he Oakland Athletics completed just one deal in the month of July, but they received two talented ballplayers from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for reliever Brad Ziegler. In this post, we’ll examine, or introduce for that matter, the second of two new Oakland Athletics: 1B Brandon Allen.
The Athletics were on the verge of landing 1B Lars Anderson in a deal that would’ve sent right-handed pitcher Rich Harden to the Boston Red Sox, but the deal fell through. The A’s could’ve used Anderson’s services over at first base, but Red Sox apparently were not ready to take the gamble on Harden, whose health is always in question.
After missing out on Anderson, the A’s did make one move this month before the Trade Deadline that sent Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for LHP Jordan Norberto and 1B Brandon Allen. Considering Oakland sent just a reliever over to Arizona in the deal, the A’s did a pretty solid job in landing two talented players in Norberto and Allen.
The Athletics currently face a few question marks at first base, as the team has no idea if or when Daric Barton or Chris Carter will be able to contribute on the big league level. Barton, who struggled this season, has a torn shoulder labrum and will likely miss the remainder of the season. He hit just .212 with no homers in 67 games for the A’s, and I’m guessing that his days in Oakland are numbered.
As for Carter, the A’s have no idea what to expect from him. He’s had success in the minors, but he hasn’t been able to carry that success over to the big-leagues. The A’s gave him another opportunity this year, but the 24-year old hit just .133/.188/.133 in 10 games for the A’s.
With Allen, the A’s receive a player who has a lot of potential. It’s still beyond me how well Oakland did in this deal. According to Scout.com, the A’s received a guy with some great power potential, as Allen has hit 18 HR this year in Triple-A. He went deep 25 times last season in Triple-A as well. The A’s, according to the team’s official site, are sending Allen to Triple-A Sacramento.
According to A’s general manager, Billy Beane, Oakland has always valued Allen’s athleticism:
"“Allen’s a guy we’ve always liked,” Beane said. “He’s got power, walks and homers. He’s pretty athletic for a guy his size. He’s obviously a guy, at some point soon, we think is going to be a very good player for us. He’s ready to take the next step. We’ll let him sort of go through the growing pains of being a young player.”"
Allen has battled through his strikeout rates, but he does bring a lot to the table for Oakland. He could be a good source of power in the near future for an Oakland offense that desperately needs some thunder in its lineup.
The A’s desperately need power and an answer for their current situation at first-base. Hopefully Allen is the solution for both of those problems.
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