Off-Season Outlook: Oakland Athletics
-Dexter Sports
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It started off with a bang when Billy Beane sent top prospect Carlos Gonzalez, reliever/closer Houston Street and pitcher Greg Smith to the Rockies for slugger Matt Holliday. It was a deal that shocked most. Yet, it was one that was brilliant. The A's picked up someone with true power potential, without giving up top prospect pitchers Brett Anderson or Trever Cahill. Street will be replaced by Mr. shut down, Brad Ziegler. Undoubtedly though, relief help will be needed. Alan Embree and Keith Fulke will both be free agents. The loss of Mike Sweeney, Frank Thomas, Emil Brown and Carlos Gonzalez, also leaves gaping holes in the outfield and at the designated hitter position. But the biggest hole is at the shortstop position. And if it isnt addressed, the A's could have a hard time producing runs, even with Matt Holliday. The pitching staff is close to competing, much like the cross-bay San Fransisco (We will take a look at their outlook tomorrow). This offseason reminds me a lot of the 2005 winter months, when Beane together something special for the 2006 season, which led to an ALCS for the first time in the Beane Era. Let's take a closer look.
Starting Pitching-
Projected Starting Rotation:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Dana Eveland
3. Sean Gallagher
4. Josh Outman
5. Gio Gonzalez/Brett Anderson/Trevor Cahill/Insert Free Agent vet here.
Minus Joe Blanton, Greg Smith, and Rich Harden for the 2009 season, but this staff still looks tough. Though Sean Gallagher didn't have spectacular numbers in 2008, but one thing to note is his adjustment since coming to Oakland. At home last season, he was 5-0 with a 3.41 ERA and a .224 batting average against. There isn't a doubt that veteran leadership is needed in Oakland. How about someone like Kenny Rogers? I wouldn't be surprised to see him travel to a warmer climate in 2009. Oakland seems like a good fit.
Relief Pitching-
CL: Brad Ziegler
SR: Josh Outman
LH: Joey Devine
SR: Andrew Brown
SR: Santiago Casilla
The bullpen returns some key starters for 2009, but losing Houston Street could hurt this squad. It seems that one of the top needs for this squad is a set-up type reliever. Is Trevor Hoffman a possibily? I don't see that really happening, but someone under the radar. How about a guy like Will Ohman? He is a lefty, but could fill Alan Embree's spot in the bullpen. I wouldn't be surprised though if Billy Beane didnt sign anybody. Most of his relievers are found from the system and have instant success.
Starting Lineup-
Projected Starting Lineup:
1. Rafael Furcal, SS
2.Ryan Sweeney, CF
3. Jason Giambi, DH
4. Matt Holliday, RF
5.Eric Chavez, 3B
6.Matt Murton, LF
7.Daric Barton, 1B
8.Mark Ellis, 2B
9. Kurt Suzuki, C
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Obviously, I'm making some assumptions here, but I really think these two free agents are heading to the bay. It is certain, that if Furcal isn't signed, the A's will be looking for a true leadoff hitter. Ryan Sweeney and Mark Ellis could fill in, but are not top notch lead off men. The A's will look for a cheap spark as well on offense. Jason Giambi has been the name that has spread. Murton only played in 9 games for the Athletic's, but I anticipate him making the squad out of spring training. Especially if noone is brought in out of the free agent market. Expect Beane to go after a cheap outfielder. Juan Rivera sounds like a good git.
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'08 Review and 09 Keys to Success.
Though 2008 was declared a "rebuilding year," The Athletics started hot, going 51-44 before the All-Star Break. After the break was a different story. The A's struggled to get wins, going 27-41 to round out the season. One of the big weaknessess of the '08 squad, believe it or not, was their lack of ability to get on base. The A's put together a the lowest season average for any team in Major League Baseball (.242) and had one of the lowest on base percentages (.318) in baseball.
The strong point was pitching, which held hitters to an astonsihing .253 average. A lot of the success can be credited to an unexpected bullpen. Add in the mix that many starters had early success, though unexpected (see Dana Eveland). The defense didnt really help pitchers either. Ninety-Eight errors on the season is right in the middle of the pack.
Keys to Success in '09-
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It started off with a bang when Billy Beane sent top prospect Carlos Gonzalez, reliever/closer Houston Street and pitcher Greg Smith to the Rockies for slugger Matt Holliday. It was a deal that shocked most. Yet, it was one that was brilliant. The A's picked up someone with true power potential, without giving up top prospect pitchers Brett Anderson or Trever Cahill. Street will be replaced by Mr. shut down, Brad Ziegler. Undoubtedly though, relief help will be needed. Alan Embree and Keith Fulke will both be free agents. The loss of Mike Sweeney, Frank Thomas, Emil Brown and Carlos Gonzalez, also leaves gaping holes in the outfield and at the designated hitter position. But the biggest hole is at the shortstop position. And if it isnt addressed, the A's could have a hard time producing runs, even with Matt Holliday. The pitching staff is close to competing, much like the cross-bay San Fransisco (We will take a look at their outlook tomorrow). This offseason reminds me a lot of the 2005 winter months, when Beane together something special for the 2006 season, which led to an ALCS for the first time in the Beane Era. Let's take a closer look.
