2013 Brandon Moss Breakout Player Honors
By Andrew Brown
The 2013 A’s roster is nearly set barring some unforeseen additions in the coming months. In 2012 the A’s struck gold with a small addition in Brandon Moss. They signed him to a minor league contract but he did not make the Major League roster until the outright of Daric Barton. The A’s called him up in June and he made a major splash (in compliment with Chris Carter) at first base. Moss finished the regular season with a .291 AVG, 21 HR, 52 RBI, and a .358 OBP. The home run and RBI totals are lower than they would be over the course of an entire season given the amount of at bats he saw due to his platoon partner Carter and the fact that he started two months late. Moss undoubtedly gave a spark to the lineup with the pop in his bat and his electric personality. The question is who will be the 2013 version of Moss for the A’s?
September 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Brandon Moss (37, left) smiles after receiving a pie to the face by infielder Brandon Inge (right) after the game against the Seattle Mariners at O.co Coliseum. Moss hit the game-winning three-run home run in the 10th inning. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The A’s do not have many players who jump into this category for a two major reasons. Either A, they have already produced at the Major League level before (i.e. Chris Young), or B, are expected to perform at the Major League level (i.e. Grant Green). Therefore my choice for the 2013 Brandon Moss Breakout Player honors will be from the minor league roster, a position player (not a pitcher), and not be a top prospect. The reason the player cannot be a pitcher is because frankly the A’s are really good at scouting pitching. Therefore, even though some websites and scouts might not consider a pitcher a prospect, chances are they are pretty good. That is why the player has to play a position other than pitcher. So, without further ado the A’s 2013 Brandon Moss Breakout player will be….
September 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Andy Parrino (3) reacts between pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at AT
Andy Parrino. Parrino came over from the San Diego Padres in a four player trade with the main “name” in the trade being Tyson Ross. The A’s gave up Ross and a power hitting first baseman prospect in exchange for Parrino, a utility infielder, and pitcher Andrew Werner. The trade did not attract much attention considering the players involved but for the A’s this could be lightning in a bottle.
Parrino plays both second base and shortstop which the A’s will need back ups’ in. He struggled in his short time in the Major Leagues but in the minors he has a career .272 AVG and an eye opening high .372 OBP. He may not have explosive speed or a flawless glove but he does bring with him a good eye for the strike zone and a constant contact bat. The A’s were horrible in strikeouts last season and could use some contact from time to time to keep rally’s going. With Jemile Weeks struggles in 2012, Scott Sizemore missing the entire season due to injury, Hiroyuki Nakajima’s inexperience, and Adam Rosales’ inconsistency, Parrino may have a legitimate shot at seeing a major amount of playing time.
Brandon Moss was an amazing story in 2012 only to be outdone by a team toppling their rivals to win their division. The difference between 2012 and 2013 for the A’s other than expectations is the fact that their roster is pretty much set. Because of this there are few chances; it looks like, for a player to get the chance to breakout. Out of all the possibilities I feel Parrino has the best chance to make an impact for the A’s in 2013. That is why Andy Parrino is my pick for the 2013 Brandon Moss Breakout Player.