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Oakland Athletics: Trevor Plouffe Says Goodbye

By Joey Lopez |
May 24, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Trevor Plouffe (3) reacts as Oakland Athletics designated hitter Ryon Healy (25) missed the catch to tag out Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) during the ninth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Trevor Plouffe (3) reacts as Oakland Athletics designated hitter Ryon Healy (25) missed the catch to tag out Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) during the ninth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics took the first of many steps this week towards a youth movement. Designating Trevor Plouffe for assignment was a step in the right direction.

The Oakland Athletics have had a tough time this season getting production out of their veteran players. Trevor Plouffe, who was brought in to play third base, struggled in his short time with the A’s.

Plouffe did not look too comfortable at the plate nor did he show much stability on defense. Matt Chapman, a symbol for the A’s bright future, was brought up to the majors this week.

Since his call-up, Chapman has already had an influence on the field. The A’s prospect helped the A’s get past the Yankees on Friday night. He excelled in Triple-A Nashville and is expected to breathe new life into a rather lifeless A’s offense.

Related Story: A's Hope Chapman Brings Some Excitement

Plouffe, meanwhile, was claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. The A’s are reportedly sending the Rays some cash to help offset some of Plouffe’s salary.

In return the A’s are expected to receive a player to be named later or cash considerations from the Rays.

The A’s had hoped for Plouffe to provide some much needed offense, but the production never materialized. Billy Beane and David Forst’s efforts this past offseason have been met with a lack of success.

Embrace The Movement

Moving forward, the hope is that the A’s will fully embrace their youth movement. Along with Chapman, the A’s are expected to call up highly touted prospect Franklin Barreto.

Bringing up Barreto only happens, however, after the team trades Jed Lowrie. Unloading the remainder of their veteran trade chips will allow the A’s to let the youth movement begin.

Letting Plouffe go was the right decision for the A’s at this point in the season. They are not going to catch the Astros and the Wild Card chase is just too crowded.

The first painful step has already been taken, now the A’s just need to stay on course.

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