The 2002 season, as a whole, was a fairy tale come true. Eric Chavez cemented himself as one of the game’s best third basemen, clobbering 34 HRs and winning his second Gold Glove. Free agent additions David Justice and Scott Hatteberg were a pleasant surprise to the A’s lineup.
The “Big Three,” of course, dominated from the mound, combining for an ERA of 3.05. Barry Zito, deservingly, won the Cy Young after finishing with an AL-best 23 wins and 2.75 ERA. Relievers Billy Koch and Chad Bradford anchored the bullpen, totaling 169 innings in relief.