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Oakland Athletics: Grading the A’s Season So Far

By Mark Sigmon

May 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea (55) hands the ball to manager Bob Melvin (6) during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara
May 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea (55) hands the ball to manager Bob Melvin (6) during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara /
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Oakland Athletics
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Grading the Oakland Athletics’ Season So Far: The Offense

In terms of meeting preseason expectations, the A’s offense has been pretty productive. Josh Reddick was off to one of the best starts of his career, prior to landing on the disabled list until July with a thumb fracture.

Danny Valencia also spent time on the DL, but since he has come back, he is providing plenty of power and RBIs in the middle of the lineup. Khris Davis was cold in the month of April, but no one in baseball has been hotter in May. He made himself an instant fan favorite with his walk-off grand slam against the Texas Rangers on May 17th. It did not hurt that it was his third home run of the game.

Jed Lowrie has yet to hit a home run, but he was leading the league in batting average with runners in scoring position. Like many of the A’s other players, Lowrie’s success occurred before he ended up on the DL. In the midst of the Oakland injury bug, Stephen Vogt has been his steady self.

Even Marcus Semien has 10 home runs. That’s not bad for a shortstop who usually hits ninth in the order. At the opposite end of the lineup, Billy Burns and Coco Crisp have been setting the table. Burns has swiped 12 bases and posted a .292 on-base percentage, while Crisp has .740 OPS.

The Oakland lineup has not exactly been the 1927 Yankees, but they have been productive despite all of the injuries, and there is nothing to suggest that they won’t continue to hit all year. The A’s hitters have pretty much met their expectations.

Next: Grading the A's Season So Far: The Bullpen