Which question mark is most important this season?

[Providence A's]

Who is more vital to the A's playoff chances this season?

[Providence A's]

Honestly, I feel all of these issues are vital to our playoff chances this year, but to me Rich Harden is the most important because we don't have the starting pitching depth that we did last year with Zito and Saarloos gone. I'm not huge on Halsey, Windsor, Komine, or any other AAA spec (minus Meyer if he can regain his form form before his injuries, but that wouldn't be this year anyway).

I could have included Piazza and Stewart's health or even Swisher being more consistent, but I felt these were the top 6 concerns IMHO.

[redsrbetter]

I went with Harden. I didn't know all these guys had health issues. But every one of them are an important piece. I just had to go Harden because he is going to be your ace. His health is optimal and you guys will need him to be at his best this season.

Hopefully all of these guys can stay healthy and close all the question marks. But Harden is the most important in my opinion.

[Providence A's]

Kotsay's back has been a problem for him the last few years. Bradley was on the DL twice last year. Crosby has been hurt the last 2 years, which has hurt his development. Street was on the DL once and missed a 15 day DL trip's worth of time prior to that, but wasn't put on the DL. Chavez played hurt most of last year. In addition to those guys 2B Ellis, MR Duke, SP/MR Kennedy, SP Loaiza, and MR Witasick all spent time on the DL last season. I can't remember if anyone else did besides Thomas who left.

[redsrbetter]

WOW! I thought the Reds had bad luck in the injury department. Thats rough. And they still played so well.

[browntown653]

I'm gonna go with health for $1000 Alex.

[Providence A's]

Harden was sharp today in his first ST game action. He pitched 2 innings giving up 1 hit while striking out 5 with no runs allowed.

[A'sDiehard]

Harden was sharp today in his first ST game action. He pitched 2 innings giving up 1 hit while striking out 5 with no runs allowed.

I was listening to today's game when Harden was in there. Here's a brief recap of the game:

The Official Site of The Oakland Athletics: News: Oakland Athletics News

Back on topic I voted Harden and it's a no-brainer IMO. Today sounds like a good start.

[realmofotalk]

The biggest question mark is the starting rotation after Harden and Haren. Blanton needs to step up to be a reliable No. 3 starter and then at No. 4 you have...Esteban Loaiza.

[Providence A's]

I'm not sure, but they might be using Loaiza as the 3 and fatso as the 4...regardless, fatso certainly needs to be more consistent. It was that way last year though...at least when Harden was out. Zito, Haren, Loaiza, fatso, and Saarloos. This year it will be Harden, Haren, Loaiza/fatso, Kennedy (most likely)...with Halsey, Windsor, and Komine getting a shot if someone gets hurt...

[Kingdom]

Does DK still dig Loaiza?

[Providence A's]

I don't know who his new flavor of the year is...Weaver for the M's?

[s.dot88]

it's time for Harden to stay healthy and be the ace of the staff

if he can start 30 games, i think he could be a legit Cy Young contender

dudes got some nasty stuff, and should have the run support to win 20 games almost easy

by the way, im new

[Providence A's]

welcome to the forums! thanks for joining

[A'sDiehard]

it's time for Harden to stay healthy and be the ace of the staff

if he can start 30 games, i think he could be a legit Cy Young contender

dudes got some nasty stuff, and should have the run support to win 20 games almost easy

by the way, im new

Welcome!! We get some good gameday threads going in here during the season.