MLB Playoffs 2012: Why Oakland A’s Are Legitimate World Series Contenders

The Oakland A's stunned the baseball world on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep of the two-time defending AL champions Texas Rangers and clinching the AL West title.

It was the first time since April that the Rangers weren't in at least a tie for first place.

General manager Billy Beane has been up to his old tricks this season, assembling a World Series contender with a Dollar General payroll.

Thanks to his young, talented pitching staff, Oakland won 94 games and sported the second best ERA in the AL. However, some have questioned whether the A's are legitimate World Series contenders because of a lack of star power.

Despite having a Bleacher Report - Oakland Athletics
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