The A's didn't make it to the postseason, and given how close they came, their fans had every right to be disappointed when they sputtered down the stretch. With time, however, Oakland's season ought to be viewed for what it was: improbably entertaining, and ultimately satisfying on several levels.
The A's entered the season with more question marks than the Riddler's wardrobe. Two-thirds of the perceived key to Oakland's recent success -- The Big Three -- had been shipped out when Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder were traded in the offseason. Three-fifths of the starting rotation hadn't pitched a full season in the big leagues. And the offense had received next to nothing in the way of an upgrade over the 2004 outfit.
General manager Billy Beane refused to use the word rebuilding, but that's what the A's appeared to be doing. Nobody expected them to contend.
But despite an injury-riddled campaign that featured season-enders for their closer (Octavio Dotel) and best hitter from the previous year (Erubiel Durazo), a month-plus without Rich Harden and nearly three months without 2004 American League Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby, contend they did.
The young pitchers proved plenty ready for prime time, and no fewer than four rookies emerged as Rookie of the Year candidates and probable future stars. The offense still needs work, primarily in the form of a power-hitting corner outfielder who swings from the right side, but the future in Oakland, it seems, is bright.