Five Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Left Field
Sep 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Coco Crisp (4) collides into the wall on a double by Houston Astros center fielder Carlos Gomez (not pictured) during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
This season, Oakland’s left field situation was an absolute mess. A total of eight different players at one point or another manned the position and none were able to do so effectively. A combined batting average of .199 and 110 strikeouts compared to just 52 walks is what manager Bob Melvin received from whomever he stuck out in what seemed like a cesspool for underperformance. Mark Canha got the most reps there (50 games/180 AB’s) and even his stellar rookie season – 16 home runs and 70 RBI’s – was somehow derailed by playing in left field. He only hit .222 with five HR’s and 22 RBI’s. The man who was supposed to play that position, Coco Crisp once healthy, simply couldn’t find a rhythm – .144/.221/.189 slash line – and was probably the most disappointing Athletic this entire season.
As a result of left field being probably the biggest hole currently on the Oakland roster, it must be addressed in free agency and I have compiled five leading candidates who could provide solid production, while also coming at a viable price. No, you won’t see the likes of Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, or even Yoenis Cespedes (even though we would all love to see that happen) on this list, but there is still plenty of talent that, because of the above mentioned three top-tier players, will become more affordable for the likes of the green and gold.
Next: The First Option
Jul 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox right fielder Alejandro De Aza (31) reacts to a hit during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Boston Red Sox won 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Alejandro De Aza: 31 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6’ 0”, Weight: 195 lb.
Since getting a full-time starting shot in 2012 with the Chicago White Sox – and on a more personal note: my fantasy baseball team – Alejandro De Aza has quietly been one of the more consistent left fielders in the American League. Over these past four seasons, De Aza has slashed .265/.330/.405 while also providing some added pop at the top of the lineup. While this know speedster likely won’t reproduce his 2013 production of 17 HR’s (which occurred at the hitter-friend U.S. Cellular Field), he still has the ability at 31 years of age to put the ball out of the yard. While his strikeout numbers have been a little concerning (100+ from ’12-’14), he has made great strides this year cutting down on them (84). Also, he provides defensive versatility, having the range/arm to play all three outfield positions. His current contract is just $5 million and for someone who hasn’t had a history of any major injuries, he could be a relatively cheap addition to the A’s.
Next: An Accustomed AL West Veteran
Sep 28, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder David Murphy (19) has a bucket of ice water dumped on his head after hitting a walk off single in the ninth inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
David Murphy: 33 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6’ 3”, Weight: 210 lb.
I have plenty of memories of David Murphy killing the A’s when he played for the Texas Rangers from 2007-2013. He played an important role in helping those teams make back-to-back World Series appearances in ’10 & ‘11. Since then, he has still proven himself a serviceable option for both corner outfield positions as well as being able to hold his own at the plate. Despite having a ‘down year’ and being traded from the Cleveland Indians to the Los Angeles Angels, he still managed a very respectable .283 average while playing in 132 games.
What makes Murphy such a valuable bat in the lineup is his unique approach and unwavering ability to perform late in the season. His approach is unique because he can beat pitchers in a variety of ways. He is a career .284 hitter on the first pitch, but also battles deep into counts and doesn’t strike out a lot (only 49 K’s in 2015). Matchups also don’t really apply to him as he hits well against both both righties (.281 in ’15) and lefties (.304 in ’15). He currently has a team option of $7 million that I don’t see the Angels picking up, so, with his age, I could see the price tag coming down a bit and would like to see the Athletics take a look at him.
Next: An All or Nothing Athlete
Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (no shirt) celebrates with teammates in the locker room after defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Houston won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Colby Rasmus: 29 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6’ 2”, Weight: 195 lb.
Most baseball fans have become accustomed to seeing Rasmus park moonshots during this current postseason however this is nothing new to the former first round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals. Over a 162 game average, Rasmus averages 25 home runs and 72 RBI’s, production not typically seen for an everyday centerfielder who only makes $8 million. Yet, it remains to be seen if he will get a significant pay raise due to his glaring flaws at the plate revolving around contact.
Colby epitomizes the term “swing big, miss big” as he was called out on strikes a whopping 154 times in 2015. He also has only batted .233 over the past two years and has yet to amass more than 130 hits in a single season throughout his career. These are shocking and a bit concerning for what seems like a still semi-young player with plenty of talent, but it also could help the A’s when finding cheaper options to patrol left field. If the Astros don’t want to try and make a run at Rasmus, I think he could be an interesting option for Oakland to explore.
Next: A Former #1 Overall Pick
May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Delmon Young (27) reacts after striking out against the New York Yankees during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Delmon Young: 30 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6’ 3”, Weight: 240 lb.
Delmon Young has always been full of All-Star potential, and as a result, he was drafted first overall in the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft. However, after his 2010 campaign when he was voted 10th in the MVP race, his career has slowly dwindled. So much to the point that the Baltimore Orioles release him in 2015 on July 1st despite slashing a modest .270/.289/.339 through 52 games.
Now, while Delmon may not offer much defensive ability, his skill at the plate still warrants a shot in the bigs. He is far removed from being an everyday left fielder, but could provide an excellent platoon option for Melvin. Over the last five years, he has hit lefties at a .295 clip and also still has plenty of power – although more gap-to-gap at this point in his career. It’s obvious Young still has a lot left in the tank and, just like his brother Dmitri Young, I see him having a bit of a resurrection late in his career. Hopefully it can be for the green and gold.
Next: Last, But Not Least...
Jun 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Gerardo Parra (28) makes a running catch of ball hit by New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (not pictured) in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Gerardo Parra: 29 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 5’ 11”, Weight: 210 lb.
Much like De Aza, Parra brings a unique skill set to the table that isn’t necessarily recognized as much as it should be. However, he is younger and a much more refined outfielder both offensive and defensively, which is exactly why he might be difficult to persuade to come to Oakland this offseason. He’s coming off setting career-highs in games played (155), HR’s (14), and runs scored (83) while also playing the outfield at a gold glove caliber level – he already owns two. So from this information alone, I think it’s safe to say he’s the most talented player of this group, but could also still be affordable.
While it is true the A’s don’t like spending in free agency – unless its on pitching, or *choke* Billy Butler – based off the current market, like I mentioned earlier, his price could fall. In my eyes, Parra is right on the fringe of getting a big pay raise, so depending on what the likes of Cespedes, Gordon, and Upton get will determine the details of this still talented outfielder. One thing working in the A’s favor is that he has played in relatively small markets (Arizona, Milwaukee, & Baltimore) over his career, so maybe he wouldn’t mind staying in that kind of realm and consider Oakland as a destination.