The Athletics have named Brandon McCarthy their starter for Opening Day 2012. McCarthy was an easy choice based on last year's results and trades that left the team without All-Stars Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill. Oakland will open their season in Japan on March 28. "He was a natural pick after last year and with the pitchers we ended up trading away," Bob Melvin said of McCarthy. "He's been focused this spring knowing he has to get ready a little earlier. He looks like he's in midseason form."