As a team they can hit pretty well. Ichiro will get on base and score a lot of runs, but will his teammates play up to their potential? Their rotation is underwhelming. Felix Hernandez is supposed to be a great young player but hasn't shown it yet. The players behind him are a collection of mediocre vets. It is likely that one will have a great year, one will get injured or absolutely stink, and 2 of them will end up around .500. The bullpen is also embarassing aside from Putz. Overall this is a team that just doesn't have the pitching to get it done.

2.5 Oakland seems to always exceed expectations, but they took some big hits with the loss of Zito and Thomas. They aren't a great fielding club aside from Chavez, who is a terrific defender and don't have all that much hitting. The only real power they have comes from Chavez and Swisher, and maybe Piazza if he can have another good year...They have a decent bench and good relievers, but though they have some talented young starters like Haren, Blanton, and Harden, they don't have a real ace, just some young 2-4 guys. I wouldn't count them out, but they could take a big fall.