• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
30 in 30: Oakland Athletics

30 in 30: Oakland Athletics

March 18, 2019
Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

February 25, 2021
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Thursday, February 25, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home MLB 30 in 30

30 in 30: Oakland Athletics

Brad Harvin by Brad Harvin
March 18, 2019
in 30 in 30, AL West, American League, MLB, Oakland Athletics
Reading Time: 5min read
0
30 in 30: Oakland Athletics

(photo by: Scot Tucker/SFBay) Oakland Athletics left fielder Khris Davis

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Was 2018 a turning point for the Oakland Athletics (A’s)? After suffering through three straight seasons (2015-2017) with fifth place finishes in the American League West, the A’s found themselves near the top. Battling a team like the Astros that is loaded with stars can be tough for a team struggling with anonymity. Face it, unless you are on the west coast or a fantasy baseball guru you may be able to recognize some of the A’s players on one hand.

Why is that? The A’s are a founding member of the AL West with a rich tradition dating back to the 1970s. It’s all about the dollar, and with one of the lowest payrolls in the majors ($83 Million), the A’s continue to swim in a pool of obscurity. Once again, general manager David Frost remained quiet during the offseason and manager Bob Melvin will go to work with the players dealt to him.

More FromFPC

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

Mets Add Taijuan Walker Another Cost Cutting Measure

February 20, 2021

AL Notes: Benintendi Dealt, Yankees Bolstering Bullpen, Clubs Scrambling Before Spring Training

February 14, 2021

NL Notes: Mets Lose Lugo; Miller Returns to Phillies; Arrieta Signs With Cubs

February 13, 2021

No Shortage of Sticks

Unlike many other small market teams, the A’s do not lack in offensive power. Oakland ranked third in all of Major League Baseball with 227 home runs. It was the power surge in Oakland that propelled them into the postseason for the first time in three years.

Designated hitter/outfielder Khris Davis (2.9 WAR) returns in 2019 looking to duplicate his major league-leading 48 bombs. When the name Khris Davis is mentioned on the east coast, a fan immediately thinks of the slugger in Baltimore. However, when the name is mentioned around baseball circles, Oakland’s Davis carries the torch. Within a franchise that boasts a duo named the “Bash Brothers” in the late 80’s early 90’s, Davis is the only Oakland Athletic to top 40 home runs in back to back seasons. In fact, he has topped 40 home runs three seasons in a row but has yet to earn a spot on the All-Star team. That’s ridiculous! Time for the spotlight to shine on Davis in the bay area.

Fun Fact: Davis has slashed a .247 batting average for four seasons in a row. Talk about consistency.

Several other players helped the A’s muscle their way to 227 home runs in 2018. 25-year-old slugger Matt Olson will look to improve his totals (29 HR, 4.3 WAR) and insert his name into the team MVP conversation. The young left-handed batter possesses above-average power and is proving that he is more than a Gold Glove-winning first baseman. At the other corner is Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman. He is ready to take the next step into stardom with a breakout season in 2019.

 New Faces Add Speed

A major change in the lineup for 2019 will be the addition of speed. The A’s were last in the majors in stolen bases (35) in 2018 but that will could potentially change this season. If Melvin chooses to get some runners moving instead of waiting on the long ball, the A’s could have an added dimension offensively. There are a handful of names that project near 30 feet/second (elite speed) including offseason acquisitions outfielder Robbie Grossman and second baseman Jurickson Profar. Adding these two to a lineup with Marcus Semien and the A’s could be off and running. This trio needs to make positive strides in on-base percentage for the speed to be highlighted.

If the addition of speed doesn’t translate to aggression on the base paths, speed will help close some holes defensively for the A’s, which will solidify an already polished group.

Outfield and Utility

After an emotional 2018, Stephen Piscotty (2.8 WAR) returns to lock down right field for the A’s. Piscotty quietly cracked 27 home runs last season with a smooth swing from the left side. He is hoping to string together consecutive seasons for the first time in his career.

