Oakland Offense Obliged

Today I’m taking a look at the 2009 Oakland A’s. The brainy boss, Billy Beane, has a flair for frugality. Beane will have some off-season spending money to upgrade a young, off-injured Athletics ensemble. The green and gold fielded a franchise record 21 rookies in 2008 because of injuries. Third baseman, Eric Chavez, saw less time than a fourth string quarterback last season. Second baseman, Mark Ellis, and designated hitter, ferocious Frank Thomas, also spent time on the DL. The club is hungry for an offensive threat after finishing last in the AL in runs and average. Beane has plenty of prospects to acquire offense through a trade. It would be smart to bring a right-handed bat to the Bay Area lineup.
Thomas is a free agent most likely looking for a new sandlot to swing on. Outfielder, Emil Brown, had a solid season but took the free agent farewell also. Brown slugged only a meager .244 but was often in the think of things at the plate. He came through with his 12 year veteran value and big game aptitude. Jack Cust is the left fielder of the future and if he can hit as well as he did in 2008, the A’s will keep him on staff. Cust belted a career high in homeruns and topped his career walk total in 2008. He launched 33 dingers over the fence and was issued the pass 111 times. The A’s preach patience at the plate and Cust confirmed he could comply. I think Beane will give him a one year deal however.
Travis Buck will flash the leather in right field and Chris Denorfia seems to fill the hole in center. Neither Buck nor Denorfia will compile eye-popping statistics that overwhelm anyone. The two do represent a sound defense.
The A’s are very young up the middle. With Denorfia in CF, Ellis at second, Bobby Crosby at shortstop and Kurt Suziki behind the plate, Oakland has a strong core if all remain with the club. The pitching is also young enough to establish themselves in the next few years. Chavez is a Gold Glove third baseman who is the best at the position in all of baseball when healthy. He had surgery in August but will be ready to return to the hot corner this Spring. Crosby is about as fragile a major league player I’ve seen and he strikes out much too often. He bring a reliable glove and good range to the field. He does occasionally provide the power in the lineup with his cleanup job. With all that said, Crosby might be in his last year with the A’s. Out in Beane-town they like to release players just as they emerge as superstars in order to get the best value for them and avoid salary hikes. Oakland also has a nice replacement with Cliff Pennington, the youngster, in waiting at shortstop.
Ellis is the prime second baseman and Daric Barton handles the first base duties. Barton is rehabbing a hip injury this winter and will miss at least a month next season. Fan-favorite lefty, Jack Hannahan, was a very promising backup at third base in 2008. He will see time when Chavez DH’s or sits to rest. The A’s also signed Joe Dillon off waivers from the Brewers to backup Ellis. Suzuki experienced his first full season last year with a nice blend of hits, walks, homeruns and RBIs. The catching position is nailed down by him.
As usual, Oakland thrives on pitching depth. Closer Huston Street will attract the attention of many GMs during the hot stove season. I think Beane will let Street go if the deal is a good one. Reliever, Keith Foulke, is also unlikely to be retained. Lefty, Dan Meyer, was picked up by Florida and righty, Andrew Brown, needed off-season rest on his shoulder. Brown is a useful enough pitcher and with reliever, Justin Duchscherer returning, both will be needed to shore up the right-handed side of the pen. Greg Smith and Dana Eveland are not spectacular but get the job done as Oakland starters. They have great mechanics and can control the game with their arms. I’m looking forward to see something happen in Oakland. It would be excellent to derail the Angels and take the division out west for Billy’s A’s.

Parting points: The Philadelphia Eagles have such a stingy defense but not as stingy at the Giants’. My prediction for Sunday night’s NFC East thriller: Giants 21, Eagles 20.