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Oakland Athletics Fire Pitching Coach Curt Young

By Joey Lopez

Aug 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitching coach Curt Young (41) talks to starting pitcher Dillon Overton (47) and catcher Bruce Maxwell (63) during the game against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitching coach Curt Young (41) talks to starting pitcher Dillon Overton (47) and catcher Bruce Maxwell (63) during the game against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Athletics announced Thursday that pitching coach Curt Young has been relieved of his duties.

The Oakland Athletics are gearing towards a new beginning and Thursday’s firing of Curt Young is another clue of where the team may head.

Entering the season, the A’s figured that strong pitching would be on their side. Injuries, though, derailed those thoughts and tested the team’s depth early.

To blame Young, who was in his sixth year since returning in 2012, for the team’s struggles wouldn’t be fair.

Sonny Gray started the season on the disabled list and the team’s rotation was guided by an effective Kendall Graveman. Andrew Triggs also emerged as a surprise during the month of April.

Sean Manaea and Jharel Cotton both struggled, however, to find their footing early this season. Cotton was sent down in May after an ineffective start and Manaea battled through a stint on the disabled list.

Manaea has improved, however, since his rough start and currently owns a 6-3 record to go along with a 3.67 ERA.

Injuries have hurt Oakland most this season and the team’s depth has been stretched to its limit at times. Young’s job has not been easy, but someone must be held accountable for the A’s failures this season.

Losing Graveman in May has been tough on the rotation and his absence has created a sizable void. Young should not be held accountable for that, but again, the A’s need to hold someone responsible.

It doesn’t help that the A’s currently have the third-worst ERA in the American League, either.

Trade Rumors Swirl…

Things figure to only get worse, with the A’s expected to entertain offers for Gray.

Gray has been enjoying a bounce back season this year and has stayed healthy this year since coming off the DL in May.

The team appears to be on the hunt for a new direction and the youth movement in Oakland may get started sooner rather than later.

Young’s exit may not be fair, but the A’s felt like a change was in order. The A’s announced that bullpen coach Scott Emerson will take over Young’s position.

Related Story: A's Crystal Ball: Is Melvin's Job In Jeopardy?

What do you think? Is Young’s exit a signal for more moves to come ? Sound off below in the comment section!