MESA, Ariz. -- All eyes are on the A's as they seek to build upon a remarkable 2018 showing.

After spending the offseason racking up awards -- Matt Chapman and Matt Olson earned Gold Gloves, and Bob Melvin was named American League Manager of the Year -- the A's are back in business with a formidable squad that features one of the game's best defenses and a likeable lineup.

What's the goal?

No longer are the A's under the radar. Following a 97-win season that earned them entry into the American League Wild Card Game, the A's are preparing for a repeat performance and expect to return to the postseason as an even greater force.

What's the plan?

The A's lineup remains largely intact, minus second baseman Jed Lowrie. Though a big loss, the A's hope they've offset it with the addition of trade acquisition Jurickson Profar, who will be surrounded by the heavy-hitting likes of Khris Davis, Olson and Chapman. Defense is also a plus for this team. Ditto the bullpen, which added veteran Joakim Soria to the mix this offseason.

The A's, of course, will need their starters to do their part if this thing is going to work again. To that end, they re-signed Mike Fiers and Brett Anderson and brought in Marco Estrada to lead an otherwise young pack.

What could go wrong?

This rotation is full of question marks. Estrada was hampered by injuries last year, and Anderson has been bothered by them often in his career. Beyond them, it's not even clear who will fill out the rotation. The A's have high hopes for Daniel Mengden, who has enjoyed bouts of success in the big leagues, but like many of the remaining options, he hasn't yet proven he can perform consistently at this level.

At the very least, the A's have depth here; Paul Blackburn, Parker Bridwell, Aaron Brooks, Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas and prospect Jesus Luzardo are all under consideration, and the A's hope to have rehabbing starters Jharel Cotton and A.J. Puk at their disposal midseason.

Who might surprise?

It seems to not be a matter of if Luzardo can crack this rotation but when. The highly touted prospect could very well break camp with the team with a strong spring, but the A's have also said they wouldn't shy away from holding him back and lending the lefty more time at the Triple-A level.