Well, well, well, it was a pretty interesting little 4-games series, up in the Bay, with the A's taking 3 of 4 from the defending World Series Giants. While still feeling the buzz from the week, I started to critically ponder the question of all questions:: do the A's have a window--now--where the World Series Title is in their grasp?
Here's what the A's have:
*A rotation filled with #3 caliber starters. No real true ace, and no real number 5. They also have a pretty good prospect toiling in Sacramento, in Sonny Gray. ( I love that name, Sonny Gray!)
*A very good back end of the bullpen with Grant Bleepity Bleep Balour; Sean Dr. Doolitlle, and Ryan the Cookie Man Cook. Even Jerry Blevins has been pretty good the last couple of years.
*Flexibility at the top of the lineup. Switching hitting Coco Crisp and Jed Lowrie make it tough on opposing managers late in games. If these two guys continue to be productive, and they both stay healthy, which is a pretty BIG IF, the A's offense will continue to produce.
*Star quality in Yo-Yo Yoenis Cespedes. He really has never put it all together this season for any stretch of time. If he does, or when he does, he literally is Reggie El Segundo.
*Emerging stars. Third baseman Josh Donaldson seems to have arrived. Time will tell. He is the 2013 version of Brandon Moss.
*Team Guys who accept and thrive in their roles. The leader of this group is outfielder/DH Seth Smith.
*A re-energized fan base. The spirit in the O.Co has really spiked since last September, along with the fact that most of the team has returned. It could indeed be another fun summer in Oaktown!
*Once again the Angels have gotten off to a snails pace of a start. Jared Weaver is one of three pitchers I hate to see on the mound vs the Green and Gold. The other two? Well it is King Felix of course and Justin Verlander. The Angels have plenty of season left, and their lineup reminds me of the guys that used to play against Bugs Bunny's team. I just wonder if they are too busy counting their $$ to be concerned with winning the division? The Angels and Tigers are very similar to me, with the Tigers getting the nod to do their starting pitching.
What the A's need to get over the Top:
*A bonafide ace. Cliff Lee is out there, so is Matt Garza. Marlin Rickie Nolasco is out there too, and perhaps the A's can work a deal with the Fish. How about a major deal including Marlin right fielder Giancarlo Stanton? The A's may be able to swing a deal with the Fish, following what the Jays were able to pull off over the winter.
*Right Field. Josh Reddick has really struggled in his career after the All-Star Break. Chris Young does not seem to be the answer. Michael Choice is another River Cat waiting for the call--but if they can pull of a trade for the G Man, well, I say, just do it! Brandon Moss also seems to have lost his majic. Moss became a parent again about a month ago, and I just wonder how much that affects his hitting?
*Their ability to scratch home runs against top flight pitching--the game vs Zito an example. They don't seem to hit sac flies much, and they leave a lot of runners stranded at third. I would also like to see them bunt a little more, not a lot, personnel and the situation will dictate when and where. I would love to see them hit and run a little more often as well. The A's lost to Detroit primarily because they couldn't solve Verlander, twice! Winning the pennant, appears to roll directly thought Motown again.
*If the Giants tail off, how about a trade of Jemile Weeks for Marco Scutaro. Giants would get youth and speed, the A's would get a real stick. I would have Marco DH, mixed in with some infield duties.
*The A's could use an athletic shortstop up the middle of the diamond, but hey who couldn't?
Thus, now may be the time for Billy and Beane and Co. to make their move. The Tigers still appear the team to beat, but right now there is not one lights out staff in the AL. Detroit is the closeest, but even their bullpen leaks.
What I learned from the Bay Bridge Series 2013:
*I sleep better when the A's win the series. I don't mind if the A's miss Cain every year.
*The Giants actually have a pretty good hitting line-up. Marco and Panda aren't winning any Golden Gloves that's for sure. Panda is fun, but man oh man, he is a lot of Panda!
*In my opinion, the Giants pitching is just worm from all the tight games and high-pressure innings from 2009-2012. Brian Wilson is hurt, and so is the San Man now; Timmy's velocity is down; Sabe-Sabes and co. have had the magic touch the last few years--but the trade of Zak Wheeler for Carlos Beltran not one of them. If they had signed Beltran, maybe, but they essentially traded a future starter for a 2 month rental. Wheeler would be in the rotation now. Hindsight is always 20-20, but this one might be a difference maker. The Giants don't have much to trade currently, however I do envision them being players in the free agent market this off season. I don't think their run is done, but they need to reload in the arms department.
*It is still my favorite time of the year!
Final note: 19 of us made the trip to Oaktown this year, although most of them were sporting that blasted Halloween color! My goal next year is to have over 20! Great group of people, great time.
On deck: the MLB draft starts next Thursday, June 6th.
June 1--Bartolo
*Bartolo was masterful last night hurling a complete game shutout against the White Sox. Grip it, heave it.
Bart's line, 9 IP's, zero walks. Let's just hope his tests come up negative!
*The Angels--found away to give another one away last night!
*My main Sonny Gray--7 IP's, 7K's, on walk; and in Low A ball, Raul (another name I must love, RAh-ool) was dominating with 9 K's in 8 innings, also walking none. Raul pitches in Class A for the Beloit Snappers. (Reedley College people, Beloit the home of two time all-state performer Marquel Hoskins!)
*Did you see the successful bunt last night? BoMel must be reading this blog!
*If you are near OakTown June 1 or 2: Canary Cespedes T's for the first 10,000 today, June 1.
Coco Crisp cereal bowls for first 5,000 mijolitos tomorrow.
Enjoy the weekend, Gigos I know you miss the Green and Gold!
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