Oakland Athletics Name New Coaches; Implications for 2015 and Beyond

Mar 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher

(64) warms up in front of the coaching staff prior to their spring training game with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics announced some new additions to the coaching staff on Thursday afternoon, with Darren Bush being the biggest name in a trio of promotions.

According to the A’s site, Bush has served ten years in the Athletics’ organization, with the last two as the A’s bullpen coach. Bush never made it to the majors, but in seven season in the minors, the catcher/outfielder hit .283 with 42 home runs. He struck out more than he walked (256 to 225), so there is a good chance the A’s will keep the same philosophy at the plate.

Darren Bush also served as a minor league manager from 2007-2012, with all three minor league teams. In his time managing, Bush compiled a 462-386 record (.545 winning percentage).

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Bush is the big name of the three, but the one that could have the biggest impact is Marcus Jensen. Being brought in as an assistant hitting coach/catching coach tells me that Oakland believes they have the pieces, they just need to coach them up. Neither coaching position existed last season, and could pay huge dividends in 2015.

If I’m reading into these hires correctly, there will not be significant changes in Oakland this offseason. Josh Donaldson is staying. Jeff Samardzija could still be on the move, if Billy Beane feels that the upgrade they need will cost a Shark. The position they could use a boost in is late-inning relief. However, Beane went the trade route for a closer last offseason, and may be wary to do so again.

Instead, if Samardzija is moved, I could see it being for prospects. He’s a good pitcher, and a good guy, but his value seems inflated, which makes him a great trade candidate for a team that needs starting pitching. The Twins have lots of young talent, and zero starting pitching outside of Phil Hughes. They could make a lot of sense as a trade partner.

But why prospects? The A’s have a slew of players in the low minors that could be ready by 2016. The Astros and Rangers also have a ton of huge prospects coming up soon, so it’s a way of keeping up with the competition.

This is all speculation, but addressing the issues that plagued the team in 2014 through coaching, signifies that these A’s will be given one more shot.