The year ended in disappointment for the Oakland A's, as they finished last in the AL West with a 74-88 record in 2011. Things don't seem to be looking up in 2012, as the team traded away three of its best players in Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Andrew Bailey to load up on prospects for the future. Though they have added Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes in the offseason, there just isn't really enough talent on this team for the A's to contend with the likes of the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels in this division. Here are the projected starting rotation and closer situation for the A's this impending season. Check out more of our thoughts on the team with our 2012 Oakland A's preview.
Projected Rotation
Brandon McCarthy (RHP) - In his first year with the Athletics, McCarthy was one of the bright areas in an otherwise miserable season last year. He did go just 9-9 in 25 games, but posted a solid 3.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. McCarthy will now be relied on more to be the best thrower of the rotation in 2012 with the departures of Cahill and Gonzalez.
Dallas Braden (LHP) - Oakland is hoping Braden can bounce back from an injury-riddled season last year. The 28-year-old showed some promise last season, going 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 30 starts, but there is cause for concern, as he is not an overpowering pitcher and he'll probably struggle if his shoulder isn't 100 % recovered.
Bartolo Colon (RHP) - Despite his age, the veteran still has something left in his tank, as he went 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 26 games with the New York Yankees last season. While the Athletics are just relying on him to eat some innings, Colon might surprise folk and pitch better than expected this year.
Justin Parker (RHP) - Parker should get a huge chance to display what he will be able to do this year. The 23-year-old is among the most promising young pitchers the Athletics bought this offseason. Parker made his debut last year, hurling 5.2 scoreless innings with the D-Backs, but that's the one time he has spent in the big leagues. The Athletics are relying on him to be a top rotation starter in times to come.
Brad Peacock (RHP) - Peacock was purchased in the Gonzalez deal with the Washington Nationals, but he's still a few seasons away from making a huge impact. In two career games and one relief showing, the 24-year-old posted a 0.75 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 12 innings of work. He still desires a lot of experience before he can make a valuable contribution in 2012.
Projected Closer
Brian Fuentes (RHP) - Fuentes should be relied upon to give the Athletics a steady finish in the 9th inning. The vet reliever has a pretty sound reputation for having the ability to close the door on opposing teams. Fuentes closed just 12 games in limited chances last season, but did total 183 saves from 2005 to 2010.
Projected Rotation
Brandon McCarthy (RHP) - In his first year with the Athletics, McCarthy was one of the bright areas in an otherwise miserable season last year. He did go just 9-9 in 25 games, but posted a solid 3.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. McCarthy will now be relied on more to be the best thrower of the rotation in 2012 with the departures of Cahill and Gonzalez.
Dallas Braden (LHP) - Oakland is hoping Braden can bounce back from an injury-riddled season last year. The 28-year-old showed some promise last season, going 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 30 starts, but there is cause for concern, as he is not an overpowering pitcher and he'll probably struggle if his shoulder isn't 100 % recovered.
Bartolo Colon (RHP) - Despite his age, the veteran still has something left in his tank, as he went 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 26 games with the New York Yankees last season. While the Athletics are just relying on him to eat some innings, Colon might surprise folk and pitch better than expected this year.
Justin Parker (RHP) - Parker should get a huge chance to display what he will be able to do this year. The 23-year-old is among the most promising young pitchers the Athletics bought this offseason. Parker made his debut last year, hurling 5.2 scoreless innings with the D-Backs, but that's the one time he has spent in the big leagues. The Athletics are relying on him to be a top rotation starter in times to come.
Brad Peacock (RHP) - Peacock was purchased in the Gonzalez deal with the Washington Nationals, but he's still a few seasons away from making a huge impact. In two career games and one relief showing, the 24-year-old posted a 0.75 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 12 innings of work. He still desires a lot of experience before he can make a valuable contribution in 2012.
Projected Closer
Brian Fuentes (RHP) - Fuentes should be relied upon to give the Athletics a steady finish in the 9th inning. The vet reliever has a pretty sound reputation for having the ability to close the door on opposing teams. Fuentes closed just 12 games in limited chances last season, but did total 183 saves from 2005 to 2010.
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