2011 Oakland A’s mid season review
Things could be better for the Oakland A’s. Regardless of heir record or their stats they have already fired their manager and that is usually indication that things are not headed in the right direction. The A’s are 39-53 and sit in last place in the American League West. They went just 8-10 in interleague play, and are 13-16 against their three divisional opponents. All in all not to bad as they are 5-4 against the Los Angeles Angels. The problem here is the A’s are simply not dominating anyone, as most of their records against their opponents hovers around .500.
The A’s offense has scored just 315 runs, and that is the second lowest run total of the 14 American League teams. They have accumulated 716 hits, and the team batting average is .233. Those totals are also second worst in their league. A’s hitters have struck out 581 times, and drawn 273 free passes. Their best hitter, of their regular nine starters, is CF Coco Crisp and he is hitting just .267. That is a problem and this team needs to find some offense.
The pitching staff has given up 339 runs, and the staff ERA is 3.14. That is the best staff ERA in the AL. Two of their starting five have eight wins each, and A’s pitchers have struck out 629 hitters, and issued 296 walks. Brett Anderson, with a 4.00 ERA, is the highest ERA in the starting rotation. However, closer Brian Fuentes has struggled. His ERA is 4.82, and he has converted just 12 saves. Andrew Bailey has eight saves and an ERA of just 2.40.
Sine Bob Melvin was brought on this team has gone 12-17, so the indication is they are still headed in the wrong direction. For me it is a clear indictment on how this roster was constructed and the manger may have been the fall guy. Of course, Bob Geren was a bad communicator, and that is no way to run a baseball team.
Related Links:
- Oakland A’s news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com
