This is Moneyball? For years, Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane has been applauded for his ability to build a winner on a budget. Year after year, the team has been able to overcome the loss of veteran stars. 2008 marks more of the same for the A’s, who will attempt to contend despite losing ace Dan Haren and slugger Nick Swisher. But for the first time in years, it doesn’t appear that the A’s will have enough to replace them.

Bats. If the Athletics don’t have the league’s worst lineup, it’s damn close. The past few years have seen stars like Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, Eric Byrnes and Swisher find new homes. It appears to finally be catching up with them. The fate of this lineup (and team) could hinge on the health of 3rd baseman Eric Chavez, who has watched his numbers decline over the last couple injury-plagued seasons. Chavez, once a shoe-in for 35+ homers, hit a horrid .240 in just 90 games last year. Chavez continues to be bothered by a back injury and will miss the A’s trip to Japan for the season opener in a couple weeks. However, the A’s are excited about their 1st baseman prospect Daric Barton, who might just lead this band of misfits in most hitting categories. Brought up late last season, Barton hit .347 with four homers in just 72 at-bats. Can we expect more of the same in 2008?

Read the rest of this entry »