Oakland Athletics’ Lineup Prediction

4. Billy Butler, Designated Hitter

Oct 22, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler (16) hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning during game two of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

“Country Breakfast” helped carry the Kansas City Royals to the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants, and was 5-15 at the plate in the Fall Classic. The reason he didn’t have as many at-bats as the Royals would have liked for their middle-of-the-lineup man was that Butler is extremely inefficient defensively.

When the series shifted to San Francisco for games three, four, and five, the designated hitter role was taken out from under Butler, and he had to serve a bench role in those games. After not appearing in games three and four, Butler came off the bench in game five, but did not reach base in his only at-bat on the road in the World Series.

Butler has full-season averages of 18 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a .295 batting average. Having him in the middle of the lineup will be a huge boost for the Athletics, as he will be a difficult out each time he steps into the box.

5. Ike Davis, First Base

Sep 17, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ike Davis (15) hits a three run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Another new member for the Athletics this year will be the former-Met and Pirate Davis. The Arizona State alum has five years of major league service and has put up some solid numbers.

Like Reddick, Davis’ best season was in 2012 when he too hit 32 home runs and finished with 90 RBIs for the New York Mets. Davis followed suit with Reddick by struggling over the next two years, where he has hit .220 and has just 20 home runs and 84 RBIs in 246 games. Davis will look to bounce back in 2015 on his third big league ball club.

Davis has a career fielding percentage of .992 and is definitely a reliable defensive option at first base. He has just one season with an OBP below .320 and has a career OBP of .336.

6. Brett Lawrie, Third Base

May 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie (13) goes to throw out Tampa Bay Rays shortstop

(not pictured) in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Tampa Bay 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Lawrie was born and raised in Canada, and got to play for the lone Canadian baseball club, the Toronto Blue Jays, for the first four seasons of his career. The now 25-year-old third baseman will soon become a fan-favorite in Oakland, as he was in Toronto, due to his aggressive play at the hot-corner and the high ceiling of power he possesses.

Despite never playing a full season (the most games played in a season being 125), Lawrie has some great 162-game averages. His 162-game averages so far would be 20 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a slash line of .265/.323/.426.

Lawrie fits the bill of the “biggest bang for your buck” as he will only be due $1,925,000 in the 2015 season. Oakland thrives on finding the most effective guys for their roster for the lowest cost possible and Lawrie is yet another example of just that. If he can remain healthy, Lawrie will be a perfect fit for the Oakland offense and the number six-hole in the lineup.

Next: The Bottom Three