Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time
#25: Huston Street
The Oakland Athletics have had more than their fair share of Rookie of the Year award-winners, with Huston Street being one of several over the last few decades. Street, who was a first round draft pick in 2004, made his debut after less than a year in the minors. After brief stops with the A’s minor league affiliates following his draft selection, Street played in the Arizona Fall League – and made his major league debut on April 6, 2005.
Street’s first season was sensational. After Octavio Dotel injured his elbow in May, Street took over as closer. He posted a 1.72 ERA – the second best among American League relievers that season – and went 23-for-27 in save opportunities, striking out 72 batters in just over 78 innings. He was truly deserving of Rookie of the Year honors after that performance.
For the next three seasons, Street’s success continued. The 2006 seasons ended with 37 saves and a 3.31 ERA, while 2007 brought a 2.88 ERA and 16 saves after he missed significant time with an injury. He didn’t perform nearly as well in 2008, even losing his job as the closer to Brad Ziegler, but he eventually turned things around enough to prove he was capable of continuing to pitch well.
Despite his lengthy run of success, Billy Beane flipped him to the Colorado Rockies, along with outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez and starter Greg Smith, in an effort to get proven outfielder Matt Holliday. The deal did not work out in the Athletics’ favor, with Holliday being traded to St. Louis for prospects less than half a season later, and Street going on to be an excellent closer for the Rockies, as well as the San Diego Padres and now the Angels. Although he’s certainly had some injury struggles during that time, he recorded his 300th save in 2015, and has been named an All-Star twice.
Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #24