Oakland Athletics Roundup: A’s Sign Patrick Schuster to MiLB Deal; Reviewing Billy Burns’ Season

Oakland Athletics Roundup: Wednesday, November 25
A’s Sign Patrick Schuster to a Minor League Contract

Earlier this week, the Oakland Athletics signed left-handed reliever Patrick Schuster to a minor league contract. Given their bullpen struggles last season, the Athletics are looking for sneaky, unexpected talent wherever they can find it, and Schuster will be a good candidate for that. He’s been consistently good in the minor leagues, despite not having overwhelming talent.

The 25-year-old was selected in the 13th round of the 2009 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he has never pitched at the major league level. Yet, he’s posted a career 3.46 ERA, including a 3.33 ERA in 52 appearances last season, and a 3.02 ERA in 57 appearances the season before that.

While Schuster isn’t exactly a candidate for breakout star of the year – his walk rate is high, and his strikeout percentage isn’t as good as one would typically expect from a reliever – he will certainly have time to prove that he deserves a chance at the major league level, especially if injuries and inconsistency plague the Athletics’ pitching staff again.

More from White Cleat Beat

• The stark difference between Oakland A’s, San Francisco Giants
• Jace Peterson – the Oakland A’s new super utility option
• Oakland A’s sign intriguing catcher Yohen Pozo
• Oakland A’s get rid of two more utility depth options
• Vimael Machin casualty of Oakland A’s blockbuster trade

In Case You Missed It:

Billy Burns Had a Pretty Great Rookie Season – Samantha Riley takes a look at Billy Burns‘s rookie season, and analyzes what made it so impressive for the A’s young center fielder.

A’s Announce Minor League Coaching Assignments – In yesterday’s roundup, the A’s announced their minor league coaching assignments for next season.

#Athletics

Next: Who is LHP Jose Torres?

 Around the Web

Nolan Writin’: Oakland A’s DFA Craig Gentry – Is Craig Gentry a good fit for the Texas Rangers’ bench? Nolan Writin’ discusses the possibility of signing the outfielder if he clears waivers, with the hopes of using him as a speedy, defense-oriented bench bat.

SoDo Mojo: Robinson Cano Unhappy In Seattle – SoDo Mojo shares their thoughts on the report that slugging second baseman Robinson Cano is very unhappy with the Seattle Mariners. Is it in the Mariners’ best interest to keep him, or should they try to work out a trade that will fetch them some inevitably outstanding players?