Oakland
Athletics

Oakland has produced three Rookies of the Year in the past six seasons, and seven in the past 23 years. Some of that is the result of the A's marketplace realities; as the second team in the market and with a lower payroll than most big-league clubs, Oakland regularly requires an influx of less expensive young players, and the team's inability to sign high-priced free agents and, many times, to retain its own free agents, makes for more opportunities for youngsters.

Right now, the A's are in a full-scale rebuilding effort, as evidenced by a rotation last year that had no starter older than 25 most of the way. Left-hander Brett Anderson, who emerged as Oakland's top starter by the end of the season, finished sixth in the rookie voting.

Bailey, though, is the best poster boy for the A's drafting and development. Scout Jeff Bittiger's strong recommendation convinced Oakland to take Bailey in the sixth round in 2006, and when Bailey stalled as a starter at Class AA Midland, Lieppman was among those who supported a move to the bullpen.

Relief is a very strong spot for the A's, and there is more on the way; Brad Kilby impressed in a September call-up. With Joey Devine returning from elbow surgery next season, expect that if Oakland swings a deal for a young third baseman or a shortstop, relief will be a primary component going the other way, with Brad Ziegler and possibly even top setup man Michael Wuertz dangled as bait.

--RHP Fautino De Los Santos, a top prospect who has been slow to return from Tommy John surgery, pitched in a simulated game in the Dominican Republic, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. De Los Santos, obtained in the Nick Swisher deal with Chicago before the 2008 season, is likely to pitch in relief in the minors next season, the newspaper reported.

--1B Sean Doolittle, mentioned as a potential call-up next season, had surgery last month to repair a tear in his left patellar tendon, which might limit his availability during spring training. Doolittle, one of Oakland's top prospects, missed nearly the entire season with a variety of injuries.

--1B/OF Chris Carter went through a 3-for-20 stretch at Guasave of the Mexican Pacific League, dropping his average to .212. Carter, a good bet to make Oakland's roster at some point next season, had 27 strikeouts in his first 66 at-bats.

BY THE NUMBERS: 21 -- RHP Andrew Bailey's consecutive saves streak to end the season. The rookie didn't blow a save after June 16. The ongoing streak is the second-longest such streak in Oakland history behind Dennis Eckersley's 40 in 1991-92.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Andrew had a dominant year, whether he was a rookie or a 10-year veteran. Sometimes, this award is subject to who the other rookies are that year, but Andrew was also an All-Star. There's a difference." -- A's general manager Billy Beane on Andrew Bailey's Rookie of the Year award, in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Few Oakland free agents are expected back, although the team is likely to talk to INF Adam Kennedy and perhaps RHP Brett Tomko.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The A's were last in the league in home runs and slugging, so more power would be a plus. But it's unclear if the team will look within the organization (notably Chris Carter) or outside for an additional bat. If the team doesn't upgrade in the power department, look for Oakland to run even more next season.

FREE AGENTS: INF Adam Kennedy, RHP Justin Duchscherer, RHP Brett Tomko, INF Nomar Garciaparra, INF Bobby Crosby.

There is little chance that Duchscherer will return, given Oakland's emphasis on young starters, but the A's have some interest in having Kennedy come back and he has said he'd like to return. Tomko is likely to get better offers elsewhere, while Garciaparra is mulling retirement. The A's tried to waive Crosby last winter, so it is clear he will not be back.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Santiago Casilla, DH Jack Cust, OF Rajai Davis, RHP Joey Devine, OF Scott Hairston, RHP Michael Wuertz.

Casilla is a definite candidate to be non-tendered, and there is a small chance that Cust might be non-tendered.

IN LIMBO: With next year's outfield looking set, former right fielder Travis Buck is likely to be available.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Joey Devine (Tommy John elbow surgery in April 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

3B Eric Chavez (back surgery in June 2009) is cautiously optimistic about returning to third base after his second operation in less than two years. He will resume baseball activity in December and is expected to be ready for spring training, though he is likely to be worked in slowly.

LHP Dallas Braden (left foot) is expected to be fully recovered by spring training from a rash and subsequent infection and nerve damage that kept him out the final two months of the season, although the rash returned again in September.

LHP Josh Outman (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2009) could be back by midseason or in the second half of the 2010 season.

RHP Justin Duchscherer (elbow surgery in March 2009, depression) has fully recovered from the surgery. He received treatment for depression in the second half, and his agent has said that Duchscherer plans to pitch again in 2010.