Oakland Athletics: Picks to Click Heading into 2016

Aug 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Mark Canha (20) celebrates with team mates after hitting a walk off double against the Cleveland Indians during the tenth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Cleveland Indians 2-1 in extra innings. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

What can the Oakland Athletics takeaway heading into the 2016 season?

After three consecutive playoff appearances for the Oakland Athletics, the green and gold looked poised to make another strong run despite dealing several of their All-Stars prior to the 2015 campaign. With the departures of Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Derek Norris and even Jeff Samardzija, A’s general manager Billy Beane assured his fan base that his ball club would remain competitive even with a massive overhaul to their 25-man roster. Instead of holding onto his “aging stars”, Beane made the decision to turn-back-the-clock and acquire up-and-coming talent that could flourish in the organization for many years to come.

However as the season progressed, it would soon become clear that the term “competitive” is simply the front office’s way of politely saying, “We will do our best to field a good team with the intention of making another run at the postseason. Although, we are not optimistic about our chances and if we for some reason are in the race heading into June or July, well that would be just swell!”

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The home opener against the Texas Rangers proved to be promising; a stellar start from Sonny Gray, along with notable home runs from Stephen Vogt and Oakland’s newest acquisition, Ben Zobrist, ultimately brought life back to the Coliseum in hopes that another solid season would mask the pain of Beane’s wheeling and dealing, along with the dreaded 2014 American League Wild Card game.

Albeit, as the schedule progressed, the Athletics as a unit proved to be very inconsistent when putting together a winning streak in April, May, June, July…well you get the idea. The main culprit is the lackluster performance from the bullpen, who accounts for the majority of Oakland’s one-run losses associated with their dismal 13-26 record. The offense has had its share of ups-and-downs, ultimately putting them in a hole to deep to dig out of as the calendar turned to July.

Instead of dwelling on “what could have been”, lets shift our focus to three unlikely players who have shown promise in 2015 and look only to get better for the foreseeable future.

Next: Brooks Baseball, Better Than Advertised

Aaron Brooks, SP

(1-1, 6.20 ERA, in 20 1/3 innings pitched)

Aug 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Aaron Brooks (36) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks, 25, is a southern California native, who attended California State University, San Bernardino and ultimately made his major league debut in 2014 after being selected in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the 2014 American League defending champions the Kansas City Royals. After Beane parted with his prized offseason acquisition, utility man Zobrist, Brooks immediately stepped into the Athletics rotation and without a doubt pitched the game of his life; tossing 7 1/3 solid frames of one-run baseball while striking out five.

As the highlights from the video demonstrate, the 6’4″ 225-pound right-hander has an impressive four-pitch arsenal, which includes a low-90s fastball to go along with his slider and curveball. However, if there’s one thing that sets Brooks apart from his competition, it’s his ability to throw and locate his change-up consistently in the lower portion of the strike zone. From a hitting perspective, it appears as if Brooks is rearing back for a heater up until the last second when the ball drops sharply out of sight and into the ground. Just by watching Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis, Brooks isn’t afraid to toss his “secret weapon” in any count — especially as a put-away pitch — leaving the opposition on their front foot, although stepping in right direction… back to the dugout!

Even though he throws his change-up only 28.9 percent of the time, it ultimately sets the table for his fastball and Brooks’ ability to paint the inside and outside corners effectively — whether it’s a right-handed or left-handed hitter stepping into the batter’s box. As impressive as Brooks was in his first two starts for Oakland, it was evident that his fastball command was anything but spot on. Time after time, his heater hung over the middle of the plate and didn’t to appear to have as much downward movement based on past performances.

Although, in the last seven weeks of the season, it’s all about evaluation and what the “young guns” can do moving forward. Brooks looks like a solid back of the rotation starter, and with some more seasoning, could flourish with the front of the pack.

Next: Canha Make his Mark as an Everyday Starter?

