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2008 Oakland A’s MLB Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on March 8, 2008

Just two seasons after making an appearance in the ALCS, the A’s are starting over. This became quite apparent when they dealt ace Dan Haren to Arizona for six prospects. They then sent outfielder Nick Swisher to the White Sox for three more up and comers. Can veterans Eric Chavez, Mark Ellis, and Bobby Crosby help these youngsters come in ahead of the curve to keep Oakland above water? Jimmy’s MLB predictions in his 2008 Oakland A’s preview provide insight.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

What once was one of the most feared starting rotations in the league is a big question mark for the A’s heading into the season. With Haren out, Joe Blanton will inherit the title of ace on this staff. He won 14 games last season and has averaged as many in his first three full seasons. The A’s need a big season out of Rich Harden. When Harden has been healthy, he’s been better than good. He has a record of 31-18 with Oakland with a 3.60 ERA but only has 16 starts the past two seasons due to injury. Chad Guadin made a nice jump from relief to a starting role last season, but will be coming off of hip surgery. Justin Duchscherer will also have to make the jump from the pen to a starting spot. The number five spot could turn hands several times. Lenny DiNardo is the current front runner.

Houston Street has just 16 saves last season after missing two months with elbow pain. His health is a necessity. Alan Embree did a decent job of filling in for Street in the closer spot, but will be happy to fall back into a middle relief role.

Batting Order

Several vets and a whole lot of no-namers make up Oakland’s haphazard lineup. Travis Buck hit .288 as a rookie but could not avoid the injury bug which seems to continually hover over this team. Ideally, one would think the A’s would want a little more of a threat to run hitting leadoff. Second baseman Mark Ellis is solid through and through. He registered career highs in homeruns and RBIs last season, but his numbers could suffer this year if he tries to do too much to pick up the slack. Eric Chavez is the best stick on this team and a six-time Gold Glove winner as well. Injuries caused a second straight sub-par year, and Oakland absolutely cannot afford another one. Jack Cust has made his living as a career minor league until he broke through with 26 homeruns and 82 RBIs. These stories always make me wonder if the juice had a helping hand. Emil Brown falls into the five spot. The guy crushed lefties at a .317 clip but righties held him to a .217 average. Shortstop Bobby Crosby is another one of the A’s which can stay on the field. He hit just .226 last year and has only averaged 91 games a year since 2005. That makes it very tough to find any rhythm. First baseman Daric Barton showed glimpses of his potential after being called up last season. Centerfield Carlos Gonzalez and catcher Kurt Suzuki finish out the order.

Oakland has been murdered by injuries the past few seasons and after a couple big offseason deals, they have lost more pop at the plate and their best pitcher. Oakland has officially started its rebuilding project. It may not take them as long to get back to the top as it would teams in bigger, tougher divisions, but the A’s still have a few seasons of work to do.

Jimmy went 296-263-6 (53%) last season in Major League Baseball, profiting clients 5005 units with baseball betting, and adding another handicapping title to his trophy case. Handicapping the MLB is all about spotting underdogs and no one does it better than Jimmy Boyd. Climb on board the money train all summer long and pick your bookmaker apart with the best baseball picks in the biz.

Odds to win AL West: 10/1
Odds to win 2008 AL Pennant: 40/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 65/1

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