26 Nov 2019
November 26, 2019

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

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Team Strengths: The A’s have a long history of homegrown power hitters, from Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire into Jason Giambi and Miguel Tejada into Matt Chapman and Matt Olson today.

With Chapman, Olson and midsize trade acquisitions Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty all back, the A’s reunite the majority of the lineup that finished third in home runs and fourth in runs scored last year. A relief corps that ended third in bullpen ERA is largely back as well.
Team Weaknesses: Injuries eviscerated the A’s starting rotation annually to the point that 13 distinct pitchers made at least five starts. They finished 17th in beginner’s ERA (4.17) and will probably be without leading starter Sean Manaea (shoulder) and midseason saviors Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson (free agency).
What They Were About It: The A’s re-signed Mike Fiers and Brett Anderson and brought in Marco Estrada at no service to bolster the team. Past them, the team will rely on pitchers it obtained since prospects–Jharel Cotton, Daniel Mengden, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, Paul Blackburn– to measure up. Top prospect Jesus Luzardo is waiting in the wings if they falter.
Last Outlook: The potency of Oakland’s offense and bullpen should keep the A’s aggressive, but a lot is going to have to break with their young novices to strategy 97 wins again.

Read more here: http://ledshtech.com/?p=33689