There's a special feeling you get when you walk into the Coliseum and you here the ultra smooth voice of Roy Steele, aka The Voice of God, utter the words, "Welcome A's Fans!"
We'll be hearing those words sooner than later, as The Cactus League gets underway in March, and pitchers and catchers reporting in February. Barring any more trades - and with Billy, it can happen at any time - this year's version of the 2008 Athletics is going to be full of youth and exciting to watch.
Recent trade activity has virtually restocked the minor league cupboards, as both Dan Haren and Nick Swisher have brought top prospects back into the fold, prospects that will help contribute to this team for many years to come. Health remains a key issue for any team, but your 2008 Oakland Athletics need to utilize the disabled list far less than they did in 2007. However, injuries allowed the ball club to take a long look at players such as Donnie Murphy, Daric Barton, and Andrew Brown.
While there remains a slew of questions in 2008 - Will Rich Harden complete a season without getting injured, is a big one right off the bat - it sure will be interesting to find out those answers this season. And it's going to be even nicer getting to write about them this season.
So, "Welcome A's Fans!" and let the fun begin!
Keywords: Billy Beane, Cactus League, Oakland, Rich Harden, Roy Steele
