After a successful 2006 campaign, the A's of Oakland return in 2007 with some new faces, but the same moneyball. First off, I hope Ken Macha's unexplainable and often times ludicrous pitching substitutions left with him, and new coach Bob Geren manages with his gut and not by the numbers. Geren, a first time big-league manager, has grew up in the A's system and knows what Billy Beane expects and the game he likes to play. As for the players, losing Frank Thomas and Barry Zito to free-agency in the offseason doesn't help, but Beane has decided to make small deals that bring more depth to the A's lineup. The mix of young and veteran talent still exists and should play an important role in the success of the 2007 year. New additions Mike Piazza, Shannon Stewart, and Alan Embree provide veteran leadership, knowledge, and work ethic to the young A's talent. Following are my previews of each position, bench, and coach:
CATCHER:
Jason Kendall returns as the starting catcher in 2007 after a good year in 2006. Kendall improved in his second year in Oakland hitting .295, much improving from .271 the year before. He looks to be fully acclimated to American League pitching and expect him to hit over .300 this season, something he did 6 out of his 9 seasons in Pittsburgh. Defensively, Kendall had a solid year. His 31 caught steals was his career fourth best and his 71 steals given up was much better than 101 in 2006. In a fast AL West, Kendall's defense will prove to be a vital factor in 2007. Backup Adam Melhuse will not see much time in the field but supplies an offensive lift off the bench that has often times been clutch.
CORNER INFIELDERS:
Gold-glove winner Eric Chavez returns as the anchor of the A's infield and should receive his 7th straight Gold-glove at the end of the season. The concern with Chavez is his bat. After a career-low year in batting average and low marks in the power stats, A's fans must be worried about his production in 2007. Chavez success will be based upon his health (he was playing hurt most of last season) and desire (he comes off as slightly unmotivated, at least to the media). Chavez is a streaky hitter, if he can stay consistent he will be a big boost to the A's lineup. One positive from 2006 is his 84 base-on-balls, second most in his career.
First base is an open position to three or so players, with young sensation Nick Swisher leading the way as the starter. A converted outfielder, Swisher slowly worked his way into the starting role at first base last season with exceptional glove work and a passion to play. With 4 or 5 player capable playing outfield, expect Swisher to stay at 1B. Also, Swisher carries a powerful bat and is on track to have a break-out year at the plate in 2007. Backups Dan Johnson and newly acquired Erubiel Durazo (after a short layoff) will contend to play because of their strong bats, but Swisher has too much talent not to keep on the field. *As of February 15, 2007, the A's depth chart reads Johnson at 1B and Swisher in LF. This is Johnson's chance to prove himself. Perfect move by Beane to make the yougn kid step-up. I hope he does, I think he is talented. Swisher in left is backed by the veteran pick-up Shannon Stewar. This makes a perfect situation if Johnson fails to play well; Swisher can move to first and Stewart came come into left as an experienced starter. The A's depth covers the loss of talent in Johnson, if not improves the talent. Great job Billy Beane.
*edited 2/15
MIDDLE INFIELD:
Many people believe the question in the A's infield is whether or not Bobby Crosby will be healthy. I disagree. I ask; what should the A's do with Crosby? Crosby is fragile, too fragile. Shortstop is a physically demanding position, and I don't see Crosby's body holding up. He has been in the league 3 years and twice never played over 100 games. What is going to change? The A's have proven they can win with Marco Scutaro at SS, and Scutaro has proven he can be a clutch hitter (8 game winning hits in 3 seasons). Although his glove and range are not as great as Crosby's, Scutaro can still flash some leather and he makes the plays a starting SS in the MLB is expected to make.
Mark Ellis returns to start at second base after a year which ended in disappointment (breaking his hand in the divisional round) and getting screwed out of the gold-glove after committing only 2 errors. Ellis' bat was poor in 2006 and the A's need him to hit like he did in 2005 (.313 avg. and .861 ops.) If he does, the A's will have a formidable lineup, top to bottom.
OVERALL INFIELD EVALUATION:
The A's infield plays exceptional defense. They are in-sync (no, not the group), smart, and quick with the ball. The loss of infield coach Ron Washington to Texas sucks, but the players have soaked up all the knowledge from Ron they could over the years he was there, and Chavez will now to take over the role as mentor for young-ins Swisher and Crosby. The A's season relies mostly on the bats of the infield. If Swisher continues to get better, Chavez returns to old form, and Scutaro/Ellis/Crosby have high on-base-percentages and continue the timely hitting they have shown, than the A's lineup will pose a problem for most big league rotations.
Previews of the outfield, pitching staff, and coaches will be up tomorrow. Go A's!
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