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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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Grading the Oakland Athletics’ Season So Far: The Defense

The Oakland Athletics defense has been a pleasant surprise to me this season. Yes, I know the A’s lead the league in errors, but there is a lot more to defense than fielding percentage.

For example, the Texas Rangers have the best fielding percentage in the division, at .987. They have given up 15 unearned runs. The A’s have the worst fielding percentage in the AL, at .981, and they have also given up 15 unearned runs. Errors are not a very good measure of how well the defense is playing.

Yonder Alonso has been solid at first base. He saves a lot of errors with his outstanding defense, although Valencia and Semien have really settled down on the left side. Lowrie is still learning the second base position and, at times, his play has been less than stellar.

With Reddick in right, Burns in center, and Crisp in left, the A’s had speed to burn in the outfield. With Reddick out, Chris Coghlan and Jake Smolinski are going to have to step it up. The loss of both his range and his arm is a blow to the Athletics, despite an otherwise solid outfield.

The A’s defense does not make many spectacular plays, but it is very steady. After last year, when it seemed every ball hit to the left side was an adventure, the defense has been a very pleasant surprise.

Next: Lack of Farm System Players on Roster Hurts 2016 A's

That’s my opinion on the Athletics’ first two months of the season – what’s yours? What has been the most disappointing aspect of the season for you? The most surprising player? Or have things gone just about the way you expected them to go? Be sure to let us know in the comments!