Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The past week for the Oakland Athletics couldn’t have gone much better. They compiled a 5-1 record and still sit atop the AL West at 28-16, 3.5 games ahead of the Angels. Drew Pomeranz made his second start for the A’s, and his first as an official member of the rotation. It turns out the move we’ve been begging for was the right choice. Pomeranz threw 5 innings, gave up 3 hits, 2 walks and struck-out a career best 8. His ERA sits at 1.14 on the season.
This week wasn’t just about superb pitching performances though, the bats also continued their hot streak, compiling 48 runs in 6 games. Overall, the A’s outscored the White Sox and Indians 48-14 this week. Utter dominance.
The Athletics now have a secret weapon, and that is Wham’s “Careless Whisper”. Josh Reddick started using the song as his walk-up music this week, and he took off. Reddick hit .348 with 3 HR and 11 RBI this week, an added bonus to an already potent A’s lineup. He is still only batting .237 on the season, but another week or two like this should get Reddick more credibility and possibly an All-Star nomination if a prolonged streak ensues.
Who’s Hot
Both Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss had great weeks, and eerily similar stat lines, but “Who’s Hot” honors can only go to one player. This week, it’s Brandon Moss. Moss hit .455 with a .556 OBP, crushed 3 HRs and drove in 11. The decision boils down to this: Brandon Moss was also announced as AL Player of the Week, and that stat line deserves it.
Who’s Cold
With Daric Barton out of town, this honor may be a weekly occurrence for Eric Sogard. The star of “Talk Nerdy to Me” was mired in a prolonged slump, which he eventually broke in Sunday’s contest in Cleveland. Sogard hit .067 on the week, and is sitting on a .175 AVG on the season. There were no power stats to speak of for the four-eyed slugger this week, and his .175 AVG will continue to garner him “Who’s Cold” ‘honors’ until he reaches above the Mendoza Line for a peek at respectability. A’s fans love Eric Sogard, but someone has to be mentioned here, and he’s earned it.