A woeful offense was the problem for the Oakland Athletics as they faded from contention last year. 

Howie Kendrick pronounced it a very fine opening day for the Los Angeles Angels. 

Joe Saunders filled in for John Lackey quite nicely. 

No. 

Bob Geren is eager to get the AL West race started. 

Bob Geren is eager to get the AL West race started. 

Bob Geren is eager to get the AL West race started. 

Bob Geren is eager to get the AL West race started. 

New York isn't the only place where the pressure's on. 

Brett Anderson allowed two runs on six hits in 6 2-3 innings, and Eric Chavez and Jack Cust hit back-to-back home runs as the Athletics beat the San Francisco Giants 3-2 on Saturday. 

The Oakland Athletics optioned left-hander Gio Gonzalez, infielders Daric Barton, Cliff Pennington and Jack Hannahan and outfielder Chris Denorfia to Triple-A Sacramento after Saturday's 3-2 win over San Francisco. 

Oakland's offense is greatly improved from last year, when the A's had the worst batting average in the league. 

--RHP Justin Duchscherer had a minor clean-up procedure on his sore right elbow and is expected back in early May following arthroscopic surgery March 31. 

Oakland's injury situation began to look up toward the end of the spring, with often injured 3B Eric Chavez and 2B Mark Ellis close to ready to go to start the season. 

Oakland's offense is greatly improved from last year, when the A's had the worst batting average in the league.