Happy Wednesday A’s Fans!
Yesterday, the Athletics dropped a second straight game against the Kansas City Royals, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth to cement their status as the worst team in the league. Left-hander Hogan Harris fits as a late-inning left-handed reliever, but his command issues would prevent him from being a closer on most other teams. At least the A’s fared better than the Seattle Mariners, who lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 22-0.
Injuries have played a big part in the
team’s rapid fall from grace. The A’s are currently trotting out lineups without injured designated hitter Brent Rooker, catcher Shea Langeliers, first baseman Nick Kurtz or left fielder Tyler Soderstrom. Meanwhile, Opening Day starter Luis Severino suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at the end of May.
Starting shortstop Jacob Wilson could join them on the season-ending injured list if his shoulder soreness does not subside sooner than later. Then there is rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, who got his MLB career off to a hot start before fouling a ball off his balls and rupturing his testicle.
Entering the season, an extreme number of injuries was the last thing the A’s could afford, given the team’s limited depth. However, injuries are not the only factor contributing to the Green and Gold’s fifth straight losing season.
Even before players began dropping like flies, the A’s pitching staff was struggling, allowing opposing teams to seemingly score runs in bunches every night. As a result, it was not surprising when the losses started piling up in June and July, every defeat dragging the Athletics further away from contending in a wide-open mediocre division.
While Jacob Lopez’s second-half resurgence has been a bright spot, the opposite can be said of right-hander Luis Morales, whose regression has been arguably the team’s biggest disappointment this season, especially after he broke preseason camp with a spot in the rotation.
It will be up to the team’s next general manager to assemble an improved pitching staff capable of keeping the Athletics in more games and preventing the blowout defeats that have happened far too often this season. The bullpen, in particular, should be a priority after its league-worst performance.
Whoever succeeds David Forst will also need more investment from A’s owner John Fisher, particularly in the analytics and strategy departments. The A’s are one of the few MLB teams yet to obtain the Trajekt Sports Arc pitching machine. The Trajekt analyzes extensive data to mimic any pitcher’s delivery and replicate their pitches from the same arm angle. In contrast to the A’s, the Los Angeles Dodgers own multiple Trajekt machines.
Additionally, according to The Athletic reporter Ken Rosenthal, the depth of the A’s analytic and research department pales in comparison to other small-market teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers. Ultimately, Fisher’s cheapness is holding the team back, something that is nothing new to longtime fans of this historic franchise.
What should the A’s do moving forward to build a consistent contender?
A’s Coverage:
- A’s Blow Late Lead, Fall To Royals 4-3
- A’s Drop Road Trip Opener 9-5
- A’s Take Series Against Rangers, Win 5-2
- A’s place Soderstrom on 10-day IL with left hip impingement; Hernaiz recalled
- Where Each A’s Player’s Contract Stands Entering Offseason
- Red-hot Bolte looking to build on lessons from rookie season
- A’s prospect Winkler thriving in ‘fresh start’ with Aviators
- Late Blast Lifts Rangers Over Athletics
- Why The New GM Needs To “Clean House”
- 111 games, zero errors: Wilson sets MLB record at shortstop
- A Seemingly Rock Bottomless Glass
- MLB Trade Grades: A’s Have Quiet Trade Deadline
- A’s Top Prospect Jamie Arnold Sets Career High in One of His Best Double-A Starts
- Fustercluck 2026: The Real Reasons For A Disappointing Season
- Signs Of Hope And Signs Of Hopeless
- Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko says feeling in his legs returning
- Cuban’s investment group purchases minority stake in Athletics
- Could last-minute buyer purchase rights to Bally’s project around A’s Las Vegas ballpark?
- Chan Ho Park joins A’s group; 1st Korean to buy stake in MLB club
- Blogfather Saves The Day With Pearls Of Most Excellent Advice
MLB News and Interest:
- After two inspirational comebacks, Mancini announces retirement
- Padres minor league catching coordinator detained by ICE
- Why Tommy John’s legacy will forever live on across baseball
- Marte heading for MRI on knee after placement on restricted list (source)
- Dodgers closer Díaz heading back to IL (reports)
- MLB unanimously approves sale of San Diego Padres
- Yankees activate Carlos Rodon, place Max Fried on 15-day IL
- Cubs Place Edward Cabrera, Dansby Swanson On Injured List
- PCA 1st since 2010 with leadoff, walk-off home runs
- AL, NL Cy Young races seem all but decided as Schlittler, Miz dominate latest poll
- Two straight runners tested him at home. He fired 99 mph, 103 mph to nail them both!
- Mariners, Andy Ibáñez Agree To Minor League Deal
- Here are the current top prospects at each position
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
The Athletics’ offense takes another hit. Hopefully, Tyler Soderstrom returns next season fully healthy and with this hip issue behind him.
This podcast is worth a listen:
A’s Opening Day center fielder Denzel Clarke, who has been on the injured list since April, is finally nearing a return to the majors.
