Every team has hopes and dreams and what ifs at the start of every season, the A’s being no different. The offense was solid, but unproven, the defense was improved, but not infallible, the bullpen was reinforced, but volatile, and the starting pitching was full of talent, but thin and brittle. The team had been bad, and could still conceivably be bad, but it also didn’t take much squinting to see how the team could play well, exceptionally well even. There can be a certain freedom entering a season with little to no expectations, knowing one can just enjoy the ride without running the risk of emotional devastation a few months down the road.
Series #32: Athletics vs Giants - Battle of the Bay, OAK edition
