The Oakland Athletics are in first place in the AL West through a little more than a quarter of the season. The Athletics have won the division the past two years, but is this the year they finally go deep into the playoffs?

The A’s lost two key pitchers early in the season in A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker, but had a great free-agent signing in Scott Kazmir. If the A’s pitching staff can keep it up, expect to see Bob Melvin and Billy Beane’s club go deep in the playoffs. 

Check out Scott Miller break down the secret to the Athletics’ success in 2014. 

 

All stats accurate as of May 22.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com