MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Oakland A's & Milwaukee Brewers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#20.

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PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Coco Crisp
3B Brett Lawrie
2B Ben Zobrist
DH Billy Butler
1B Ike Davis
RF Josh Reddick
CF Craig Gentry
C Stephen Vogt
SS Marcus Semien

PROJECTED ROTATION
Sonny Gray
Scott Kazmir
Drew Pomeranz
Jesse Hahn
Kendall Graveman

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Tyler Clippard
Set-up: Ryan Cook

Top Prospect: Matt Olson (1B)

BREAKOUT - While I think many things in Oakland are flawed like the stadium, the philosphies, and the recent motion picture, one thing Billy Beane knows how to do is get the most out of underrated players. It may not result in championships, but it should result in string seasons from new Athletics. If Brett Lawrie can stay healthy I fully expect him to produce near the level of the recently departed Josh Donaldson. Maybe not MVP type numbers, but all-star level is not out of the question.

SPRING STORYLINES - Just when a core group of going were getting to the playoffs every season, in comes Beane and his big, brainy ideas. We shall see if Lawrie, Ike Davis, and Billy Butler can all take the next step in their careers.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (2nd in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 80-82 (3rd in AL West)

#19.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura
C Jonathan Lucroy
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Adam Lind
LF Khris Davis
2B Scooter Gennett

PROJECTED ROTATION
Matt Garza
Kyle Lohse
Wily Peralta
Mike Fiers
Jimmy Nelson

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Francisco Rodriguez
Set-up: Jonathan Broxton

Top Prospect: Oswaldo Arcia (SS)

BREAKOUT - I am buying Michael Fiers incredible stretch run to 2014. In the second half he struck out 71 in 64 innings with a 2.09 ERA. I think Fiers should be a serviceable part to the rotation with a strong chance to be the ace by the end of the year.

SPRING STORYLINES - While Jonathan Lucroy had a MVP-type year last season, they need the real former MVP Ryan Braun to return to his old form if they are going to contend. As always, all eyes are the right fielder. If the offense can return to an elite form behind Carlos Gomez, Braun, Lucroy, and Aramis Ramirez in his final season, the Brewers could find a way to make the postseason after last year's forgettable second half.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 82-80 (3rd in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 81-81 (4th in NL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Cubs and Blue Jays*