Oakland Athletics Roundup: Seven Minor League Players Released; Return of Jerry Blevins?
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Monday, October 19
The Oakland Athletics released seven minor league players over the weekend, including catcher Nick Rickles – one of the top defensive catchers in the A’s system. The other position players included fellow catcher Josh Miller, as well as outfielders Vicmal De La Cruz and Rodolfo Penalo. Three pitchers – Derek DeYoung, Tyler Hollstegge and Jesus Rivera – were also released.
Half of the group was plagued by injuries. Both Rickles and Miller had suffered from shoulder injuries that cut their careers with the Athletics short, with Rickles missing all of 2014 and Miller missing both 2014 and 2015. DeYoung, who had Tommy John surgery in 2014, missed all of 2014 and the first half of 2015. Hollstegge similarly missed all or most of the last three seasons due to various arm issues.
The other three – De la Cruz and Penalo, plus right-hander Rivas – just didn’t perform well enough for the A’s to retain them. Although De La Cruz was once regarded as a potential prospect, he didn’t take off like the A’s had hoped.
In Case You Missed It:
League Championships Are Sad Reminder of What A’s Could Have Been – There isn’t a good team to root for in the playoffs for A’s fans. Samantha Riley explains why both the National and American League Championship Series are disappointing reminders of how the Oakland Athletics’ season could have – and should have – turned out.
A’s Should Bring Back Jerry Blevins For Next Year – Everyone knows the A’s need bullpen help. Daniel Martinez makes the argument that that one way to fix the A’s ‘pen is a blast from the past: former reliever Jerry Blevins.
#Athletics:
1st to hit one out in @BowmanCards Hitting Challenge: Renato Nunez. #6 on @Athletics Top 30: http://t.co/pPBYr3ScHa pic.twitter.com/fFIpnmcOVX
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 18, 2015
.@YonkersLights lit green and gold tonight, Oakland A's colors, in honor of Michael Nolan who was laid to rest today pic.twitter.com/0nMaCnoe7U
— Mayor Mike Spano (@MayorMikeSpano) October 16, 2015
Around the Web:
Scout.com: Oakland Athletics Release Seven Minor League Prospects: Want to know more about the minor league players released by the A’s? Scout.com fills you in on their time with the Athletics.