Josh Reddick Is On The Verge Of A Breakout Year
Josh Reddick is the focal point of the Oakland Athletics, and he should earn his first All-Star appearance this season.
The Oakland Athletics have experienced a rotating cast of new players since the team won back-to-back American League West Division Championships in 2012 and 2013. However, the veteran right fielder, Josh Reddick, has been a reliable and productive mainstay.
Reddick is in his fifth season with the A’s, and he’s constantly perfecting his craft as a strong fielder and batter. Oakland experienced a sudden surge in wins back in 2012 largely because of the Georgia native. During that 94-win season, Josh Reddick showcased his power with 32 home runs and 85 RBI.
Throughout the next two seasons, Reddick experienced a few setbacks from injuries that decreased his playing time. He only hit a combined 24 home runs in 2013 and 2014, but Reddick wasn’t going to let that stop him from returning to top form.
2015 provided him with better health and more playing time, so he reasserted his status as a top notch MLB player. Josh Reddick proved his value to the A’s with 20 home runs and 77 RBI even though Oakland had the worst record in the American League. It didn’t matter that the team was struggling as a whole; Reddick always made sure he did his job.
Because of his stellar athleticism and toughness, Josh Reddick deserves to earn a spot in the All-Star Game this season. He represents exactly what the A’s want in an everyday player. From his spot in right field, Reddick clearly has the team’s strongest arm and plenty of speed to make big plays. More importantly, he regularly provides power and good at-bats from the left side of the batter’s box.
Reddick is off to a great start this season with three home runs and nine RBI as of Tuesday following a strong weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. He led the A’s to a key series win with a clutch three-run homer on Saturday, and hit the game-winning sacrifice fly on Sunday.
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It seems like Oakland already has a better pitching group than they did last season. So far, the A’s have allowed the fewest runs in their division, so Reddick could have plenty of opportunities to produce runs for Oakland this season. The Athletics have a good group of guys who can produce on offense such as Stephen Vogt and Danny Valencia. However, Reddick will be the team’s anchor because of how steady and reliable he is.
During Saturday’s game against the Royals, Oakland was already down by one run after the top of the first inning. Reddick instantly relieved the pressure by launching his three-run homer in the bottom of the same inning. He’s definitely cool and confident with his ability to deliver productive at-bats for a team that’s looking to reach the postseason after failing to reach it last year.
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Everything about Josh Reddick’s approach to baseball elicits a sense of reliability and confidence. He’s giving his team stellar athleticism and toughness in this young season, and that will definitely be rewarded throughout the summer. Assuming ongoing health, there isn’t any reason that Reddick won’t be in San Diego for the All-Star game this July.