From what we have seen. We have an idea though. And i think you are semi right idea. I think It's clear that Haren has the talent to perform at a big three level, it's about consistensy and learning. Hopefully a year under his belt will help him get through that.

Blanton does not have that potential. But he has also shown that even though he doesn't have over powering stuff (he does have all at least average pitches though), his persistence and bulldogish style will help him a lot, and i think Blanton can be a solid fourth starter. He will also have a year on his belt. Basically i think you are right with the rest except abotu Dan Meyer. He also has a chance to be on big three level, right now is not the time to judge that since he was pitching with an exhausted shoulder the whole time.

Also, IMO your conclusion is a little off. I don't think it would take Dan Meyer to be dominant for the starting pitching to do well, i think just overall improvements by Haren, Blanton and Harden would be sufficient.

cuz the pirates tried to do it for years and couldnt, plus billy needs a good game caller behind the plate for the young gunz

Just one to begin with one.  We have to watch some more obviously, but we may have that REALLY BIG Time Closer in Street--both physically and mentally.  and we all know what that means.  We would have done so much better having Foulke for that 2nd year.

The thing I don't see right now is that big bat or two in the middle of the line up--3, 4 and 5.  We may need a Barron Davis type move (a la the Warriors) to pull us up to the next level.  Right now I don't think we can count on anyone as a true 3,4 or 5 hitter in '06 or '07.  Though I imagine BB would say let's see how Crosby, DJ, and Swish evolve--and if they do, maybe Chavez is a 4 or 5 if he's better protected.  (But that takes a lot of hope).

The thing is, a team needs to be firing pretty well on all cylinders to truly compete. Just look at this year so far

The rotation and bullpen were very good to start, but because of the offense the team wasn't winning a whole lot of games. Eventually, the pressure of trying to be perfect every time out got to the staff, and they crumbled. A team can withstand stretches where one part is carrying the other, but it has to even out.

I'm not sure our offense will be a whole lot better next year. The law of averages says it has to improve, but who's to say we won't have another rash of injuries to deal with? We don't have a lot of "impact" players--and Chavez has shown that he can't be the only one in the lineup and still produce. The only player we have right now at the ML level that might develop into that is Crosby, but he might be very injury prone.

The pitching rotation will definitely improve next year, especially Harden and Haren--and I really think BB is planning on extending Zito--but if we can't field an offense that can consistently score 4-5 runs, than it doesn't matter how much our pitching staff improves.

Nobody would be so stupid. the only chance-- and it is a prayer-- would come in the last year of his deal when the Pirates pay a bigger chair.

he is the Ruben Sierra of this version of the collapsing A's franchise.

Beane can only afford to extend Zito-- at presumably 9-10 million a year assuming Zito ends up this season a little below 4.00 in ERA-- which is a fairly safe bet given how he's looked recently-- if he trades both Kotsay and Chavez. Attendance is in the process of plummeting. The payroll will have to be shaved. Not saying it won;t happen but i'd say there's at least an equal chance that Zito and one of the others are traded as opposed to both of them being moved.

that we don't trade away Suzuki when he's ready to come up, because we won't be able to trade away Kendall as planned.

Which is not to say that I don't think that Kendall can't return to his .300 form. I guess it's possible to bat .300+ for 9 years and then become a .200 hitter, but I don't buy it.