Billy Beane as usual, has assembled a competitive team for the 2006 season. Many people will look at the roster saying, "wow, they've got good players." However, what most people haven't realized is just how deep and flexible their roster is. What do I mean? The A's have at least 2 quality backups backups for each position that could feasibly start for another team. Additionally, many players on the A's can play more than one position. In fact, the only players who haven't are Chavez, DJ, and Crosby. So what does this mean? Well, with the new agreement on steroids came a ban on amphetamines. Amphetamines have been estimated to have been used by 75% of pro baseball players. Without amphetamines, there is a greater likelihood of fatigue and injuries. So, since the A's have the deepest and most flexible team, they can afford to rest guys literally every day. So they have an immediate advantadge over say, the Yankees, whose only quality backup is Bubba Crosby, and thats only if your defintion of "quality" is very low. i think Billy Beane knows this, and that's why he insisted on getting Antonio Perez, and keeping Ellis, Scutaro, and other guys. The same goes with the pitching staff. With the acquisition of Loaiza, and keeping of Kennedy and Cruz, the A's have 8 major league ready starters, not counting prospects like Shane Komine. So if one guy needs a rest, you bring in Saarloos or Cruz. Let me know what you think.