The A's went out this offseason and added some more firepower to a team that lost in the championship in 2007 in hopes of claiming the GPMABL crown this season.  Pitching is always the name of the game, the A's went out and added LHP Frank Busillo, RHP Ari Bluestein, who both pitched excellent in the fall and RHP John Flanagan, RHP Mike Thompson, Relief Specialist Neil Herman to a pitching staff that is led by Ace Mike Szelagowski, followed by the always reliable Dennis Geiger, with relief pitchers Bill Ginley, Fran Ehly and Rick Bates.  By midseason, the A's should have former ace Joe Juliano back from shoulder surgery.  This should give the A's much needed depth in the pitching staff.

 

The catching remains the same with all star Rick Bates behind the dish, and Ron Hirsch backing him up.

 

At first base, Doug Biernacki was lost for the season after shoulder surgery in Decemeber, Joe Juliano, 2007 MVP Billy Mason, newcomer Jeff Montagano will handle the first base duties.

 

At 2nd base, Luis Selles returns after a very good 2nd half of the 2007 season, Rip Roscioli returns after a two year absence from the team to be a utility guy and new comer Rob Cowie gives the A's some more speed on the basepaths.

 

At Shortstop, All Star Willie Liggins returns to ss for his 5th season with the club and has gotten better each year.

 

Third base, Golden Glove man Steve Gallo returns to third, Ari Bluestein and Billy Mason will back him up.

 

Outfield, the outfield has been reshaped in 2008, Brian Simon returns after a very good defensive 2007 as does Bill Ginley and Carlos Collado.  Neil Herman returns to CF after a year away! Rodney and Cuba Quintana return after being suspended in 2007 and give the A's much needed bats in the middle of the lineup.  Frank Busillo, John Flanagan, and Jeff Montagano will also see time in the OF. 

 

The A's lost some players from its championship run in 2007, but added way more depth and talent to a good core, anything less than a championship in 2008 is a disappointment!