Oakland Athletics: A Glimpse Into The Bright Future?
By Joey Lopez
The A’s youthful energy was on full display during their weekend series against the Houston Astros. The A’s swept the four-game set and outscored the AL West leaders, 41-16.
The Oakland Athletics youth movement has been an on-going process since early June this year. While the results have been mostly mixed, the A’s young roster has been able to put together admirable runs from time to time.
The A’s caught fire, apparently, this weekend against the Astros.
The A’s began their series against the Al West leaders on Friday with a 9-8 victory. They followed up their Friday night comeback with two wins on Saturday thanks to a double-header. Oakland finished off the sweep on Sunday with a commanding 10-2 victory.
Consistency has not been the A’s strength this year, but an overwhelming sense of resiliency was present at the Coliseum this weekend. The young core that has been slowly assembled is starting to show signs of development.
Oakland Athletics
The Power Of Olson/Chapman
Nothing happens overnight, but the A’s should be encouraged by Matt Olson. Olson has received plenty of coverage over the last few weeks, but rightfully so. The A’s first baseman launched two home runs during the four-game series and is slashing .268/.351/.624 with 17 HR and 34 RBI overall.
Olson has appeared more than capable of manning first base by himself this year. The idea of a first base platoon is slowly starting to fade.
On the other side of the diamond, Matt Chapman continued improving offensively this weekend. Chapman collected two home runs and drove in six runs this weekend. Chapman owns a .281/.361/.500 stat line this month. He is hitting .248 with 12 HR and 33 RBI overall this year with Oakland.
Olson and Chapman offer a glimpse into what may very well be a bright future for the A’s. While Olson’s defense is not quite on Chapman’s level, the two players make for a great corner infield duo.
They did, after all, hit four home runs and drove in 10 of Oakland’s 41 runs this weekend. The power of Olson and Chapman seems to be on full display as we enter the final weeks of the season.
Patience Is Key
The A’s have an interesting core starting to develop this year. Along with Olson and Chapman, the A’s seem to be set with Ryon Healy. Healy was easily regarded as a breakout candidate when the season began.
He has not disappointed many people this season and is slashing .269/.300/.458 with 24 HR and 74 RBI overall. Healy may serve as the A’s designated hitter, but could help support either corner infield spot. A trio of Olson-Chapman-Healy is quite exciting.
The A’s sweep of the Astros was rather surprising, given their place in the standings. Oakland has been stuck in the cellar for quite some time now and sweeping the division leader is no easy task.
The core that is developing, though, continues to demand patience and attention. The rebuild will be tough at times, but a sweep like this one reminds us all that the tough process is worth it.