Right now the Oakland A’s have ten starting pitchers. This includes Sonny Gray, Scott Kazmir, Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, Chris Bassitt, Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolin, Jesse Chavez, Jesse Hahn, and Drew Pomeranz. In addition to these ten starting pitchers, the Oakland A’s also have eight relief pitchers in the bullpen. Most are familiar faces from last year like closer Sean Doolittle, lefty specialist Fernando Abad, seventh inning set-up man Dan Otero, a fully recovered Ryan Cook, right hander Eric Scribner, and veteran Eric O’Flaherty. There are also two new faces – left handed Dominican pitcher Eury De La Rosa and two time All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard – who were acquired this offseason. What is Oakland going to do with all these pitchers?
Some decisions are easy. Parker and Griffin will not be ready to start by the beginning of the season due to the Tommy John’s surgery they both underwent early last year. Additionally, Parker may not be coming back as a starting pitcher at all since this would be his second Tommy John’s surgery in five years. It is likely he will be starting from the bullpen in 2015. So, Griffin may disrupt the rotation later this season, but for now let’s not count him as a potential starter for 2015.
Then there is Chavez and Pomeranz who have both been starting pitchers and long relievers for the Oakland A’s. Depending on their success during spring training, either of them could end up in the bullpen or in the starting rotation. However, since Griffin will not be ready to start by Opening Day, perhaps both Chavez and Pomeranz will end up as starters at the beginning of the season.
It has been speculated that Hahn has the best chance out of all the newcomers of making the starting rotation. He came from the San Diego Padres and has had some major league pitching experience while he was in Southern California. He was successful while with the Padres and had a 3.07 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. Additionally, Hahn only gave up four homers and struck out 70 over 73.1 innings pitched. If he were to join the starting rotation for 2015, he would potentially start alongside Gray, Kazmir, Pomeranz, and Chavez.
So, what is Oakland going to do with rest of these pitchers? The Athletics are known for having pitching depth so it would not be surprising to see a very full bullpen this upcoming season. If those previously mentioned eight relievers stay put, then it is likely Bassitt, Graveman, and Nolin will either join the bullpen or be bumped to Triple-A due to their lack of MLB experience. Unless they put on a good show at spring training, I do not think they be plopped into the starting rotation.
[Oakland A’s: Predicting the 2015 infield starters]
Or perhaps the Oakland A’s could trade some of their young talent. Hahn’s previous success in San Diego could make him a solid trading pawn. If the Athletics think they could do without Hahn, then perhaps he could be used in a trade that would help provide depth to the middle infield or add a solid left fielder to the roster. If the Athletics want to retain Hahn, then they could package up some of the younger pitching talent together and trade them.
No matter what, the Oakland A’s are going to need to move some people around before the start of the season. It will be interesting to see if they are just moved to Triple-A or actually traded to add depth to other positions around the diamond. The Athletics are definitely not done making moves, so keep an eye on Billy Beane to see how he will work his magic during this upcoming month before pitchers and catchers report for spring training.
For more news, rumors, and opinions on the Athletics, visit the isportsweb Oakland A’s homepage.