New Green and Gold

I've been thinking about the upcoming season, and after chatting with Billy Beane, I'm excited about seeing many of the new additions he's brought on board. As a matter of fact, I'm considering even driving to Stockton for a game this year to see Daric Barton play. If he is the best bat in the minors, I'm eager to see this kid swing away.

But, and I asked this question last year, I wanted to know which new A's player you're looking the most forward to see throw his first pitch, take his first at-bat or make his first great defensive play? My answer last year was Kotsay.

There are many candidates, and judging from Billy's response, I would guess that the overwhelming favorite in this poll will be Jason Kendall. Kendall has a lengthy resume, including All-Star appearances and a penchant for playing a ton of games while being a clubhouse leader. He's going to bring a ton to the Oakland Athletics.

But there's also Juan Cruz, who finally matured last season into a quality bullpen arm that could be used in a variety of situations. Kiko Calero, who was a crucial part of a World Series Cardinals team's success, also joins the pen. Yabu is a great unknown, and many people are extremely curious why the A's front office wanted to bring over an aging Japanese star to a roster that is skewing very young.

There's also Keith Ginter, who smoked 19 bombs in a limited number of games last year. Charles Thomas became an exciting presence in Atlanta last year, virtually out of nowhere. He made catches that were nightly highlights on Baseball Tonight.

Perhaps the two young stud starters, Dan Meyer and Danny Haren get your blood going, knowing that Beane probably perceived something in these kids to make him think they could carry the weighty mantle that Hudson and Mulder left behind.

Or maybe you're just eager to see Dan Johnson or Huston Street make an impact (I didn't include Swisher or Blanton on this list because they've already made their A's debuts).

Maybe you're excited about someone other than the names that everyone knows...like a Seth Etherton or maybe you believe Jack Cust is finally going to bust out in a system that loves his approach.

As for me, while I'm dying to see Kendall at the top of that order, setting the table for Chavez, Durazo and company, I'm most eager to see Danny Haren. Haren excelled down the stretch last year, going 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA after the All Star break. And for anyone who was still paying attention during the 2004 World Series, Haren showed his toughness despite the difficult circumstances.

I'm eager to see what this kid can do, given the opportunity that awaits him in the Oakland rotation.

So, click on the entry link below...and let me know who you're most eager to see in green and gold in 2005.