4 Oakland Athletics

The image of the A's was established by Michael Lewis's best-selling Moneyball, which described how Billy Beane stockpiled players such as Geronimo Berroa, Matt Stairs and John Jaha, lumbering sluggers who worked counts and ran only at gunpoint. The 2000--02 A's stole 154 bases in three years. Last year's team stole 133 all by itself, fourth-most in the AL. Given the lack of power and OBP on the 2010 roster, Oakland's best chance for a productive offense may be to lead the league in steals. The A's retained Rajai Davis, who stole 41 bases in '09. They signed Coco Crisp, who was 13 for 15 before shoulder injuries ended his season in June. Prospect Michael Taylor was 21 for 26 in the Phillies' system. It's not easy to steal enough bases with a high enough success rate for them to be a weapon, but the 2010 A's may have the personnel—and the need—to give it a shot.

The Lineup

WITH 2009 STATISTICS

Manager Bob Geren

4TH SEASON WITH ATHLETICS

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

New acquisition

*2008 stats