Ben Zobrist’s Status with the Oakland Athletics
By Casey Witt
Apr 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) on deck against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Athletics second baseman Ben Zobrist has donned the green and gold for a total of 17 games, and could be preparing to pack his bags — prior to the July 31st Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.
Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports that the 34-year old is being heavily pursued by the Chicago Cubs; who reside just six games behind the division-leading St. Louis Cardinals for first-place in the National League Central. It’s no surprise that Cubs GM Theo Epstein is making a run at Oakland’s switch-hitter, considering the fact that he has the ability to play not only second-base, but is more than capable of manning the hot-corner, shortstop, left and right-field, respectively. After failing to sign Zobrist last winter, it was A’s GM Billy Beane who enticed the Tampa Bay Rays with a package deal of top-prospect Daniel Robertson, Boog Powell, and catcher John Jaso.
Despite being the front-runner for Zobrist’s services, it is Epstein and manager John Maddon who are ultimately on the tails of the Red Birds — while the A’s recent 4-2 record in their last six games proves to be mute, as they sit in the American League West cellar with a 13-game deficit.
Beane appears to be hesitant when it comes to dealing his prized second baseman, and frankly who wouldn’t be? After reshaping a roster that squeaked their way into the AL Wild Card game, Zobrist with his .272/.354/.395/.749 slashline without question, was the top-of-the-line acquisition to anchor the middle of the A’s lineup.
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At this point in the season Beane has no intention of dealing Zobrist; it’s simply pure speculation at this point. However, should the A’s be out of the race by the summer, I’d like to think Beane would round-up a serious collect of top-prospects. Although if it was up to me, an Addison Russell reunion would be ideal. A guy can dream, right? Right!
Keep in mind that Oakland’s dismal 17-32 record heading into Thursday night’s opener against the New York Yankees was identical to Beane’s 2005 Swingin’ A’s squad. With starters Rich Harden, Dan Haren and Joe Blanton at the helm, the A’s made a complete 360-degree turn and by May 30th, went on a 50-17 run — finishing the campaign with a 88-74 record and in sole possession of second-place. So, whose to say that the A’s will be out of contention by June, July, or even September? If you don’t think so, just take a look at last night’s game-tying home run from Brett Lawrie.
With a swing of the bat, not only did the emphasis of this game change dramatically. However I’d like to believe this sparked a fire under a ball club who has yet to make a chase for the 2015 AL West title.