Robbie Grossman hopes to join the outfield after a couple of offseason surgeries. He finds a way to get on base and will look to be a catalyst at the top of the order. Mark Canha could see some time in a platoon role with Grossman.

Ramon Laureano is a human highlight reel in centerfield. Most likely you have seen epic double play, firing a laser to first base after snagging a ball in the left-center gap some 321 feet away. If you haven’t seen this you must check it out! If he can polish his swing and stay healthy, he could be an asset at the lower end of the lineup.

Bullpen Gems

The A’s bullpen arms is a talented group flying under the radar. Hard-throwing All-Star closer Blake Treinen returns as the alpha dog in the A’s bullpen. He brings along with him a 0.83 WHIP and a nasty sinker that perplexes hitters. Treinen will be joined in the pen by former closers Joakim Soria and Fernando Rodney. Although the vets will not challenge Treinen for the closer title, they could provide some much-needed guidance during their set up roles.

Besides Treinen, the most prized piece in the pen is right-hander Lou Trivino. He made his major league debut on April 17, 2018, and shined throughout the season (8-3, 74 IP, 2.92 ERA). The A’s dynamic duo feeds of one another and will continue to develop in 2019. Causing batters headaches and uneasiness late in a game.

Achilles Heel

The top two spots are held by veteran right-handers Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada. With Sean Manaea starting the season on the disabled list after from shoulder surgery, Fiers is the clear number one. It’s true, Fiers will not overwhelm you with heat but he is able to lull batters into soft contact. He had the lowest line drive percentage allowed (17.3%) in the majors in 2018. Estrada (1.42 WHIP in 2018) joins the A’s after back to back disappointing seasons in Toronto. He is prone to the long ball surrendering 31 HR in 2017 and 29 in 2018. He’s in the twilight of his career and the A’s will try to squeeze out what they can out of him.

The rest of the rotation is up for grabs as Brett Anderson, Frankie Montas, and Aaron Brooks battle to hold down spots. As Opening Day approaches, this trio will surely be looking over their shoulder for top prospect Jesus Luzardo. The youngster from Parkland, Florida is arguably the top left-handed pitching prospect in the game. Luzardo’s approaches the hitters like a savvy veteran, showing command and attacking both sides of the plate. The 21-year-old pitcher has given up just one run in his 9 2/3 innings pitched this spring, striking out 15 batters as opposed to just four walks.

Top Southpaw Prospects

Athletics’ Expectations

The A’s lineup is impressive at the plate. They have Gold Glove winners at the corners, a solid bullpen, veteran leaders behind the plate (Nick Hundley and Josh Phegley), and defensive gems in the outfield. The problem is the starting pitching. Aging arms will struggle in the offensive driven American League. Once again, the A’s will be looking up towards the Astros. However, fans can be excited for the long ball and for the possibility of top prospects on the mound in 2019.

Final Prediction: 85-77

Team MVP: Matt Olson

Tags: AL WestBlake Treinenbob melvinKhris DavisMatt OlsonOakland AthleticsStephen Piscotty
Share603Tweet377
Previous Post

AAF Week Six: Top Ten Individual Performances

Next Post

What is Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Roster

Brad Harvin

Brad Harvin

Next Post
What is Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Roster

What is Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Roster

Dec 2, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Pat Elflein (65) at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings' O-Line Options May Be Onefold: Draft Day

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.67: Lightning Strikes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 25, 2021 at 3:12 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9051375543.mp3
  • Ep.66: Back with the Atlanta Tigers
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6056998385.mp3
  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?
    by Murray Pam on February 25, 2021 at 6:02 am

    While there are no plans to name one this season, Brady Tkachuk should be the odds-on favourite to […]

  • Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    It's been just a small five-game sample, but the 2020-21 version of the Manitoba Moose appears […]

  • Ned, Nino and The New Guy
    by Joseph Wills on February 24, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    Just over a quarter of the season completed, Carolina Hurricanes fans have a lot to cheer about The […]

  • KHL Western Conference Playoff Teams Confirmed
    by Aivis Kalnins on February 24, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    The KHL is fast approaching the most important part of the season the KHL Playoffs and we finally […]

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage