Last season, A's fans were cautioned to show patience with a young team that eventually stumbled to a 75-86 record. But as pitchers and catchers report to camp Saturday, the feeling this spring is that the A's can contend in the American League West.

"It's probably a bit much to expect their young (pitching) to carry the load, but it wouldn't surprise me if Oakland is a sleeper this year," one major league scout said.

And it is possible that the two-time defending A.L. West champion Los Angeles Angels come back to the pack after losing impact players such as closer Francisco Rodriguez and first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Asked recently whether his team was equipped to win the division, A's Manager Bob Geren listed the Angels as the clear favorites but expressed confidence in his club.

"I think if our starting pitching threw strikes and was very aggressive all of them met or exceeded what they did last year and we stay healthy "... we definitely could" win the division, Geren said. "But it's like the last couple years, we have to stay healthy."

Any improvement has to begin with the offense. Last season the A's ranked last in the majors in batting average (.242) and slugging percentage (.369), and last in the A.L. in on-base percentage (.318) and runs (646).

Enter Holliday, the left fielder acquired from Colorado for outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and pitchers Greg Smith and Huston Street; and Giambi, a first baseman/designated hitter signed as a free agent.

The A's have acknowledged that Holliday, who can become a free agent at season's end, might be traded by the July 31 deadline if the team isn't in contention. But A's players are excited about the impact Holliday and Giambi can have over a full season.

"I think we've got a legitimate shot," said Ryan Sweeney, slated to shift from right field to center. "Obviously, everybody's goal is to win the World Series. But I think first and foremost we're going to be right up there in the A.L. West."

Despite their need to improve offensively, the A's biggest question mark is their rotation. Ace Justin Duchscherer is coming back from right-hip surgery for the second straight year, and promising right-hander Sean Gallagher missed time late in 2008 because of shoulder fatigue.

Left-hander Dana Eveland has made only 35 career starts, but that qualifies him as the rotation's most experienced member. Geren has mentioned left-hander Dallas Braden as a front-runner for another spot. Fellow left-handers Gio Gonzalez and Josh Outman, with 16 career major league appearances between them, are in the mix for the fifth spot.

In a show of confidence for the rotation, not to mention a group of pitching prospects considered close to big league ready, the A's have not signed a starter in free agency.

General Manager Billy Beane said this winter that he would rather rely on talented, young arms than overpay a free agent. By contrast, he has supplemented the bullpen by adding veterans Russ Springer (free agency) and Michael Wuertz (trade).

"I'm excited that Billy has decided to stick with the young (rotation) he has, because I felt like we deserved it, " Eveland said. "I felt like all of our young guys really threw the ball well last season. So why not?"

If third baseman Eric Chavez and second baseman Mark Ellis make healthy returns, the A's will have a seasoned group around the diamond.

The daily lineup should feature only three of nine players with less than two years' experience: Sweeney, catcher Kurt Suzuki and either first baseman Daric Barton or right fielder Travis Buck, depending on how Geren platoons his players.

When camp opens next weekend, the A's will begin blending their youth and experience to see if they can meet expectations expectations that would have seemed unrealistic just a year ago.