Keys to victory

Pretend all is well: The A’s are entering Year 4 of seven spent in purgatory since club president Dave Kaval announced in 2021 that the club was pursuing “parallel paths” toward a new home in Oakland and Las Vegas. Now that Las Vegas is definitely/probably/likely/ maybe coming into focus for a 2028 launch, it’s one more year at Oakland’s Coliseum and three years of who knows. Manager Mark Kotsay will once again be faced with politely providing boilerplate answers to questions far above his pay grade. Kotsay

may never manage a team equipped to realistically compete. Perhaps sainthood is an option.

Brew the coffee: In 2023, the A’s played 23 home dates – more than a quarter of their Coliseum schedule – in front of announced crowds ranging from 2,000 to 5,600 fans. The “Sell The Team” fan contingent has already discussed boycotting opening day. Imagine what late April against the Pirates is going to look like! Any enthusiasm will have to be generated from within the clubhouse.

Find an All-Star: Even if this club is worse than it was in 2023, somebody will be headed to north Texas in July as the team’s All-Star representative. Last year, Brent Rooker stepped forward and acquitted himself well all year, from spring training through the Midsummer Classic and beyond. He returns as the most decorated player, but signs of life can emerge elsewhere. Second baseman Zack Gelof’s sophomore campaign will be one to watch. That will be the case even if he’s traded by the time the club reaches Vegas.

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