Oakland Athletics 2010 Baseball Predictions: The Oakland A's fell to the AL West cellar for the first time since 1998 last season after putting together a 75-87 record. However, the situation in the Bay Area has not been good for at least three years, with the club finishing in third place in 2008 and 2007. Online bookmaker Sportsbook.com is forecasting a similar result for the Athletics this year, listing them at +500 odds to win the AL West in their 2010 Baseball Predictions.
The Oakland bats did not produce much pop last season, finishing 14th in RBI (723) and 27th in home runs (135). The 
team was middle of the pack in runs and batting average as well, ranking 14th and 15th respectively. The A's offensive numbers figure to be much the same this year with the only major addition being the injury prone Coco Crisp.
The only real power bat in the lineup is that of DH Jack Cust, so, the team will rely mostly on small ball to get runs across the plate. Last year's .328 on-base percentage (21st in the league) suggests that Oakland's fate may rest with the pitching staff.
Last year the A's arms did a solid job, posting a team ERA of 4.26 (11th); however, most of that came from a lights out bullpen that ranked second in the majors with a 3.54 ERA. The starters were 22nd in ERA (4.76), 26th in strikeouts (610), and 26th in WHIP (1.47).
The return of Justin Duchscherer, who missed all of last season with a back injury, will help augment a promising young rotation. Dallas Braden, Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Vin Mazzaro all have great upside (average age 23.3 years) and should be all the better this season after gaining valuable experience last year.
2010 Baseball Predictions: Fourth Place AL West. Not enough offensive pop to compete with the Rangers, Angels, and Mariners. Pitching staff, while certainly talented, is probably a year away from being a consistent force.
Sportsbook.com Oakland Athletics 2010 Baseball Predictions:
Odds to win 2010 World Series +4000
Odds to win 2010 Al Pennant +2000
Odds to win AL West Division +500
Regular Season Wins: Over 78.5 (-115), Under 78.5 (-115)
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