1 Oakland Athletics

CONSIDER THIS
a modest proposal
The play of catcher Jason Kendall (right), obtained from the Pirates in November 2004, was one reason the A's missed the playoffs last year. Among his transgressions: grounding into nearly as many double plays (26) as he had extra-base hits (29) and allowing more steals (101) than any catcher in baseball. Now Oakland could upgrade the position by making another trade with Pittsburgh, which is flush with young backstops: Ryan Doumit has a subpar arm but 20-homer potential, Ronny Paulino hit .315 at Triple A, and Neil Walker is the organization's top prospect. A live arm like righthander Santiago Casilla's could tempt Pittsburgh.

THE LINEUP
projected roster with 2005 statistics

2005 RECORD
88-74
second in AL West

MANAGER
Ken Macha
fourth season with Oakland

BATTING ORDER
2B Ellis
CF Kotsay
SS Crosby
3B Chavez
DH Thomas
RF Bradley
1B Johnson
C Kendall
LF Swisher

JASON KENDALL
B-T R
PVR 274
BA .271
HR 0
RBI 53
SB 8

DAN JOHNSON
B-T L-R
PVR 146
BA .275
HR 15
RBI 58
SB 0

MARK ELLIS
B-T R
PVR 156
BA .316
HR 13
RBI 52
SB 1

MILTON BRADLEY [New acquisition]
B-T S-R
PVR 86
BA .290
HR 13
RBI 38
SB 6

MARK KOTSAY
B-T L
PVR 126
BA .280
HR 15
RBI 82
SB 5

NICK SWISHER
B-T S-L
PVR 159
BA .236
HR 21
RBI 74
SB 0