ALL DECADE ATHLETICS

The A's and their moneyball ways had an up-and-down decade mostly filled with success! Five playoff berths, but their best team somehow only won 88 games in 2014 and they unfortunately were behind the Astros after winning 97 games the past two seasons. However, they're going to have a chance to win the division in the All Decade league thanks to depth at pitching!

KRUSH sadly didn't make the All Decade team due to fan vote, but I love his power!

LINEUP: All in all, Oakland has an underwhelming lineup compared to its All Decade compatriots... but it's got plenty of contact and speed that a discerning manager can use to great effect! In a shocker, catcher Norris is leading off (ala the John Jaso strategy) and should be on 1B frequently enough for the A's best hitters. Donaldson hits second, giving them a strong OB 10 in the two hole... still hard to believe they got rid of him prior to his prime seasons in Toronto, but here's Josh's second All Decade team (and not his last!). Hitting third and fourth are last season's Mark Canha and Marcus Semien, the best hitters on the A's! These guys don't have a lot of pure power, but lots of XB pop and should be consistent. Adding the OOMPF is OB 8, HR at 15 Brandon Moss in the five hole. He's followed by defensive wizard and extra base machine Matt Chapman! Rookie Cespedes gives a very good (although on at 7) OB 9 in the seven spot, followed by very, very consistent Jed Lowrie as the 2B. Turning over the lineup is A(22) speed Coco Crisp. This lineup is very steady, but the four OB 8 hitters are going to scare a lot of managers to chose other squads.

ROTATION: Oakland is bringing out a nice group of starters! Leading the way is Bob's favorite -- Big Sexy! He's a Tier 2, Control 5 with no doubles that'll be a tank in the ace position. He's supported by a very good Jon Lester, who was with the 2014 A's team that shockingly didn't (a) win the AL West, (b) blew the big lead to the Royals in that Wild Card game. 2019 Frankie Montas, who had a Tier 2 with no doubles card... but only 4 IP due to his limited innings. I think he'll be very effective for them in the three slot. Rounding it out is Sonny Gray, another 2014 starter, who brings a solid Tier 3 with 7 IP and great control.

BULLPEN: What else is new -- it's another INCREDIBLE bullpen! The A's have a pair of Tier 1, no doubles closers with Treinen and Hendricks. Those guys are absolutely lethal ... do not let Oakland get a lead late! However, the rest of the bullpen is stellar Tier 2 pitchers, including two more guys with no doubles. Really, the A's will probably roll out all pitchers (including starters) with no doubles about half the games they play! I know that'll get a lot of managers around here licking their chops!

Overall, Oakland comes in at a mere 6670 points, despite their pitching accounting for over 3000 points! This team is a lot like the Royals and Rays -- amazing pitching, with lots of speed and solid contact in the batting order that doesn't necessarily have the THUMP of other teams and, therefore, is cheaper. However, I think Oakland's a contender in the AL West nonetheless.

1.   Dodgers             8010 points
2.   Yankees             7920 points
3.   Red Sox             7770 points
4.   Nationals           7670 points
5.   Astros                7420 points
6.   Reds                   7220 points
7.   Phillies               7200 points
8.   Blue Jays           7140 points
9.   Rockies              7090 points
10.   Rays                   7060 points
11.   Indians               6880 points
12.   (T11) Mariners  6880 points
13.   Orioles               6830 points
14.   Giants                6800 points
15.   Marlins              6750 points
16.   Tigers                 6710 points
17.   Athletics            6670 points
18.   Royals                6570 points
19.   Padres                6510 points