SURPRISING A'S SHOWING THEY KNOW HOWE TO WIN.

Byline: Pedro Gomez Sacramento Bee

A's manager Art Howe nodded and let most everyone laugh at his young club during spring training, giving a smile back in March that indicated he knew something nobody else did.

Well, it's the middle of July and more than half of the season has been played, and the A's haven't slid into oblivion. In fact, they have been a thorn in the side of several clubs.

Oakland's 43-45 first-half record may have been the most impressive mark in the American League. It's obviously not close to being the best, but it is the most unexpected.

``Nobody can believe it,'' Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas said of the A's during the All-Star break. ``But they appear to be for real. They have withstood the test of time in the first half.''

More surprising than the A's record is how they've accomplished their standing. The pitching, starting or relieving, has been nothing above so-so.

It's an offense that cannot be stopped that has carried the A's so far. Five players - Mark McGwire, Geronimo Berroa, Terry Steinbach, Jason Giambi and Scott Brosius - appear likely to hit at least 30 home runs.

The boppers in the middle of the lineup make it so the A's aren't suffering because of their lack of speed. If they find themselves trailing, a three-run homer seems to show up at an opportune time.

``I'm not going to say I knew we were going to be this good,'' Howe said. ``But I had a feeling we'd be able to score some runs and win some games. Like I said in spring training, we'll see who has the last laugh.''

Here's a closer look at what the A's accomplished in the first half:

Top of the order (C): Jose Herrera has shown only glimpses of being able to handle the leadoff spot. Of course, Herrera is young and has only been leading off for a month. He replaced Ernie Young, who basically bombed in the spot, batting .238 before Howe pushed him down to eighth in the order.

Heart of the order (A-): Giambi and McGwire provided as potent a 3-4 punch as any in the league, combining for 44 home runs and 120 RBI. Berroa has been his usual self, up and down like a roller coaster. Before he left to be with his wife for the birth of their second child, Berroa was on one of his hot streaks, belting balls to every field. There's no reason to believe the free-swinging Dominican won't continue his torrid streak.

Infield defense (B-): When third baseman Brosius has been healthy, he has been deserving of serious Gold Glove consideration. Giambi filled in capably for Brosius, but the drop-off was noticeable. McGwire is no longer a Gold Glove-type first baseman, but that doesn't mean he's any slouch. Shortstop Mike Bordick has been his usual brilliant self in the field, but second baseman Brent Gates, before his injury, had dropped off considerably from the defensive efforts he showed last year. Rafael Bournigal, who has filled in for Gates, has been spectacular at times and may make it difficult for Gates to return to the starting lineup.

Outfield defense (D+): Watching A's outfielders is a lot like watching a Keystone Kops performance. The three usually run around in circles, chasing after balls, but they don't appear to have much of a clue as to what they're actually supposed to be doing. Young in center field has been the only regular who appears to know what he's doing, but he can't do much when balls are hit into the corners. Berroa is shaky at best in the field, but that's OK since it's his bat that carries his game. Herrera often looks scared while running back toward the fence. Giambi, who was shifted to left field two weeks ago, hasn't been timid despite playing just a handful of games in the outfield since signing as a pro in 1992.

Catching (B+): At 34, Steinbach is enjoying his finest season at the plate. He's already hit a career-high 17 home runs and is sure to break through 67 RBI, also his career-best. He is in the final season of a four-year contract and although there is widespread speculation that he will be traded, expect the A's to keep him unless they completely fall off in the standings. Backup George Williams' bat is nearly nonexistent, but the A's are 12-5 when he starts behind the plate.

Starting rotation (D+): John Wasdin gets the only passing grade among any of the A's regular starters. He shows guts, and that is more than half the battle, as far as pitching coach Bob Cluck is concerned. Don Wengert's bulldog mentality is inspiring, but now he must start to develop, which he has shown signs of doing. Doug Johns and Bobby Chouinard haven't come close to being consistent and will probably be booted from the rotation in the second half in favor of Dave Telgheder and Willie Adams, who have performed well at Triple-A Edmonton. Steve Wojciechowski, Todd Van Poppel and Carlos Reyes all bombed when given the chance to start. None is expected to receive more than a possible spot start the rest of the way. It will be interesting to see how Ariel Prieto responds on what may be his first stint in the minors.

Bullpen (B-): Billy Taylor went through a short spell where he looked like he was heading back to the minors. But in the last two weeks, he has found his slider, as nasty as any in the league, and has emerged as the most dependable reliever. Mike Mohler began the season almost unhittable but has come back down to earth. Buddy Groom and Jim Corsi have been middle-of-the-road relievers, pitching well at times and not so well other times. They're no worse than any of the unsightly characters taking up bullpen space on other clubs. Reyes has proved a solid middle man and Van Poppel is still searching for whatever it is that made him the most celebrated high school pitcher in 20 years when he was drafted in 1990.

Bench (C+): Bournigal, easily the biggest surprise on the club, has been quite a find for the A's. After starting the season 0 for 16, he has raised his average to .299. He has also made it nearly impossible to be taken out of the starting lineup, because his defensive and offensive skills are far better than Gates' at second base. Torey Lovullo, Matt Stairs, Tony Batista, Damon Mashore and Williams aren't names that make an opposing pitcher sweat, but, because of budgetary constraints, it's all the A's have coming off the bench.

Manager (A): Taking over for Tony La Russa was no small feat, but Howe has pressed just about every correct button in his first three months on the job. He's showing that there is more than one way to manage, that nice guys can actually inspire their players. It's quite a testament to see A's players hurting more for Howe after losses than for themselves. It's also a safe bet to say the current crop of A's would not have as good a record if La Russa, who often made it difficult for inexperienced players, had stayed.

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Photo

Photo: With 28 home runs at the All-Star break, Mark McGwir e helped the A's to a surprising 43-45 start.

Associated Press