Oakland Athletics’ Youngsters Shining Bright Despite Rough Year
Despite a rough season for the Oakland Athletics, there are some things to look forward to in the years to come.
The final 2016 home game for the Oakland Athletics brought a win to avoid the sweep from the Texas Rangers, due to a quality start from rookie right-hander Jharel Cotton. The youngster threw six shutout innings before giving up a home run to Adrian Beltre in the seventh. The Athletics had given Cotton some breathing room with a seven-run second inning. The game would ultimately lead to a much-needed Athletic victory 7-1.
The season coming to a close gives 2017 a brighter outlook for the Athletics with the rookies proving productive. Rookie third-baseman Ryon Healy looks to be a vital part of the Athletics young core since being called up after the All-Star game. He has already collected a dozen home runs and showing his skills defensively. Healy was also able to finish the Los Angeles Angels’ series going 6-11 with a pair of RBI. His name has even been thrown around for possible rookie of the year.
Injuries plaguing the Athletics at second base left it open for Joey Wendle to take a shot. Since his call-up, he has proven that his defense and quick footwork can help collect double plays and routine plays. His plate discipline is also being noticed after being thrown into the leadoff position with a .274 batting average.
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In mid-July, catcher Bruce Maxwell received his call to the show and has been platooning the catching position. He doesn’t have the homers that Healy has, but after a six-game hitting streak, his bat has proven its worth, especially after starting the seven-run inning in the final home game. If Josh Phegley remains questionable for the upcoming season, Maxwell could get some time behind the plate to start 2017.
Early in the season, the A’s rotation came into question and there was many debuts for young pitchers. Sean Manaea, the left-handed rookie, has had a rocky first year, going from lights out in Triple-A to the bigs. After a rough first outing he has had some quality starts and kept his monthly ERA under 4.00. He currently boasts a 3.89 ERA for the year. Manaea finished last Monday’s game with seven scoreless innings, and was able to continue to show his grit. Since his return from a back injury, he has allowed one run in 18 innings of work.
The latest and final call-up was Cotton, who had a near perfect game in the minor leagues before making his debut. He’s had four quality starts with two wins, keeping him unbeaten. In his small time in the majors, he’s already recorded sixteen strikeouts and is a strong consideration for the upcoming rotation.
Next: A's Rookie Leading Charge
The Athletics will not have to rely on the rookies once much of the team has recovered from injuries, yet it is good to know that the future has hope in Oakland. However, it is known that Billy Beane is still playing moneyball, and they could end up somewhere else in the offseason. Oakland will just have to wait and see when, or if, they will be able to help the Athletics.