For the most part, the A's came through the spring with full health, which was a major concern for a club that used the disabled list 22 times in 2007. Oakland had a lot of new faces after all its offseason deals, and the young talent was largely impressive and all the parts appeared to gel very well this spring. This is a youthful team that believes it might surprise some people.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Joe Blanton

2. RHP Rich Harden

3. RHP Justin Duchscherer

4. RHP Chad Gaudin

5. LHP Dana Eveland

Blanton will be in the rumor mill as long as he's still in an Oakland uniform, and if Harden stays healthy, he'll be an even more attractive candidate for clubs looking for starters. Harden, Duchscherer and Gaudin are all coming off injuries, so they'll be monitored closely.

Eveland is the best bet for the fifth spot, but fellow lefties Greg Smith and Lenny DiNardo have had good showings this spring, and top prospect Gio Gonzalez could wind up in the rotation by the middle of the season. In the event of trades or injuries, all of them could start at some point.

BULLPEN:

RHP Huston Street (closer)

LHP Alan Embree

RHP Keith Foulke

RHP Santiago Casilla

RHP Andrew Brown

RHP Fernando Hernandez

LHP Lenny DiNardo

This could be Oakland's strongest unit, barring trades (Embree has a good chance to be dealt, and there's a slight chance Street could go). When healthy, Street is one of the better closers in the league, and Embree and Foulke provide experience in the setup roles.

Casilla and Brown both need to be more consistent, while Rule 5 draftee Fernando Hernandez must remain on the roster all year or be offered back to the White Sox. If he doesn't stick, Joey Devine and Jerry Blevins are good options for this spot. If DiNardo winds up starting at some point, Kirk Saarloos or Dallas Braden might pitch some long relief.

LINEUP:

1. RF Travis Buck

2. 2B Mark Ellis

3. LF Jack Cust

4. DH Mike Sweeney

5. SS Bobby Crosby

6. 1B Daric Barton

7. 3B Jack Hannahan

8. C Kurt Suzuki

9. CF Chris Denorfia/Ryan Sweeney

When Cust DH's, Emil Brown will play the outfield. Third baseman Eric Chavez, once he is healthy, probably would be back in the middle of the order.

Barton has the everyday first base job and he could wind up a Rookie of the Year candidate if he hits the way he did as a September call-up, when he reached base in every game he played.

RESERVES:

C Rob Bowen

INF Donnie Murphy

INF Dan Johnson

OF Emil Brown

Johnson is the wild card here; he might be traded or waived because of Mike Sweeney's fine spring. He's out of options, and the team already has a first baseman, Barton, and two DHs in Cust and Sweeney.

Ryan Sweeney is expected to see time in the outfield, and he might even nudge Denorfia out in center if the team doesn't bring in some outside help. Emil Brown will be a near-regular in the outfield.

ROOKIE WATCH: 1B Daric Barton had some problems with soreness in his left hand this spring, but he is still firmly entrenched as the everyday first baseman and is a patient line-drive hitter. OF Carlos Gonzalez and LHP Gio Gonzalez are both expected to be up before the end of the season, and RHP Fernando Hernandez will be given every opportunity to stick as a Rule 5 reliever.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF Carlos Gonzalez (right hamstring strain) will not make the trip to Japan, but he might join the team for the Bay Bridge series against the Giants at the end of March.

RHP Kiko Calero (torn right rotator cuff) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 19. He is throwing bullpen sessions but is not at full strength.

RHP Rich Harden (biceps tendinitis) has demonstrated full health all spring and is expected to start March 26 against Boston.

3B Eric Chavez (right shoulder surgery in September 2007, lower back surgery in October 2007, left shoulder surgery in November 2007) will remain in Arizona when the team is in Japan. He is working toward being ready for the April 1 home opener, but he won't be allowed to play until he can play third base. He went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 19.

RHP Chad Gaudin (hip surgery and foot surgery in December 2007) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 19. He is on track to start against Cleveland on April 12.

RHP Keith Foulke (strained calf) will be on the roster for the Japan trip.

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