Adam Dunn
The Oakland A’s have been in a slow, downward spiral since August, which was the first month since 2012 in which they had a losing record. Even with the acquisition of Adam Dunn, the Athletics are not only struggling offensively, but defensively as well. The Oakland A’s are six games back in the West with 21 games left to play. Although they are still lead the wild card race by 2.5 games, it would be ideal if the Athletics could ultimately win the AL West instead of having to play an extra game to win the wild card. However, things are not looking good and here are three reasons why the A’s will not be able to catch the Los Angeles Angels.
1) Lack of Offense
The Oakland A’s are currently 21st in the MLB for batting average at .247 and have dropped from 1st in runs scored – which they earned very early on in the season – to 3rd. In August, the Oakland A’s only scored 103 runs compared to the 148 they scored in April, the 142 they scored in May, and the 132 they scored in June. However, this downward trend of runs scored is quite telling and could predict an even lower scoring month for September.
Additionally, the Oakland A’s are experts when it comes to platooning, although lately it may be working against them. Besides Josh Donaldson, Dunn has been the only other Athletic who has actually found some offensive success. Even though Dunn is not as successful against lefties and it was made clear that Dunn would probably not appear in the lineup if the opposing pitcher was left handed, the Oakland A’s should consider keeping him in the lineup for every game just for reassurance. He may not hit a homer off a lefty, but Dunn and his powerful bat could potentially get a hit or a walk that could change the game.
2) Injuries
The Oakland A’s are riddled with injuries. While Coco Crisp has been in the lineup, his persistent neck issues are always a cause for concern. Both Stephen Vogt and John Jaso have also been struggling with persistent injuries. For Vogt, it is his left ankle which has now placed him in a walking boot while Jaso has been experience concussion symptoms since mid-August. Closer Sean Doolittle went on the 15-day DL after he suffered a strained right intercostal muscle and shortstop Nick Punto has been out with a right hamstring strain.
The Oakland A’s are usually known for their depth both in the bullpen and on the bench. However, with so many injuries, their depth on the bench is slowly shrinking. Whether it be a major or minor injury, it seems as though most of the Oakland A’s are ailing from something. With such an unhealthy team, it will be difficult to take the West.
[Oakland A's: 5 reasons why Adam Dunn will help the A's win the West]
3) Faltering defense
The Oakland A’s used to be known for their defense. However this season, they rank 26th in the MLB for fielding percentage and they have committed 94 errors – the third most in the league. With all of the foul territory and space of the O.co Coliseum, you think that the Oakland A’s would be able to back up their pitchers quite easily – especially since its their home ballpark. With the offense not producing often, the Athletics are going to need to work extra hard defensively to prevent the opposing team from scoring or taking the lead.
The Oakland A’s have gone 8-17 since August 9th and it seems as though there will be very little chance that they will catch the Angels. The next best hope is for a wild card spot. However, if the Oakland A’s continue to play as they have been playing, their chances of going far in the postseason are slim.
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This article Oakland A’s: Will the A’s be able to catch the Angels? appeared first on isportsweb by Sam Riley
