2B Randy Velarde, C A.J. Hinch, P Omar Olivares.
Few teams can match the A's for overall talent and balance.
They have one of baseball's best young rotations, a deep and talented bullpen, a lineup that combines power and speed, and a solid defense. The addition of Damon, one of baseball's best leadoff hitters, gives Oakland better outfield defense and more speed at the top of the order. With Damon, Jason Giambi, Terrence Long and Eric Chavez swinging from the left side, the A's may be vulnerable to good left-handed pitchers. Designated hitter John Jaha is rebounding from shoulder surgery and that is a concern. The A's thought they were every bit as good as the Yankees when they extended the World Series champions to five games in the division series in 2000, and they look even better this season.