White Cleat Beat
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Oakland Athletics: Three free agents to consider

By David Hill

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 10: A detailed view of the hats and Rawlings baseball gloves belonging to Craig Gentry #3 (L), Jed Lowrie #8 (C) and Yoenis Cespedes #52 (R) of the Oakland Athletics sitting on the dugout steps during an MLB baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on July 10, 2014 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 10: A detailed view of the hats and Rawlings baseball gloves belonging to Craig Gentry #3 (L), Jed Lowrie #8 (C) and Yoenis Cespedes #52 (R) of the Oakland Athletics sitting on the dugout steps during an MLB baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on July 10, 2014 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner may seem like a strange option for the Oakland Athletics, but he had been a solid innings eater who had made a successful transition to the bullpen late last year.

Over the years, Cashner has been a generally league average pitcher who typically takes the ball every fifth day. In the past seven years, he has reached the 150 inning mark or made at least 25 starts five times each. Last year, he only made 23 starts, but that was due to being sent to the bullpen following a disastrous start to his time in Boston.

And yet, it is that time in Boston that makes Cashner somewhat intriguing. Although he was a disaster as a starter, Cashner showed plenty of potential in the bullpen. Aided by a bump in velocity, he posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.243 WHiP in 23.1 innings as a reliever, striking out 21 batters with 13 walks.

Cashner could presumably serve as a long reliever, either working his way into a more prominent role in the bullpen, or possibly getting stretched out in the event of an injury in the rotation. Unlike the A’s current depth options, there would not be any concern about stunting his development by using him as a reliever.

Andrew Cashner would not be an exciting signing, but he could be a solid option for the Oakland Athletics. His potential to fill a variety of roles on the pitching staff makes him worth a look.