Why the Oakland Athletics Should Lock Up Josh Reddick
Feb 28, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) poses for a portrait during Photo Day at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Athletics are an organization known for their innovative ingenuity, and pride themselves on fielding competitive teams year in and year out, despite a payroll which ranks 23rd ($88,261,667) in Major League Baseball.
However, questionable performances from the bullpen, inexperienced rookies, along with a series of transactions and injuries found the Athletics sitting in the cellar after a lack luster 2015 campaign (68-94).
There has been speculation that Oakland’s disappointing season skewed from a clubhouse mix that did not gel according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. In spite of this circumstance, the Athletics front office has stated that they’re not afraid to “shake things up” in lieu of their current 25-man roster.
With the A’s future so dependent on young players, there isn’t going to be a long leash for any veterans perceived to be poor-role models, so look for Oakland to make some moves this offseason to address the personality mix. There won’t be room for complacency, poor attitudes or “me” guys. – Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle
For several days, A’s fans were left in the dark as to who might be on the trading block. In the past, Josh Reddick, who will become a free agent after the 2016 season, hasn’t been afraid to voice his opinion on pressing matters via social media or the press, which could be grounds to trade him. However, his contributions at the dish, above-average performance in the outfield, and veteran presence are just a few of the reasons this right-fielder deserves a contract extension; along with the opportunity to anchor an organization with promising hurlers and sluggers waiting in the wings.
Next: Reddick's Production at the Plate
Reddick’s Production at the Plate
May 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) hits a RBI-single to score shortstop Marcus Semien (10, not pictured) against the New York Yankees during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
In 2012, Reddick was inserted into an Athletics lineup surrounded by uncertainty — with Eric Sogard manning the hot-corner, Cliff Pennington at shortstop, Coco Crisp, a reclamation project in center field, and rookie Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, who hoping to make his mark in the States.
There was no question at this moment in time that former general manager Billy Beane had his eyes set on the future (like we haven’t heard that one before). By mid-July, Beane’s assumptions about Oakland seemed correct; however, Reddick was ultimately becoming a force to reckon with in the clean-up spot, posting a slash line of .242/.305/.463/.768 with 85 RBI and 32 round-trippers in 156 games.
As demonstrated in the video clip above, Reddick wasn’t afraid to go the other way with the ballgame on the line. You can see how patient he is at the plate, and how his hard work and determination translated over the years, and, most importantly, how his presence along with his ability trickled down to the youngsters and season veterans on the squad. The A’s had 15 walk-off victories in 2012 from some unlikely names. Because of it, they managed to turn their season around and win the American League West division, on the final day of the regular season.
Even though the Georgia native’s statistics declined in 2013 and 2014 due to a nagging wrist-injury, the right-fielder came back stronger than ever this season, recording his highest batting average (.272), on-base percentage (.333) and on-base plus slugging percentage (.781) since joining the green and gold in 2012.
Reddick has always been known as a pull-hitter however his new-found hitting approach has proved dividend — by sitting back at the dish and taking the ball to the opposite field. Instead of being “homer happy” at all times, the 28-year-old is simply focused on putting the ball in play and going from there. Since then, his strikeout rate has significantly decreased and his walk-rate was at an all-time high in 2015, with 49 free passes.
In the batter’s box, the right-hander appears to have channeled his “inner 2012 self”, nearly matching those totals in doubles (29 to 25) and hits (148 to 143). Reddick’s patience at the plate has dramatically increased, and he has been more selective on off-speed pitches. He knows when to layoff and, in a matter of seconds, can make any necessary adjustment to get the best of the opposition.
For the first time in his Major League career, Reddick looks and projects like an established slugger. Sitting in his prime years of: 29, 30, 31 and 32, he’s showing no signs of slowing down and will be a continued force to reckoned with at the plate.
Next: Don't Run on Reddick!
Don’t Run on Reddick
It’s plain and simple…
Don’t run on Reddick!
Sweet dreams will quickly turn into scary nightmares for opposing hitters — whether it’s fantasy or reality, Reddick has a Gold Glove arm in right field and his 14 outfield assists in 2012 proves that Reddick should not be messed with.
Scouting reports praise Reddick for his above-average range, arm strength and outstanding accuracy. His strong-suit is successfully reading the ball off of the bat and the wall — something many MLB players have difficulty doing. Reddick’s above-average speed is also a viable asset to have especially with the alternative routes he takes to get to the ball.
In his first season with the Athletics, the Georgia native recorded 310 putouts and 15 assists in 144 games. What’s more impressive was his .982 fielding percentage over the course of 1279 1/3 innings played. He also only committed just six errors — en route to his first Gold Glove award in his Major League career.
