Are Platoons Hurting the Oakland Athletics?

September 6, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter

(10) prepares to bat during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier in the season, articles were being written about the Athletics’ use of platoons and how they work wonders to make the offense one of the best in baseball. Lately, with the offense struggling, fans are starting to question Bob Melvin‘s incessant use of platoons, no matter the situation.

On Monday night against the Texas Rangers, Melvin subbed out power hitters Adam Dunn and a resurgent Brandon Moss in the eighth inning when interim manager Tim Bogar brought in lefty Neal Cotts from the bullpen. With a runner on, this was a key situation for the Oakland Athletics, down by three, with limited chances remaining.

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Melvin brought in Jonny Gomes to pinch-hit for Adam Dunn. Gomes popped out to third. Nate Freiman was brought in for Moss, and he grounded out to short, ending the inning, and the Athletics’ hopes for the evening.

Of course, hindsight is twenty-twenty, but Cotts has actually been tougher against right-handed batters this season. Coming into Monday’s contest, Cotts batting average against for righties was .248, while Cotts held a .271 average against lefties.

Postgame, Melvin was asked about this decision, given the reliever’s splits. “Average wise [he’s tougher], not necessarily in some other areas. With the way we do some things, we look at the numbers. Moss has had a tough time, 0 for 7 with five strikeouts. It comes down to some other numbers that play into it, but I hear ya.”

“With the way we do some things, we look at the numbers. Moss has had a tough time, 0 for 7 with five strikeouts. It comes down to some other numbers that play into it, but I hear ya. -Bob Melvin

This is just one example from one game in which the platoon system hasn’t worked recently. Oddly enough, there was an Alberto Callaspo pinch-hit at-bat in Seattle over the weekend that had the A’s faithful questioning Melvin’s tactics. Callaspo drew the walk and kept the line moving, en route to an Athletics victory.

Some of the moves don’t make sense at first glance. Alberto Callaspo has drawn the ire of the fans with his defensive showings and lack of a bat at the plate in recent weeks. Callaspo is 4 for 40 (.100) over his past 15 games. Yet, in the pinch, Callaspo is 3 for 6 (.500) with five walks this season.

These are all statistics that Bob Melvin has to consider when making a substitution. These decisions were made a lot easier when the team had some hot bats in the lineup. Now, with a struggling offense, these same moves are under scrutiny.

For the Oakland Athletics, platoons are a necessity. They don’t have the payroll to land a big-market free agent, or keep one of their own stars once they hit free agency. The way the roster is constructed is the best way for this team to contend. One can argue that the Athletics need offensive upgrades at a couple of positions (second base being the main culprit), but the players that man those spots (Eric Sogard) are great defensive players.

A team has to be balanced both offensively and defensively. Notorious masher, and terrible defensive talent Nelson Cruz cost the Texas Rangers a World Series title in 2011. Sometimes it’s not just about the offense with platoons.

If the Athletics make the playoffs, the offense will not be putting up huge numbers. That just isn’t how the playoffs work. Instead, the focus should be on their pitching staff. Either holding a lead, or keeping the team in games late to give the offense a chance. That is something I believe the Athletics can do.

In September, Jon Lester has an ERA of 1.64 in three starts. Jeff Samardzija, a 2.57 in two starts, and Sonny Gray a 4.50 in three starts. Gray was touched up in his first September outing, but over his last two outings, has allowed four runs in 15 innings. Add in Jason Hammel, who has a 2.75 ERA in September and the A’s staff have the goods to hold the opposition down in the postseason.

Platoons are risky, sure. Yet, they can be beneficial as well. If the A’s are facing a tough lefty starter come October, that most likely means that Adam Dunn and Brandon Moss will be available to pinch-hit in a key situation. Either is capable of changing the complexion of a ballgame in a heartbeat. And that’s the beauty of platoons.