Playing Pepper 2010: Oakland Athletics

Interestingly enough, Oakland is the only team not represented in the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  Over 140 blogs and not one of them has a focus on the green and gold.

Oakland's blogger landscape is dominated by Athletics Nation, so I sent along the Playing Pepper Ten to them, asking them to take a look.  Christy was kind enough to send back some short and sweet answers, which gives you a break from reading some of the treatises that I've been posting!

AN: I would give the off-season a B. We picked up a high-risk, high-reward pitcher in Sheets; another outfield asset in Coco Crisp, and a third baseman in Kevin Kouzmanoff, who could provide some much-needed power in the lineup. 

C70: What is the key to success for 2010?

AN: Pitching health

C70: What will be the team's strength? 

AN: Bullpen and speed

C70: What could be their Achilles' heel? 

AN: Injuries and horrific offense

C70: Who will be the team's MVP? 

AN: Andrew Bailey

C70: Will a rookie make a significant impact on the team in 2010, and if so, who? 

AN: It depends on when Chris Carter and/or Michael Taylor make the big club. Either could make quite an impact. 

C70: Who will be the breakout player for the team? 

AN: Ryan Sweeney

AN: Rajai Davis

C70: Who is the most likely player to be dangled as trade bait? 

AN: Ben Sheets, if healthy

C70: What will be the team's final record and divisional standing? 

AN: 83-79, 2nd place

My thanks to Christy for her insights.  The AL West has become a more competitive division this year, but it remains to be seen if Oakland can take advantage of that.