A’s Jemile Weeks Provides Glimpse Into Future

The Athletics haven’t had the greatest time on offense this season, as the team currently ranks 28th in runs scored (338) and 27th in batting average (.236). It’s been difficult finding bright spots in this tumultuous season, but one player does give me hope for a brighter future: second-baseman Jemile Weeks.

Weeks, who has played well since getting called up last month, is currently batting .308 with 11 RBIs in 36 games this season. The younger brother of Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks, Jemile has adapted well to the big league scene. He lacks the power of his older brother, but he’s been a catalyst on offense for the A’s. He provides the lineup with some much needed energy, and knows how to steal a base or two (10 SB in 36 games).

The former first-round draft pick should continue hitting near or at the top of Oakland’s lineup. Bob Melvin seemingly likes the combination of Weeks and fellow speedster Coco Crisp at the top of his lineup.

Oakland’s front office has spent the last couple of seasons drafting hitters in the draft, with the exception of this year, and is still looking to provide the big-league rotation with some much needed offensive support.

Guys like Weeks, Michael Choice, and Grant Green figure to be mainstays of Oakland’s future.

The A’s have spent the past few years rebuilding, and have put together a nice solid rotation, but are still searching for offense. Getting guys, namely ones like Choice, Michael Taylor, Chris Carter, Adrian Cardenas, and Grant Green, up to the big leagues is something Oakland is waiting for.

Will these guys be ready in the next year or so? Hopefully.

A’s pitchers have been stellar this season, and they’re all relatively young and inexpensive, but how much longer can the team wait to receive help at the plate? Weeks is one player that gives me hope that the wait is almost over. But with the A’s, you never know.