Oakland A’s 2003 Season Preview
"Many see this season as their last chance to bring a World Series to
Oakland."
By Mike Oseroff
Mike Oseroff is Youth Radio’s resident sports commentator
and columnist. Keep checking this space for his weekly updates! You can email
him at sports@youthradio.org.
 Over
the past three years the Oakland Athletics have evolved from a team of inexperienced,
small-market underdogs, to a major league powerhouse that is hungry for a title.
They have produced three 95+ win seasons, two American League MVPs, a Cy Young,
and a record 20 game win streak, all while maintaining one of the lowest payrolls
in baseball. They have built a young nucleus of great young pitching and hitting,
and have done it all through smart trades and a great farm system. But one dark
cloud has hung over Oakland’s head the past three years, and it will continue
to plague them until they get over the hump: they have yet to win a playoff
series in three straight tries.
While most teams would die for just one trip to the glory of the
postseason, the A’s definitely come into 2003 with some unfinished business.
Many feel this young team should already be heading towards a dynasty status,
with at least one championship under their belt. In each of the past three seasons
the A’s have amazed baseball with their unbelievable hot streaks and the
dominance of their pitching staff, yet their playoff struggles have led experts
to write off the A’s as “paper champions.”
In 2000 against the Yankees, they were underdogs, a team of new
faces, exposing themselves in the national spotlight for the first time. In
2001 again against New York they couldn’t seal the deal, after they had
the Yanks on the ropes down 2-0 in the 5 game series. And in 2002 they were
heavy favorites over the less talented Twins, yet still lost in a series that
left the organization and the Bay Area bitterly disappointed.
But this season Oakland received the shock of a lifetime, when
owner Steve Schott admitted to the world that he would make no attempt to resign
the A’s MVP shortstop Miguel Tejada, whose contract expires at the end
of this season. It was, if anything, a giant wake up call to the organization
that their time for glory was running out. All of a sudden there is an extreme
sense of urgency for this team to stop messing around in the playoffs, and push
themselves over the hump. Many see this season as their last chance to bring
a World Series to Oakland, as all of their young stars’ contracts are
quickly running out. Barring a miracle, the A’s, who had once hoped to
be serious contenders for years to come, will watch their second MVP in three
seasons walk out the door at the end of October. The only question is: will
he be wearing a World Series ring when he does?
Here is a look at the 2003 A’s.
Starting Pitching
The A’s have their biggest advantage in this area, as their 1, 2, and
3 starting pitchers are all legitimate Cy Young Winners. The Big Three, Barry
Zito, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson, are three of the best in the game, and will
continue to dominate barring any injuries. Number 4 pitcher Ted Lily takes over
the role Cory Lidle had last year, and will be counted on to pick up at least
12 wins. He faltered last year, during the regular season and playoffs, but
most of that was due to injuries caused by his awkward delivery. He has since
changed it to a more fluid motion, and breezed through spring as a new man.
The 5th spot, for now, is occupied by former Mariner John Halama. Halama was
not in the least impressive during spring, holding a 10.00+ ERA, and may soon
be replaced by the younger, and probably more talented Aaron Harang.
First Base
Scott Hatteberg comes off his first season at first base, after producing solid
numbers in the 2 spot in the lineup. He might not be the typical power first
baseman, but another 80+ RBI season would be a huge bonus.
Second Base
Taking over full time at second is Mark Ellis, who had a very promising rookie
season in 2002, sharing duties with Ray Durham. Ellis has proven himself to
be a great defensive second baseman despite his size, and he and Tejada have
together become one of most fun to watch double play combos in baseball. He
will leadoff for the A’s this season, but must improve his OBP and average
in order for the A’s to be successful.
Shortstop
The MVP Miguel Tejada returns for his final year in Oaktown, after having a
career year in 2002. He was the A’s lifeline last year, and will still
be among the game’s elite this season. Look for him to do whatever is
in his power to push the A’s to the top.
Third Base
At third, is Eric Chavez, the power hitting, gold glover. Chavez is due for
a breakout year in 2003, and look for him to take that next step into stardom.
He will bat cleanup, and is very capable of hitting 40+ homers and 130 RBI’s.
Left Field
Terrence Long returns to left, after a dismal season in center. Long, whose
average dipped tremendously to .240 last year, will try to focus more on hitting
this year, as the pressure of playing center is all off him. He took a lot of
heat from fans and the press last year, but he could easily make them forget
about 2002, with a great offensive season in the 7 spot.
Center Field
The A’s picked up Chris Singleton, a Bay Area native, from the Orioles
in the off-season. He is a true center man, and will provide good outfield defense.
Any offense from him would be a bonus, as he will round out the order in the
9th spot.
Right Field
Jermaine Dye is back after a sub average year plagued by injury. The healthy
Dye could be very nice for the A’s in the 5 hole, and could provide serious
RBI’s and homers in the heart of the A’s batting order.
Catcher
Ramon Hernandez is capable of becoming a good offensive catcher, and will have
more time to focus on his hitting with backup Mark Johnson switching duties.
Hernandez caught for the A’s more often than any other catcher in the
American League in 2002, and the added rest could help his average and production.
He also needs to work on getting down the line a little quicker. Guys have finished
hotdogs before big R reaches first base.
Designated Hitter
GM Billy Beane’s holy grail Erubiel Durazo, will be the enforcer for the
A’s this season in the 6 spot. Durazo is on the doorstep of becoming a
great power hitter, and at DH he will focus on homers and protecting Tejada,
Chavez, and Dye in the order.
Bullpen
The A’s swapped closers with the Chicago White Sox in the off season,
dropping flamethrower Billy Koch and picking up changeup specialist Keith Foulke.
Foulke could very easily have just as productive season as Koch did last year,
and will have a variety of pitches to throw as opposed to Koch’s signature
one: the fastball. Ricardo Rincon and Chad Bradford are back after great seasons
as the lefty and righty setup men, and Jeremy Fikac and Mike Neu will try to
prove themselves in the first years with the A’s.
Bench
The A’s have almost no lefties on their bench, but Eric Byrnes will provide
blazing speed and power, and Ron Gant can still hit the longball, even at age
39.
Well there you have it. Tonight (April 1, 2003) the A’s
go into their opener against Seattle with the highest of expectations and hopes.
162 games later, in the playoffs, the A’s will have their chance to define
their legacy. Will they be remembered as the talented low payroll underdogs
that could never quite reach that next level, or will they be remembered as
champions who beat out all of the richer and more prestigious teams that competed
against them? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: anything less
than a trip to the World Series will be considered a failure for the A’s
in 2003. Their time is running out, and the time to win it all is right now.
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