Call to the pen
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MLB: AL West Preseason Division Predictions

By Matt Meffe

September 18, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after reaching third in the seventh inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after reaching third in the seventh inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Athletics Trade Chips 2017
Aug 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Khris Davis (2) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields (not pictured) during the third inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Last Place: Oakland Athletics

Projected Record: 70-92

What a difference three years makes. As recently as 2014, the Oakland Athletics were competing in the AL Wild Card Game against the Kansas City Royals. Despite having leads, the Royals came back and defeated the A’s in extra innings. That was Oakland’s last appearance in a playoff game, and the A’s have looked like a completely different team since then. The A’s did improve their outfield by acquiring near World Series hero Rajai Davis and veteran Matt Joyce. However, their improvements will not be enough to help Oakland back to the postseason.

The A’s have an inconsistent pitching staff and a very weak infield. Sonny Gray, their ace, was injured last year, and he can only do so much. While the A’s bullpen does contain several veterans, including Casilla, Ryan Madson, John Axford, and Sean Doolittle, it just doesn’t look to be enough to drastically improve. Last year, the A’s finished with the second-worst batting average and ERA in the American League. With no changes to the starting rotation, expect those numbers to remain. While the A’s have surprised in the past, it does not appear they will surprise again in 2017.

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