OAKLAND -- Much has been made of the A's budding offensive star power, and for good reason. The club's young hitters are expected to lead the way in 2018, but it will need substantial support from the starting staff in order to compete.
Just two pitchers -- Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea -- are considered rotation locks entering Spring Training, setting up a fierce competition for the remaining spots between a myriad of candidates, including Paul Blackburn, Daniel Mengden, Jharel Cotton, Daniel Gossett, Andrew Triggs and Jesse Hahn.