Welcome to the Bay, Brett Lawrie!
May 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie (13) makes a bare handed catch on a hit by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (not pictured) at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Tampa Bay 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Our pillows may still be wet from the tears we shed as we went to sleep last night trying to process what had just transpired. Once again Billy Beane is doing what he does best. No, not ruining the weekend for Oakland Athletics fans, well maybe that too, but he was making another unbelievable, blockbuster deal that traded away All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson this time. Instead of dwelling on what’s been lost, and to be sure we are all well aware that it is a huge loss, let’s focus on what the A’s are bringing to the Bay, starting with Donaldson’s third base replacement, Brett Lawrie.
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The 24-year-old Canadian from British Columbia has spent four seasons in the bigs but has amassed only 345 games in that time due to injuries. Some may see him as quite the risk, but if Lawrie plays to his potential there could be quite the reward, we could be looking at our next 20+ homerun hitter. He’s young, and plays in the all-out manner that A’s fans are accustomed to at the hot corner. You may remember seeing replays of him falling into the camera well as he chased down a foul ball at Yankee Stadium in 2012. Here at the Coliseum Lawrie will have lots of foul territory to show off his athleticism, and he’s embracing the opportunity to do so.
In his interview with MLB Network Radio today, Lawrie sounded excited and confident to start a new chapter in Oakland. He was as blindsided as we all were but is ready for the challenge with the green and gold. He’s looking forward to playing on the natural surface of the Coliseum, even said when he played there before he “loved it.” Well I think we will soon love and embrace this Canadian into our home, just don’t get too attached.