Oakland Athletics’ Division Race: Checking In On the Competition

May 20, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Brett Lawrie (15) reacts after hitting a double against the Houston Astros in the 8th inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics are in last place, but are they done for the season?

The A’s have struggled this season, posting a 38-47 record so far this year. They are eleven games back in the division, and they will soon have to make a decision as to whether they are buyers or sellers.

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at where the rest of the division is. If the A’s do decide that this run of well-played baseball and series wins is a theme that is here to stay, do they stand a chance at catching up to the rest of the AL West?

Behind Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir, anything is possible – especially when Stephen Vogt and Billy Burns are in the lineup. There’s plenty to like about this A’s team, but ultimately, they’ve played themselves into a deep hole, and it will take not just success on their part, but failure on the part of the four teams they are currently trailing behind.

Next: Division Competition: Texas Rangers