Analyzing the Oakland Athletics’ Prospect Haul from Deadline Deals

Aaron Brooks, Starting Pitcher, Part of Zobrist Trade

Jun 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Aaron Brooks (62) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks is an interesting case because he is not technically a “prospect”. While he isn’t a big time player, he has appeared in five major league games, with mixed results.

Playing for the Kansas City Royals in 2014, Brooks appeared in just 2.2 innings and allowed 13 earned runs. That number leads to a staggering 43.88 ERA.

His 2015 campaign for the Royals featured much of the same as he appeared in 4.1 innings allowing three earned runs, this time at a 6.23 ERA. While some could argue that’s improvement, any ERA over four isn’t exactly very impressive.

So upon his arrival, most would assume he would be a non-factor, minor league depth type guy based on past results. Those people would be wrong.

In his first start for the A’s, he pitched 7.1 innings allowing just five hits and one earned run while striking out five and walking none. That spot start surely wont be forgotten by Athletics’ brass and their fans.

But Brooks still holds a career 10.38 ERA. It is very easy to overreact to a start like that, but what the start does, is it allows him to raise his confidence with his new teammates.

The A’s are out of postseason contention this year, so this start will give Brooks a chance to prove himself down the stretch. If he can prove this start wasn’t a fluke then he may be able to stick around for next season. The confidence boosts helps him connect with his teammates and fans.

Brooks may have seemed like a throw-in at first glance, but while we may have to temper expectations, he may surprise a few down the stretch.

Next: Sean Manea