If a Team Out West
Makes Noise Does Anyone Hear It?
At this point in the season I shouldn’t have to be breaking
news to anyone who follows the game of baseball but just in case I have to,
everyone needs to know, the Oakland A’s are good. I’m sorry, scratch that, the
Oakland A’s are dominant. Analysts want to concentrate on a division with five
mediocre teams all grouped around .500 and call it a competitive race but the A’s
just keep wasting away the competition out west.
When looking at this team the first and most important thing
that jumps out at you is their run differential. Oakland is +112 in run
differential which is staggering enough in itself but when you take into
account that number is +61 runs better than the 2nd place team (San
Francisco) it really opens your eyes to just how dominant they have been. When
Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin went down most thought it spelled doom for
Oakland as they were two of their best pitchers. However, Billy Beane being the
genius he is was well prepared. First he signed Scott Kazmir coming off his
career rejuvenating year, banking on the fact that Kazmir was in fact back to
form and bringing him to a pitcher’s park in Oakland would only help improve
those stats. Next, Beane looked into his bullpen and saw Jesse Chavez, a four
pitch pitcher who could translate well to the rotation, and translate he has.
Chavez has been a revelation as a starter. Having Sonny Gray ready to step in
the rotation and pitch phenomenally has also helped. I can’t remember a starter
who primarily threw two pitches being the dominant force Gray has been. Thanks
to this three headed monster, the team’s biggest weakness turned into its biggest
strength. Beane did a phenomenal job filling out the rest of the roster as well
making Oakland one of, if not the deepest teams in baseball. Finding the right
guys at the right price has always been Mr. Moneyball’s biggest strength and he’s
showing he hasn’t lost his touch yet.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the most valuable
player in the American League not named Cabrera or Trout and that man is Josh
Donaldson. Donaldson is the heart and soul of the Oakland A’s and the most
underrated player in the game. He had a
coming out party last season and is showing that it was no fluke. When you can
package a gold glove level defense together with a smart, patient, power hitter
you feel like you’ve hit the lottery. Also, there’s no one in the game with a
better hairstyle than Donaldson’s hybrid mullethawk.
As the season goes on Oakland is going to continue to
prevail on its way to having home field advantage throughout the American
League playoffs. Their depth and rotation will be a huge advantage come playoff
time as will their loud, ravenous crowd that makes A’s games as must see as
their play does. They just have to hope they get some luck on their side and
don’t have to see Justin Verlander.
