The Oakland Starting Rotation Still a Mystery
Apr 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesse Chavez (60) throws a pitch in the third inning of the game Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The case for Jesse Chavez:
He is an obvious candidate, and someone who will likely open as our third or fourth starter. A career journeyman who found a home as Oakland’s long-relief man in 2013, Chavez is 31-years old and has just 23 starts to his name. But 21 of those starts came last season and were quite good. In the first half Chavez tossed 114 quality innings, with an ERA of 3.14 and almost a strikeout per inning.
His poor second half is what prompted Beane to swing deals for Samardzija, Hammel, and Lester.
Chavez predictably tired after greatly exceeding his career high in innings pitched. By season’s end he had nearly doubled his entire career’s innings total.
He has limited upside, but is a solid option to have begin the season in the rotation. Could a trade be in his future?
Career highlight: Tossing 5 2/3 one-hit innings in extra-inning relief against the New York Yankees.
Next: Drew Pomeranz