Pitching alone makes them a contender.

Offense is good, pitching is decent, but I don't think they can get past the Angels. A very colorful group of players though and a team on the rise.

3.5,have a fine young staff, and some talented young guys. However, at this point, the great fielding/ good hitting 3b Eric Chavez is really their only top notch position player and I think they are probably a year away from serious contention. Shortstop Crosby needs to stay healthy, and they have to hope that newcomer Frank Thomas can stay healthy too, and has something left in the tank. Should come in second place in the A.L. West, but if Anaheim or whatever they call themselves falters, they could steal the division.

They will be a tough divisional contender but will fall short. A good young team though.

The A's have a young team, and have continued to find quality young players instead of resigning older guys for more money. However, I don't think there team is mature enough yet to earn a spot in the playoffs. They still have some spots that need improvement, but they should still be challenging in the AL West down the stretch.