Oakland Athletics: Offseason Assessment

Sep 20, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of practice baseballs before the game between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics fell short in 2014, but the moves Billy Beane made last offseason were the right ones to make; they were just the wrong pieces. Jim Johnson was a disaster in 2014, and while hindsight in 20/20, the move still makes some sense at the time.

Johnson had blown twelve saves combined in 2012 and 2013, but he had still amassed over 50 saves in both seasons. Sure, there were bumps along the way, but ultimately he was good at shutting the door prior to 2014.

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The addition of Luke Gregerson could have gone better than it did, but he had a pretty solid 2014, posting a 2.12 ERA, the lowest of his career. The issue with Gregerson was that on the occasions he didn’t have “it” he was left in, and the team ultimately suffered for it. Gregerson was tried in the closer role, but blew eight of eleven opportunities. As a setup man, he excelled.

Why dwell on previous acquisitions that aren’t on the team? Billy Beane was trying to give the A’s a bullpen that would rival the one that carried has Kansas City all the way to the World Series. If Jim Johnson hadn’t imploded, and Gregerson’s outings were managed a little better, the A’s would have been a force.

Yes, these are a lot of ifs and buts, but the plan was a solid one. Now we look ahead to 2015, and assess what should be addressed this offseason.

I will be Playing GM in the coming weeks to address the issues that I outline ahead.