is it coincidence that ofton injured Eric Chavez has played in just 127 games over the past three years? Lets see, three years hurt, three years of losing records. Nobody knows if Chavez will ever play again but if his latest and final comeback bid is successful this year, the A's will no doubt be a better team.

Speed and More Speed

The A's acquired Coco Crisp this off season and will immediately put him in center field. That move will shift last years starter Rajai Davis to left creating one of the fastest outfield combinations in baseball. But speed can only go so far. Crisp must revert back to his 2005 form when he set career highs in HR's (16), RBI (69) and hits (178). Davis, will need to continue off of his career year when for the first time, the utility outfielder played most of the season, He responded by hitting .308 and stole 41 bases. If both can have good offensive years, he A's wills score a lot of runs.

Where's the Power Source

The A's ranked near the bottom in all of baseball last season in home runs and if that is going to change two guys will be key. Jack Cust had his lowest home run total last year (25) since becoming a regular for Oakland. While that is still a respectable amount, he can hit more if he struck out less. Over the past two years he has struck out 382 times.
Minor league phenom Chris Carter may be ready to break through on the big team this year and the A's will need production from the first base position. Carter hit 39 bombs in "A" ball in 2008 and 24 last year in "AA" while batting .337. With Deric Barton the incumbent first basemen you can bet Carter will get a long look this spring.

Ahh, What a Relief

With questions surrounding the starting pitching staff, the A's bull pen will be key to their success. Andrew Bailey was the rookie of the year last year but he has to avoid the sophomore jinx. Getting to him is just as important and the A's have some good arms in Joey Devine, Michael Wuertz, Brad Ziegler and Craig Breslow. A big year by the "pen" will translate into wins.