OAKLAND -- The A's, hoping to perhaps surprise in the first half, instead rode into the All-Star break with more losses than any other American League club.
Oakland's 39-50 record puts the club on pace for 71 wins, which would represent its third consecutive losing season following a string of three straight postseason appearances. A contending club may not be in play for several more years, as the A's continue to groom a heap of prospects, but they still find reason to remain optimistic.
"We've got a good group of guys," catcher Bruce Maxwell said.