Oakland Athletics Roundup: Chad Pinder Puts on Show in AFL; Lew Wolff Voted Worst Owner
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Wednesday, October 14
The Arizona Fall League kicked off this week, and several Oakland Athletics’ prospects were on the roster for the Mesa Solar Sox – including top prospect Sean Manaea. The AFL is typically used to give the best prospects an extra six weeks of playing time, either to work on specific skills or to make up for time lost due to an injury. Teams only send prospects who have a very solid chance of impacting the big league club at some point, so it’s typically one of the top collections of talent.
This year, the A’s sent Manea, as well as right-handers Kris Hall, Aaron Kurcz, and Brendan McCurry. On the position player side, infielders Renato Nunez and Chad Pinder joined outfielder Jaycob Brugman on the team.
None of the A’s pitchers have had a chance to show off their skills just yet, but the lineup has already featured a pair of A’s. Pinder, who hit .317/.361/.486 for Double-A Midland this year, is 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs in his first game. Might Joey Wendle have company in his battle for a promotion next season? It seems like the A’s middle infield prospects get brighter and brighter every day.
It’s just one game, but if Pinder keeps it up, the Athletics will have a lot of reasons to be excited about him.
In Case You Missed It:
A’s Prospects Shine in Fall Ball Opener – Want to find out more about the A’s prospects? Samantha Riley gets you up-to-date on all of the fall action, and what it means to the A’s organization. Don’t miss finding out how Renato Nunez and Jaycob Brugman performed in their first game.
#Athletics:
.@kschwarb12's home run just landed... in Oakland. @Cubs @MLB https://t.co/62SVMxsQ9H
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 13, 2015
Related: Congrats to the Chicago Cubs, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday to advance to the National League Championship Series. Former top Oakland prospect Addison Russell played a big role in the Cubs’ playoff push, although he was absent from Tuesday’s game with a hamstring injury.
Pinder pounces! @Athletics #7 prospect Chad Pinder homers on @MLBazFallLeague Opening Day: http://t.co/ESjhCEtsQC pic.twitter.com/yYZ3Ewa1JP
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 13, 2015
Around the Web:
ESPN: A’s Fans Vote Lew Wolff Worst Owner in Sports – ESPN published an analysis of each sports team, asking fans to rate several categories to determine which was the best/worst franchise. The worst in the owner’s category? According to A’s fans, it’s Lew Wolff – citing the lack of money spent on players. Check it out for more info.