Oakland Athletics: Top Three First Half Moments
By Joey Lopez
The Oakland Athletics closed out the first half of the 2017 season with a loss to the Mariners on Sunday. The A’s head into the All-Star break with 50 losses (39 wins) and are poised for another losing season. Despite the series of setbacks this year, the A’s have had their moments (sort of) this year.
The Oakland Athletics are poised for another losing season unless they have a huge second half surge. Bob Melvin‘s group has been largely disappointing this year, but the A’s have managed to squeak out a few surprising moments during the first half.
Compiling a list of ten exciting moments from the first half was too much of a stretch, so we’re limiting this list to the top three moments so far this year.
Bob Melvin Wins No. 500 With Oakland
Rooted in Oakland has been a popular phrase thrown around the Coliseum this season and rightfully so. The A’s have been pushing for a new stadium and their efforts to revamp the Coliseum have not gone unnoticed.
More specifically, though, the A’s have continued to roll with Bob Melvin, who has been rooted in Oakland since arriving in 2011. Melvin has commanded the respect of his players and peers each season. Despite the struggles this year, Melvin continues to lead the A’s clubhouse with optimism and competitive drive.
The A’s skipper captured his 500th win as manager of the A’s. Connie Mack will keep the franchise record for most managerial wins (3,582), but Melvin’s place in Oakland history is impressive. In Oakland Athletics history, Melvin joins Tony La Russa (798) and Art Howe (600) for most wins.
Yonder Alonso Named An All-Star
Entering the season no one thought much of Yonder Alonso. The A’s surprised most people by retaining Alonso’s services this offseason after a less than stellar 2016 season.
Alonso, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career this year, has been an absolute bargain for the A’s. The A’s first baseman has been, surprisingly, a reliable source of power this year.
Oakland Athletics
He closed out the first half with 20 HR and 43 RBI. He changed his approach at the plate this winter and made several adjustments in an effort to make harder contact with the ball. His adjustments have paid dividends for himself and the A’s.
Alonso is expected to receive a huge raise at the conclusion of this year, but he has expressed interest in remaining with Oakland. The A’s lone All-Star this season has also been a part of trade talk this summer.
It is unknown whether the A’s will trade Alonso or try to keep him after this year. Either way, Alonso’s breakout season has surprised many and serves as one of the few bright spots for the A’s disappointing season this year.
Ryon Healy‘s Walk Off Against Detroit & Success This Year
Ryon Healy would serve as a bright spot on his own this season, considering his value to the A’s.
Many people picked Healy as a legitimate breakout candidate this season and he’s proven those people right so far. Healy’s home run on May 7th against Francisco Rodriguez and the Tigers gave the A’s a walk-off win.
Healy has emerged as an integral part of Oakland’s future and his presence in the lineup has become increasingly necessary.
With 19 HR and 52 RBI this season, Healy has provided the A’s lineup with power and run production. Paired with Khris Davis in the middle of Oakland’s lineup, the A’s have put together a great display of power this year. The A’s rank 5th in the American League with 125 homers.
Healy has posted All-Star worthy numbers this year and his value will only continue to rise if he’s able to put together a productive second half. The A’s have had plenty of disappointing storylines this year, but Healy hasn’t been one of them.
Healy has provided plenty of excitement and production for an A’s team starved for reliable contributors.