Mark Canha, 1B/COF

.238/.296/.687 in 256 at-bats, five home runs and 37 RBIs

Aug 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Mark Canha (20) is showered with gatorade during a post game interview after the game against the Cleveland Indians at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Cleveland Indians 2-1 in extra innings. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

When he’s not launching  home runs over the East Bay hills, Mark Canha and his lovely wife Marci are chowing down on some of the most exquisite meals around the country! Whether it’s Cioppino in San Francisco, festive carnitas tacos in New York, or an eloquently decorated pizza in Houston, it’s only a matter of time before the Canha’s get a call from the Food Network in regards to their own show, however  I digress…

Surprisingly enough, Mark’s most memorable food review took place the day after Brooks’ stellar debut for the Athletics.

“There it is… best meal of the year by far! A whipped cream pie to the fact with just a hint of orange infusion. Thanks everyone in A’s nation for the love! Great win!!! #letsgooakland  – Mark Canha @bigleaguefoodie

When Canha joined the Athletics organization, he fit right in with the green and gold’s philosophy of platooning hitters, and subsequently playing to their strengths. In his first six games for the ball club, the slugger from Cal posted an outstanding .366 batting average (11-30) including three doubles, a homer and seven RBIs.

For the next few weeks, Canha fell into a cold spell at the plate, but showed his versatility in the field. Whether in the corner outfield spots (48 starts), or manning first base (30), the right-hander proved he could handle the routine plays while showing off his above-average speed. Recently, Canha has started to find his swing — although the statistics state a drastic improvement versus right-handed pitching. In 71 games, the East Bay native has a .276 batting average with eight home runs and 31 RBIs; as opposite to a slash line of .163/0/6 against south paws.

How is this possible, you say?

Well, over the course of the season, there is no question that Canha’s quick hands on inside pitches appear to be one of his many strengths, especially in a 2-0 or 2-1 count. In this scenario he has launched five long balls over the fence along with 13 RBIs, and his numbers are just as adequate with runners on-base as demonstrated in this clip against the Halos.

There is no doubt that Canha could flourish immensely as an everyday starter. As he progresses over the course of his major league career, it is conceivable to witness a .250 to .260 with 20-25 homers a season from the guy who grew up in San Jose, California. With enough work on the diamond, Canha’s best fit in the field would be at first base. He’s a picking machine with good range and has a flair for the dramatic.

Next: An Unexpected Contributor Waiting in the Wings

Sean Manaea, LHP

(2-0, 2.89 ERA in three starts for Double-A Midland)

Feb 27, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Sean Manaea poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After dealing Zobrist to the Royals on July 28, there was much praise from columnists, rival scouts and general managers when Beane was able to acquire highly touted left-handed pitching prospect Sean Manaea.

According to MLB.com’s prospect list, Manaea was projected to go number one in the 2013 MLB Draft. However, due to a torn labrum in his right hip prior to the draft, organizations remained hesitant on the young man from Indiana State. As a result, Kansas City took their chances with the burly 6’5″ 235-pounder and rightfully so. He rebounded in the high-A Carolina League recording 146 strike outs in 2014.

Manaea’s control, while it momentarily remains inconsistent at times, has a respectable pitching arsenal on the mound with a fastball ranging anywhere from 90-96 miles an hour. He’s currently developing his change-up, which according to scouts has been impressive thus far along with a slider. Despite these numbers, the 23-year-old has the potential to be a solid front line starter with a chance of reaching the big leagues as early as the beginning of 2016.

In three starts for the Midland Rockhounds, Manaea has an impressive 2-0 record with a 2.89 ERA, including a K/BB ratio of 22:6. In his first two appearances for Oakland’s Double-A affiliate, the righty pitched a total of 13 innings while striking out 16 and allowing just two walks. Of course, every minor leaguer needs time to develop, but if this kid can avoid the injury bug, expect phenomenal results from the Indiana native.

Next: Final Thoughts