Quick Position by Position Analysis

I plan on doing a more detailed analysis of the positional strengths and weaknesses of the organization later. However, The draft is in about 14 hours and I want to get in my two cents in about who the A's should strongly consider. Nevertheless, to properly explain my reasons for drafting a certain player, it is impotant to foreshadow my reasoning with a look at the organization first. So lets get on with it. I will highlight the projected future starter, as well as, another player at the same position who is capable of unseating or surpassing that projected starter.

Catcher:
Projected Starter: Kurt Suzuki

REASON-He is currently the incumbent at the major league level. Suzuki offers little power. However, His intangibles are excellent- demeanor for the position, calling a game-, He plays solid defense, and he should be able to hit .270-.280 with anywhere from 5-15 hrs. Something Also tells me that down the road he will be our Marco Scutaro who always seems to come through in the clutch.

Dark Horse: Landon Powell
REASON- Powell is already 25 and their is a decent likelyhood he will eat his way out of the position. However, despite his heftyness, he offers superior defense to Suzuki. He also offers the potential for 20-25 hr's and very good plate dicipline.

First Base:
Projected Starter- Daric Barton

Reason- His first full season has yielded mixed results. However, he's only 22, and Barton seems destined to sport a .300 average with a .420 OBP. The question remains, can he hit for power? While early indications aren't promising, he's projected to get 8-10 hr, Their is no reason he shouldn't produce 15-20 hr's with a decent chance for more than that. He also has shown improving defense.

Dark Horse- Sean Doolittle

Reason- Doolittle is well on his way to becoming the A's minor league offensive player of the year. He has even quieted some critics who questioned whether he would have the power to play first, albeit in a hitter-friendly league. Doolittle Offers Superior Defense to Barton, some feel he could be a future Gold Glover at first, and he should hit .300 with at least 20 hr's and good patience at the plate. However, the one chink in his armour is that he strikes out a lot. As well, I believe his future position with the A's will be in LF.

Second Base:
Projected Starter- Jemile Weeks

Reason

Darkhorse- Jesus Guzman

Reason

Shortstop
Projected Starter- Cliff Pennington

Reason

Dark Horse- Josh Horton

Reason

Third Base:
Projected Starter- Jeff Baisley

Reason

Dark Horse- Jesus Guzman

Reason

Left Field:
Projected Starter- Sean Doolittle

Reason-

Dark Horse- Travis Buck, Matt Sulentic


Center Field
Projected Starter- Carlos Gonzalez

Dark Horse- Aaron Cunningham, Rashun Dixon

Right Field:
Projected Starter- Ryan Sweeney

Dark Horse- Corey Brown, Grant Desme

DH
Projected Starter- Chris Carter

Dark Horse- Daric Barton

Projected Starting Staff
1. Trevor Cahill
2. Brett Anderson
3. Greg Smith
4. Gio Gonzalez
5. James Simmons

Setup:
Devine

Closer:
Street