Overall, the Athletics currently stand at 70-86, and barring any ground-breaking setbacks, should finish the season in third place in the AL West. Projected as heavy favorites to win the division prior to the start of the season, the A’s playoff dreams were derailed by inconsistencies on offense as well as a few injuries to some of their starting pitchers during the first-half.

Good teams know how to win ballgames both at home and on the road. Oakland played decent ball in the comfy confines of the O.co Coliseum, but when removed from the bay, the A’s had a tough time winning games. The A’s finished their season at home with a team slash line of .250/.322/.374 with 49 HR and 331 runs. (more…)

Weeks, who has played well since getting called up last month, is currently batting .308 with 11 RBIs in 36 games this season. The younger brother of Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks, Jemile has adapted well to the big league scene. He lacks the power of his older brother, but he’s been a catalyst on offense for the A’s. He provides the lineup with some much needed energy, and knows how to steal a base or two (10 SB in 36 games).

The former first-round draft pick should continue hitting near or at the top of Oakland’s lineup. Bob Melvin seemingly likes the combination of Weeks and fellow speedster Coco Crisp at the top of his lineup.

Oakland’s front office has spent the last couple of seasons drafting hitters in the draft, with the exception of this year, and is still looking to provide the big-league rotation with some much needed offensive support. (more…)