Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Oakland A's, March 31-April 2

The Indians begin their first West Coast visit with a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics.

The season opener is Monday at 10:05 PM (Masterson vs. Gray), Tuesday's game is also at 10:05 PM (Kluber vs. Kazmir), while the getaway game on Wednesday is at 3:35 PM (McAllister vs. Chavez).

Division Watch: Royals at Tigers, Twins at White Sox.

Team in a Box

*all stats through 2013 end of regular season

The A's won the West by 5.5 games last year before losing to the Tigers in the Division Series. They did that with a very balanced offensive attack and one of the better pitching staffs in the league.

They had a quiet offseason by their usual standards. They changed closers and made a few minor deals. They also replaced LGFT Bartolo Colon in the starting rotation with LGFT Scott Kazmir.

This spring they went 15-13-5.

Projected Roster*

* Spring training stats

Most had a decent spring, except for Cespedes and Sogard. Perpetual prospect Barton made the roster again, but this must be his last shot. Fuld earned his shot as an NRI but in reality benefited from Gentry being hurt. They will be similar to the Indians to start the year as the second catcher, Jaso, will be playing most days somewhere else (in his case, as the DH).

Projected Staff*

* Spring training stats

Gray is a former Top 100 prospect from 2012 who had a solid debut last year. Kazmir we obviously know well. Chavez was a reliever last season. New closer Johnson comes over from the Orioles and had a mediocre spring. The bullpen last year was a strength, but there are some new faces this season, including LGFT Pomeranz, who made the roster off a solid spring.

On the Shelf

• Ryan Cook
• Craig Gentry

Gentry was an offseason pickup and Cook was a top setup reliever for them last year.

Almanac

*Does not include 2014 stats