Cespedes is projected to hit 18 hr's this season, but Ive heard people make the case it could be closer to 25-29. It's hard to say, the pitching in Cuba, or anyother country, doesnt compare to here. I think he'll hit 20, he's still new to playing here, and theyre going to catch on to what he cant hit. At the same time people are going to try and challenge him and he's going to win, people are going to hang a curveball or two, and his raw skill could lead to plenty of hr's...Either way, Im really excited he's on the team...Also, from all the radio interviews Ive heard Im happy with McCarthy taking on the leadership role for the pitching staff, with him, Colon (seemingly) being so solid, and Milone the starting 3 is solid. I like Godfrey, but I'd like Ross better in the 4 spot. When Ross can keep his stuff down he's filthy...
...It was either SI or ESPN that projected the A's to only win 60 games this season. Maybe Im being overly optimistic but I dont think .500 is that far of a long shot, and I think its assuming too much that Texas and the Halos are going to walk away with the division, people get hurt, people dont play up to expectation. I think if you wait and see how the season eventually shakes out the gap between "the best" and the A's isnt going to be that big in the AL West.
And my overly bold prediction is the Halos dont gel and fall to 3rd entering the last month of the season, and the A's go on a 15 game win-streak to take the division from Texas...lol...And Milone wins the Cy Young, Cespedes wins the triple crown, Colon wins 20 games, Weeks breaks Rickey's single season steals record, and Donaldson wins rookie of the year. And they go on to sweep the Diamond backs, Oakland A's 2012 WS Champions...There I said it, lol.