http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NAS...=.jsp&c_id=oak

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.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NAS...=.jsp&c_id=oak

Despite swapping two-thirds of the most dynamic and accomplished trio of young starting pitchers in the game last December for a six-pack of players that included five with less than a year of big-league service time, A's general manager Billy Beane refused to use the word "rebuilding" in relation to the team he assembled for 2005.
Gone were perennial Cy Young candidates Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder, replaced by unproven Dan Haren and rookie Joe Blanton. Allowed to leave as a free agent without so much as a token offer was slugging right fielder Jermaine Dye, replaced by rookie Nick Swisher.

Veteran setup man Jim Mecir moved on, too, creating more opportunities for second-year righty Justin Duchscherer. Veteran Damian Miller walked as well. Veteran utilityman Mark McLemore retired.

The youth movement is perpetual in Oakland, where revenues limit payroll, but the 2005 team figured to be one of the A's youngest in years.

But rebuilding? Not according to Beane, who would acknowledge only that he expected some bumps in the road as the youngsters earned their white spikes.
Interesting stuff...can't wait until next year!