I have been mulling this over for quite some time, and have come to the following conclusion:

We may be able to get by with 11 pitchers to start the season. Think of it this way, we have good, durable pitchers and don't really need to waste a spot on the 12th pitcher. Injuries, of course, would change that. As for now though, we don't need anything more than:

Zito, Harden, Haren, Loaiza, Blanton. Your starting 5.

Street, your closer deluxe, courtesy of Billy Beane and his pimp-tacular ways. (Apologies for use of the non-word "pimptacular".)

Witasick, Saars, Kennedy, Calero, Duke. You could, essentially, have three Dukes, a set-up monster and an above average mid-reliever. Great pen that can go deep. Especially with a starting 5 that can and should go pretty deep themselves.

Of course, we already ASSUME the other 14 spots are sewn up:
Kendall, Swisher, Ellis, Crosby, Chavez, Payton, Kotsay, Bradley. More than likely, your starting postion players. Johnson and Thomas DH'ing, also splitting time at first with Swish, who's able to shift to the OF and offer flexibility, days off, etc. Dead horse there, we all know about the flexibility.

Oh, and then the bench: Melhuse, Perez, Scoot, Kielty, and whoever is being rotated for rest (Swish, Johnson, Thomas, Kotsay, Bradley, Payton).

The way I see it, 25 spots are done being handed out. The pen, my point was, is super deep, and will be the best by far (I think)in the AL. Billy Beane's theory on relievers may finally pay off. Think about it, every single option out of the 'pen, except the closer himself, has started games at the Major League level, or at the very least, AAA. Barring injury, I think this will be the deepest, best bullpen seen in ages. Just like every year when they talk about the "keys to the World Series", it'll be all about the A's bullpen after the '06 season. Not too mention the stellar starting staff they'll have. Honestly, I'd be stoked to manage a team and have that bullpen at my disposal. Such a 'pen, that even Macha can't screw up! Anyhow, I'll quit rambling on about it, what are your thoughts on the A's current bullpen, what it may look like come opening day, and who might come up after an injury/trade? As for the last question, I'll bet Komine and/or Garcia get to see time, perhaps Rheinecker as well. What do you folks think?