The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of a 5-3 Offense
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Most Athletics fans understand that the A’s are really close to having the best record in baseball. It is without question that the Manager Bob Melvin has issues at the back end of the bullpen. But I am not here to “beat a dead horse.” I would like to discuss The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of the offense this season thus far!
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The Good- Derek Norris and Alberto Callaspo have been really key in the Athletics early offensive success. Norris (.429) and Callaspo (.462) are leading the Athletics in batting average and have 3 of the teams 7 home runs. Norris, who is known to struggle vs right-handed pitching, is crushing right-handed pitching thus far (5-9) including a go ahead extra inning homerun on Wednesday. Callaspo has all but 2 at bats against right-handed pitching. Callaspo is 5-6 with a double and a home run with runners on base this year.
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The Bad- Last season Josh Donaldson finished 4th in the MVP voting. This year is a little different in the early going. Donaldson is hitting .111 and has 11 strikeouts. He also had a verbal exchange with Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins. The good news is that on Monday and Wednesday, Donaldson had back to back multi-hit games against the Twins. 6 of Donaldson’s 7 hits came with runners on base. Donaldson is a big key if the Athletics want to sustain success this season.
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The Ugly- Through the first 8 games of the season, Josh Reddick is hitting a pathetic .103 (3-29) with 13 strikeouts (11 against Right Handed Pitching). That is not all, Reddick has only been on base 5 times this season and his 3 hits have all been singles. In Wednesdays contest against the Twins, Reddick went 0-5 with 4 strikeouts, his other plate appearance he hit into a double play. With the emergence of Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry due to come off the Disabled List very soon, the powers that be have a tough roster decision. Gentry will need a spot on the 25-man roster. This will force Beane and Melvin to do one of a few things… will they send Reddick to AAA-Sacramento to figure his swing out? Will the A’s part ways with Sam Fuld to create room for Gentry? Or will the A’s subject Daric Barton to waivers, hoping he clears, and send him to AAA?
Although the A’s did it last season, I would not recommend going with 5 outfielders. It doesn’t make much sense to possibly lose Barton or Fuld when an option can be used on Josh Reddick. Although he is a fan favorite (for now), the A’s cannot afford to let Reddick struggle any further. If it wasn’t for Jim Johnson, all negative eyes would be on him. Don’t be surprised if he is in Sacramento as early as this weekend.
Until next time A’s fans… Lets Go Oakland #LGO