Opening Day 2014: Previewing The American League West

Sonny Gray gets the Opening Day start for the A’s despite not having a full season under his belt. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oakland Athletics

Last year: 96-66, first place
Projected finish: First place
What’s New: OF Craig Gentry (Texas), RHP Luke Gregerson (San Diego), RHP Jim Johnson (Baltimore), LHP Scott Kazmir (Cleveland), LHP Eric O’Flaherty (Atlanta), LHP Drew Pomeranz (Colorado), INF Nick Punto (L.A. Dodgers).

Who’s Gone: LHP Brett Anderson (Colorado), RHP Grant Balfour (Tampa Bay), LHP Jerry Blevins (Washington), RHP Bartolo Colon (N.Y. Mets), OF Seth Smith (San Diego), OF Chris Young (N.Y. Mets).

Who’s Down: LHP Eric O’Flaherty (60-day DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery), RHP Jarrod Parker (60-day DL, Tommy John surgery), RHP Ryan Cook (15-day DL, right shoulder inflammation), RHP A.J. Griffin (15-day DL, right flexor muscle strain), RHP Fernando Rodriguez (15-day DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery), CF Craig Gentry (15-day DL, lower back strain).