Oakland Athletics’ Games in Texas May Stabilize the Offense
By Jason Burke
Sep 16, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after hitting a double against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Since the trade of Yoenis Cespedes, the Oakland Athletics’ offense has been stale. Yet, since the trade, the A’s have yet to play in Texas. The Ballpark in Arlington, or Globe Life Park in Arlington as it has become known, is a launching pad. No lead is safe, no matter how many outs remain.
This season, Arlington has been the home to the fifth-most runs scored in baseball with 1,070. That leaves an average of 13.89 runs per game between Texas and their opponents in the 77 games played thus far.
This is the venue for the Oakland Athletics last four games of their regular season, and it presents the perfect opportunity for the bats to come alive before they enter the postseason. All it may take is one good series of swings to prove to our boys in the green and gold that they can still rake.
More from Oakland A's News
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
- Oakland A’s bring Deolis Guerra back on minor league deal
- How much will Oakland A’s improvements matter in 2023?
- Oakland A’s giving Drew Rucinski a chance to prove himself
Derek Norris is one player that has fared well in Arlington, going 5-for-14 this season with two doubles and four rbi. After a dismal August, where Norris hit just .202, the bearded one has stepped up his production in September, injury and all, to a .277 average and a .356 on-base percentage.
Stephen Vogt could definitely use a trip to Arlington. This month, Vogt is batting just .125 (3-for-24). Yet, in thirteen at-bats in Texas, Vogt has hit .385.
These are just a couple of players that have succeeded in Texas this season.
Now I know what you’re thinking: The A’s just got swept at the hands of these same Rangers just last week. Funny you should mention that. This has in fact happened already this season. On April 21-23, the A’s were swept at home by Texas, and outscored 12-7. The following week, the Oakland Athletics stormed into Arlington, taking the Alamo, and the three-game series from the Rangers, outscoring their opponent 25-4.
The A’s haven’t taken kindly to getting swept in the past. This weekend’s series will be a great chance to prove that the Oakland Athletics are still a force to be reckoned with.
The A’s don’t need to sweep the series. They don’t need to win three of four. All I’m looking for are signs of life at the plate. If they can put on a show this weekend, it will bode well for them on their march into October.