People are expecting big things from Dan Johnson, and I would like to see him get the chance to show it, which he should be able to if Kotsay is not ready for action at the beginning of the season.

Here is his 2007 line: 349 AB 93 H 18 2B 0 3B 15 HR 51 BB 1 HBP 62 K, adding up to .267/.362/.444. The A's would be in pretty good shape if he did that. Devo had the most optimistic projection at .271/.378/.460, and mikeA the most pessimistic (although dansward predicted 0 ABs) at .264/.352/.418, which would be fine. salb918 predicted 35 doubles in 400 ABs, while the next highest was 24 in 470 ABs. Maybe because the outfielders will start laughing when they see him run?

Next up is silver-glover Mark Ellis. His info is here and here. I called Ellis's 3R HR in August against Seattle last year (on "Celebrate Fremont" night) and if that does not signal a big year, I don't know what does.