This One's For Nick

After a series of trades, which included All-Star pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill; the Oakland Athletics are rebuilding…again. It’s probably a term that A’s fans are sick of hearing. After having a promising farm system that included Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, the A’s are destined for a mediocre season.

General Manager Billy Beane better hope these prospects pan out, or his job will be on the line.

1. Jarrod Parker, RHP – Pretty much the only useful piece out of the Trevor Cahill deal. Parker is ace material. His Tommy John hasn’t held hm back at all, however, he is now 23-years-old; the same age as Trevor Cahill (who has already made a name for himself). I feel that for the A’s franchise, he must be in the rotation in 2012. He proved himself during big games when he was called up in September. The Diamondbacks included him on their postseason roster, which shows where they feel he belongs.

2. A.J. Cole, RHP – Probably my favorite prospect in all of baseball. I was heartbroken to see Cole traded to the A’s in the Gonzalez deal. However, he could be a huge piece to their future if everything goes right. He had a great debut and will start in High-A. I expect him to stay there the entire season. He’s pretty much the main piece in the deal.

3. Sonny Gray, RHP – Dominated at Vanderbilt. 2011 1st round pick, his stock dropped a bit. I think he will wind up in Oakland by the end of the season. He should start in Double-A and cruise from there. Potential 3-4 starter.

4. Michael Choice, OF – Huge power numbers in High-A, but it was in the California atmosphere. Also, he must cut back on his strikeouts. At this point, he’s going to start at Double-A and I feel that his swing will be exposed. This could really, really hurt the A’s.

5. Derek Norris, C – Uh…. At this point, it’s power or nothing. He’s getting too old, but still can be a good MLB catcher. Will he have a Mesoraco breakout year? He figures to be the catcher of the future, even though I’d prefer Kurt Suzuki.

6. Brad Peacock, RHP – Another piece in the Gio deal, he’s going to be in the rotation in 2012. His blazing fastball and change up combination reminds me of Tim Hudson. Yes, I said it. I really think Peacock has a nice major league career ahead of him.

7. Collin Cowgill, OF – I felt that the Diamondbacks really didn’t give up anything to get Cahill. Cowgill was a part of it. He’s a fourth-outfielder in my book.

8. Grant Green, OF/SS/??? – He’s biggest flaw is he has no position at this point. And his power seemed to disappear. So who knows anymore.

9. B.A. Vollmuth, 3B – One of my favorite college players last year. His season didn’t go the way it should have. I hink the A’s got a steal here.