What Jesse Chavez Means to the Oakland Athletics

May 26, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesse Chavez (30) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at O.co Coliseum. The Detroit Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

With one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, it is highly unlikely that superstars such as Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout or even Giancarlo Stanton will ever don the green and gold at any point during their playing career. However, the Oakland Athletics have figured out a way to keep their budget low. The Athletics are exceptionally good at finding “diamonds in the rough” like starting pitcher Jesse Chavez.

Surprisingly enough, it was cash considerations given to the Toronto Blue Jays that sent the Southern California native back to the Golden State in 2012. Chavez’s track record in the bullpen suggested that he was nothing more than a mop-up reliever in the late innings of a ball game. After accumulating five major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays, Chavez had a combined 7.14 earned run average in 259 innings pitched.

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Despite these dreadful numbers, there is no question that A’s GM Billy Beane saw something special in the lanky right-hander — something that each of Chavez’s previous employers had overlooked. Chavez had the potential to succeed in an organization known for taking “restoration projects” like himself and placing them in ideal situations where prosperity was almost guaranteed.

Although Chavez posted a 18.90 earned run average in 3 1/3 innings in 2012, Oakland’s front office appeared hesitant to throw in the towel just yet. It wasn’t until the following year that Chavez matured into the pitcher many hoped for. And his shining moment came against the New York Yankees of all teams.

On June 13, 2013, the right-hander was called upon in the 13th inning with the game tied at two. It is safe to say that many A’s fans were skeptical as to whether or not he could deliver in such a high-leverage situation; however, he ultimately shocked the baseball world when everything was said and done.

Chavez pitched 5 2/3 scoreless frames against the Bronx Bombers, striking out seven and surrendering just one hit. He carved through a potent lineup which included Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira, Vernon Wells and Kevin Youkilis. Everything seemed to being going the A’s way that afternoon. Especially when Nate Freiman — the offensive hero of the game — hit a walk-off bases-loaded single off of legendary closer Mariano Rivera.

Since that day, Chavez has been a staple in the Athletics organization. Whether it is coming out of the bullpen as a long-reliever, making a spot-start or doing what he does best as a solid number two or three starting pitcher. In his last five starts, he has averaged a total of seven innings pitched, surrendered just two home runs and he has an outstanding strikeout to walk ratio of 29:6 for 2015.

This past Wednesday, Chavez undeniably pitched the game of his life, which was coincidentally just two years and four days after tossing 5 2/3 scoreless frames versus the Yankees. Up against a new-and-improved San Diego Padres ball club, Chavez was firing on all cylinders — striking out 11 friars, which was his career best, and giving up just three hits and one walk in seven superb innings for a 16-2 win.

When Chavez takes the mound every fifth day, there seems to be a physical and profound confidence running through that 6’2″, 160-pound frame. It shows in the way he strolls up to the hill with a “bulldog” mentally — demonstrating that he’s going to give the Athletics everything he has in order for his club the win. Throw the record out the window, because, at the end of the day, it’s not about individual statistics, but rather the overall team effort and ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to Oakland.

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