Has Jesse Chavez Become Expendable?
By Jason Burke
Jesse Chavez had a terrific 2014 season, totaling a 3.45 ERA both as a starter and coming out of the ‘pen, but if recent trends are any indication, Chavez could be on the move before the season begins.
Chavez will be 31 for much of next season, turning 32 in August of 2015. As Rich pointed out yesterday, once a player nears 30 in Oakland, they are seemingly on their way out. By that logic, Jesse Chavez has overstayed his welcome. Yet, it’s not his age that leads me to believe that he will be moved. Instead, it’s that his role (long reliever, spot starter) on the team is seemingly primed to be taken over by one of a couple candidates.
Drew Pomeranz (26) is one option, because, simply that was his job last season when Chavez was in the rotation. In ten starts, Pomeranz held a 2.58 ERA, whereas Chavez, in 21 starts accumulated a 3.44. Pomeranz also had a higher K/9 percentage (8.60 to 8.52) and lower WHIP (1.13 to 1.30) than Chavez as a starter.
As a reliever, Pomeranz really breaks away, holding an ERA advantage of 1.62 to 3.54, and an advantage in WHIP at 1.08 to 1.38.
You may be thinking, “But Pomeranz is a lefty. They need a righty too!” Enter new addition to the team, Chris Bassitt, who is just 25. In five starts, Bassitt went 28.2 innings to the tune of a 3.77 ERA. As a reliever, he worked one inning in Chicago, and allowed a run (while striking out two) to give him a 9.00 ERA. Your next thought may be “Adam Dunn had the same ERA as a reliever!” Well, true.
It’s unknown what the A’s plan of action will be with Bassitt. He has expressed a desire to relieve, but will do whatever the A’s want. John Hickey reported via twitter, “Bassitt said he throws 97-98 mph when coming out of the pen, but dials it down to 94-95 when he’s starting.”
With both Bassit and Pomeranz being younger, cheaper, options, the A’s may look to dangle Jesse Chavez this offseason. While his return likely wouldn’t be great, a team that is looking for a fourth or fifth starter with some upside may be willing to part with a prospect to attain him.