Oakland Athletics: All-Decade Team for the 2010s
Catcher & Designated Hitter
Catcher: Stephen Vogt
The Oakland Athletics have welcomed all kinds of catchers in the last ten years. The better part of the decade seemed to be a revolving door of backstops.
One of the few consistent figures behind the plate was none other than Stephen Vogt.
Vogt’s underdog story is charming enough on its own, but paired with his infectious attitude and his humor, he quickly became a fan favorite.
His ability to mold young pitchers while providing some pop from the left side was enough to probably have him make this list alone, but his two all-star nods stand as the most for any Oakland A’s player in the 2010’s.
Unfortunately, the Oakland A’s had to part ways with Vogt as the direction of their season quickly shifted. A meteoric rise through the minors by Sean Murphy expedited things.
A’s fans everywhere continue to root for Vogt’s success regardless of where he plays — even if he winds up across the Bay.
He continues finding his way on overachieving teams — that isn’t just a coincidence.
There’s a reason why fans in Oakland would continuously chant “I believe in Stephen Vogt.” And there’s a reason why fans will continue welcoming him with open arms each time he steps to the plate at the Coliseum.
Designated Hitter: Khris Davis
One of the least talked about trades that Billy Beane has ever made, Khris Davis for Jacob Nottingham might just go down as Beane’s best.
While Nottingham is still bouncing around the upper minors, Khris Davis developed from a decent power hitter to a serious threat in the middle of the order.
His stature might lead fans to believe that he isn’t capable of hitting monster home runs, but that isn’t the case whatsoever. ‘Khrush’ has hit some serious bombs with an unorthodox swing and look at the plate.
Davis took a step back this year after getting an extension from a stingy Oakland A’s front office. But there’s a good chance that he can get back on track so long as he can get fully healthy in the offseason.
The decision to make Khris Davis the full-time designated hitter was a wise one for the A’s.
His time in left field seemed to seriously detract from his focus at the plate. The yips he had throwing the ball to the cutoff man weighed heavily on him.
But when ‘Khrush’ can focus squarely on hitting, he’ll rake.
Over his last four seasons with Oakland, he’s hammered 156 home runs.
He’s capable of putting up 40 home runs each season, and he’s made it abundantly clear that he loves playing for Oakland.
Hopefully he’s able to find his groove again to start his 2020 campaign and can quickly return to the middle of the order to solidify Oakland’s very potent offense.