Starting Pitching-
Projected Starting Rotation:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Dana Eveland
3. Sean Gallagher
4. Josh Outman
5. Gio Gonzalez/Brett Anderson/Trevor Cahill/Insert Free Agent vet here.
Minus Joe Blanton, Greg Smith, and Rich Harden for the 2009 season, but this staff still looks tough. Though Sean Gallagher didn't have spectacular numbers in 2008, but one thing to note is his adjustment since coming to Oakland. At home last season, he was 5-0 with a 3.41 ERA and a .224 batting average against. There isn't a doubt that veteran leadership is needed in Oakland. How about someone like Kenny Rogers? I wouldn't be surprised to see him travel to a warmer climate in 2009. Oakland seems like a good fit.
Relief Pitching-
CL: Brad Ziegler
SR: Josh Outman
LH: Joey Devine
SR: Andrew Brown
SR: Santiago Casilla
The bullpen returns some key starters for 2009, but losing Houston Street could hurt this squad. It seems that one of the top needs for this squad is a set-up type reliever. Is Trevor Hoffman a possibily? I don't see that really happening, but someone under the radar. How about a guy like Will Ohman? He is a lefty, but could fill Alan Embree's spot in the bullpen. I wouldn't be surprised though if Billy Beane didnt sign anybody. Most of his relievers are found from the system and have instant success.
Starting Lineup-
Projected Starting Lineup:
1. Rafael Furcal, SS
2.Ryan Sweeney, CF
3. Jason Giambi, DH
4. Matt Holliday, RF
5.Eric Chavez, 3B
6.Matt Murton, LF
7.Daric Barton, 1B
8.Mark Ellis, 2B
9. Kurt Suzuki, C
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Obviously, I'm making some assumptions here, but I really think these two free agents are heading to the bay. It is certain, that if Furcal isn't signed, the A's will be looking for a true leadoff hitter. Ryan Sweeney and Mark Ellis could fill in, but are not top notch lead off men. The A's will look for a cheap spark as well on offense. Jason Giambi has been the name that has spread. Murton only played in 9 games for the Athletic's, but I anticipate him making the squad out of spring training. Especially if noone is brought in out of the free agent market. Expect Beane to go after a cheap outfielder. Juan Rivera sounds like a good git.
---------------------
'08 Review and 09 Keys to Success.
Though 2008 was declared a "rebuilding year," The Athletics started hot, going 51-44 before the All-Star Break. After the break was a different story. The A's struggled to get wins, going 27-41 to round out the season. One of the big weaknessess of the '08 squad, believe it or not, was their lack of ability to get on base. The A's put together a the lowest season average for any team in Major League Baseball (.242) and had one of the lowest on base percentages (.318) in baseball.
The strong point was pitching, which held hitters to an astonsihing .253 average. A lot of the success can be credited to an unexpected bullpen. Add in the mix that many starters had early success, though unexpected (see Dana Eveland). The defense didnt really help pitchers either. Ninety-Eight errors on the season is right in the middle of the pack.
Keys to Success in '09-
- Use McAffee Coliseum as an advantage. In 2008, the Athletics hit only .243 at home. Adding Matt Holliday should increase most offensive numbers, but the offense needs to start using the gaps. The Coliseum is without a question, a pitchers park. So putting up runs at home will be a key factor. More power to left will also be key. left handed Athletics only hit .236 at McAffee last season.
- The Eric Chavez Factor- Can he come back healthy after season ending shoulder surgery? If so, will he put up the numbers needed. Chavez hasn't hit above .250 since 2004. Beyond the homer, Chavez's power numbers are almost non-existent. I believe that shutting him down early could have a positive effect in 2009. The key is staying healthy and getting a hot start. We will see what happens.
- Address the top three needs- How do they do this? The first priority has to be the Shortstop position. Bobby Crosby had an oblivial .296 OBP last season in 1465 games. That offensive production won't get it done. Of course, I believe that Rafael Furcal is the perfect fit, but there are others available. Orlando Cabrera has been known to like the one year deal and he could be useful until Adrian Cardenas is ready for everyday play. David Eckstein could aslo spark interest, because of his .354 OBP last season, to tally a career .351 OBP. Secondly, a veteran outfielder or first baseman needs to be brought in. Someone that can spark interest and power. Up top I mentioned Juan Rivera, who could be a Free Agent Bargain. Or the reuniting of Jason Giambi could also help this squad. Another name that I like under the Radar is Sean Casey. He gets on base, is an excellent fielder, and a great clubhouse leader. Thirdly, they need to bring in a solid set-up type reliever. Earlier I mentioned Will Ohman, becuase he is cheap and a lefty. Others could include Chad Cordero (if cheap), Derrick Turnbow, and Kyle Farnsworth.
