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EVENTS AD PARTNERS
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1999 Recap: The A's enjoyed a Bash Brothers revival in 1999, pounding the ball and improving by 13 games over the previous season. GM Billy Beane assembled a potent collection of prospects and cast-offs who flirted with the AL West title before ending the season on a 7-11 skid. Manager Art Howe preached patience at the plate and the A's subsequently led the league in walks and posted a team on-base percentage of .355. Howe was rewarded with a contract extension through 2001. Surprising performances from free-agent pickup John Jaha (.276 BA, 35 HR, 111 RBI) and late-season acquisition Randy Velarde (.333-7-28 w/ A's) bolstered the club, keeping the A's in the wild card chase into September. 1999 Highlight: Stealing Velarde and RHP Omar Olivares (7-2, 4.34 ERA in 12 starts with Oakland) from Anaheim for three fringe prospects on July 29th. Olivares provided needed depth to the rotation, while Velarde was a calming presence to fellow middle infielder Miguel Tejada. Both were re-signed for the 2000 season, which should provide veteran stability for a team that should contend for an AL West title. 1999 Lowlight: Losing veteran Tony Phillips (.244-15-49) to a broken leg during their chase of the wild card. Phillips' aggressive style of play and versatility in the field allowed Art Howe to rest his youngsters when they needed a day off. Manager: Art Howe (304-344 with A's; 696-792 in 9 seasons) Coaches: Mike Quade (batting), Rick Peterson (pitching), Thad Bosley (first base), Ron Washington (third base), Brad Fischer (bullpen), Ken Macha (bench) Camp Site: Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, Ari. Reporting Dates: Pitchers & catchers on Feb. 19; full squad on Feb. 23 Additions: OF/DH Jeremy Giambi, LHP Mike Magnante, RHP Scott Service Subtractions: LHP Buddy Groom, RHP Jimmy Haynes, OF Tim Raines, 2B Scott Spiezio, RHP Tim Worrell Spring Cleaning: With four everyday position players under 25, the main battles this spring will be among veterans. The one exception is rookie LHP Mark Mulder, a former first round pick, who will battle reclamation project Ariel Prieto for the fifth starter's job. LHP Ron Mahay (2-0, 1.86 ERA) may also be in the mix, but is more likely to wind up in the bullpen. Another scenario to keep an eye on is center field, where underachieving Rich Becker (.258-6-26) will platoon with another fallen prospect, Ryan Christenson (.209-4-24). This could mean trouble, unless the team pulls the trigger on the long-awaited Jim Edmonds deal.
Key Acquisition: It wasn't so much who Oakland acquired this off-season; it was more a case of who they kept in their grips. The team picked up the option on RHP Kevin Appier (16-14, 5.17 ERA) and why not? He's been a true No. 1 starter and owns a career 1.87 ERA in Oaklnad. Appier's presence will take pressure off of RHP Tim Hudson (11-2, 3.23), whose calm, yet surly demeanor on the mound impressed teammates and coaches. Oakland also retained Velarde and Olivares, while acquiring Giambi for minor league RHP Brett Laxton. The Future is Now: Eric Chavez didn't live up to the Rookie of the Year hype last year, but he did have decent rookie campaign (.247-13-50). Give him a break, he just turned 22. Chavez numbers vs. lefties (.184-0-3) were a bit disturbing, but he came on in the second half (.275-6-24 in 44 games) despite missing a month with a foot injury. With some major league at-bats under his belt, expect a strong season in 2000. Opportunity Knocks: With Becker and Christenson dueling it out in CF, all the pieces may fall into place for OF Terrence Long (.326-7-47 at AAA Norfolk). Acquired from the Mets in the Kenny Rogers deal, Long has 30-30 potential and has the ability to roam the spacious Network Associates Coliseum outfield. Prospects to Watch: 3B Adam Piatt, RHP Jesus Colome, OF Mario Encarnacion, LHP Mark Mulder, SS Jose Ortiz, OF Eric Byrnes, SS Josue Espada, 2B Esteban German, C Miguel Olivo, LHP Barry Zito
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