These numbers declined in 2013 and 2014 although it’s safe to say that a chronic wrist injury was the primary culprit. Nonetheless, Reddick’s “all-out” style of play is something the Oakland faithful admires and is beginning to return to 2012 form after a bounce-back 2015 campaign.
His veteran presence on the field and in the batter’s box are characteristics that cannot be replaced and should be considered highly valuable since he is surrounded by a series of rookies like Billy Burns, Mark Canha and Marcus Semien — who look to establish themselves in the majors.
Next: Who Would Roam Right Field?
Who would roam right field?
May 23, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin (6) shakes hands with Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) after they beat the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Oakland Athletics defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There is no question that Reddick has established himself as Oakland’s everyday right-fielder. However, an organization building for the future like the Athletics might pull the trigger if the right deal presents itself. Who can forget the transactions that sent Yoenis Cespedes to the Boston Red Sox, or Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays?
I can’t… sadly.
Hypothetically, who would take Reddick’s spot on the 25-man roster? Let’s assume newly appointed general manager David Forst, perused the 2016 free agent list.
Jason Heyward, STL
This left-hander had an outstanding rookie campaign with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 — recording a .272/.393/.456 slash line in 142 games, with 18 home runs and 72 RBI. Even though Heyward stands at 6’5″, he has a tremendous amount of speed in the outfield, and can cover a substantial amount of ground. After his sophomore slump in 2011, the New Jersey native bounced back the following year posting numbers foreseen out of a video game! His .269 batting average with 27 round-trippers and 82 RBIs in 158 games, made him an intriguing trade chip when the St. Louis Cardinals acquired him in 2015. Heyward will become a free agent after the season, and is expected to have multiple suitors for his services. The right-hander is coming off a two-year contract worth $13,300,000, so I’d imagine a maximum deal of 4/32 or 4/40, which is completely out of the Athletics price range.
Colby Rasmus, HOU
Rasmus is first and foremost a center fielder however I believe the 29-year-old could easily make the transition to right field despite his limited playing time. Ideally, he appears best suited as a platoon hitter with exceptional numbers against righties. Rasmus is more than capable of hitting 20-25 homers a season, with impressive speed and range, but wouldn’t be able to showcase his raw talent if he’s sitting on the bench half of the time. The first-round draft pick in 2005 is making a total of $8,000,000, which leads me to believe the Athletics could make a respectable offer and obtain his services if necessary.
Alex Rios, KC
Rios has been in the show for some time, and it’s not uncommon to see aging stars decline offensive and in the field. He’s capable of hitting 20 home runs, but hasn’t even come close since the 2013 season with 18. The last time the right-hander surpassed this number was in 2012 with the Chicago White Sox (25) — a career best including an average of .304 and 91 RBIs in 157 games. Rios is making $9,500,000 in 2015. Regardless, this value is likely to decline and could be a reasonable “stop-gap” option until Matt Olson climbs the ranks by 2017.
On the squad
Craig Gentry, Sam Fuld, and Jake Smolinski are reasonable options, but in a platoon role. Out of the three, Smolinski has the best chance of having a bounce back performance in 2016. But, in no way will he post the numbers Reddick has done in his four Major League seasons with the Athletics. Instead of hitting, the green and gold would take “a hit” without Reddick’s offensive production in the lineup and presence on the field.
Next: Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
August 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16, top) pies catcher Derek Norris (36, bottom) after Norris hit the game-winning RBI-single during the 10th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Rays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Reddick is a character — that’s for sure!
He’s donned many personas over the course of his career with the Athletics; the Georgia native climbs the fences like Spiderman in the field, and is undoubtedly the designated “Pie King” of the organization.
When it comes down to business, Reddick’s above-average defense and impressive offensive numbers are irreplaceable for a ball club building for the future. His leadership on-and-off the field is a viable characteristic in itself; and imagine the run the Athletics will go on once prized prospects Sean Manaea, Franklin Barreto, Jacob Nottingham, and Olson make it to the show.
Beane says firmly that Reddick is back next year and a candidate for a contract extension. — Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) October 5, 2015
It’s possible that Reddick will receive the long term contract he rightfully deserves, but, at the same time, Beane is not the one who has the final say now — it’s Forst. Here’s to hoping that the front office stands by their statement, and Reddick is sporting the green and gold for many, many seasons.
“I love being here, I love playing here, despite what went down with me and the front office,” Reddick said. “Nothing toward them, I just want to be out there playing every day. Hopefully that’s no reason to get rid of me because I think there is a bright future for this organization and I obviously want to be a part of it. This team gave me a shot and I’ve succeeded here. I hope it’s the rare occasion where I stick around and get the kind of extension very few players ever get here.”