Comparing the 2015 Athletics with 1989
By Tony Frye
Center field to center field
Sep 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Adam Dunn (10) and Oakland Athletics center fielder Coco Crisp (4) celebrate after Crisp scored a run off a RBI double hit by Oakland Athletics left fielder Sam Fuld (23) (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Dave Henderson appeared in 152 games in 1989 and posted a .250 BA with 15 HR. Coco Crisp, on the other hand, appeared in 126 games with a .246 BA and 9 HR. Having played much of the season with an injury (or two) Crisp’s numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Although he is getting older, if he can stay healthy he should have more good seasons in him. He has speed and great range in center but doesn’t possess the arm that Henderson had. It’s fair to say that, with the same game count, Crisp could still hit Henderson level stats in 2015.
If Crisp can stay healthy and replicate his numbers at the plate in 2015, he’ll be exactly who the Athletics need in the leadoff (if not center) role.