Oakland A’s: Three takeaways from Opening Week
With the first full week of the season in the books, let’s look at some takeaways from the Oakland A’s first nine games.
The beginning of the season has been a roller coaster for the Oakland A’s. While they sit in a tie for first place in the AL West, victories have not exactly been easy to come by. The offense has generally been invisible, scoring more than three runs exactly twice thus far. However, their excellent pitching has, for the most part, mitigated those issues.
Let’s look at what we have learned about the Oakland A’s thus far.
The typical slow start has affected the offense
It is a minor miracle that the A’s have started the season at 5-4 and are in a tie for first in the AL West. Their 30 runs rank 12th in the American League, and they have scored more than three runs in a game just twice this season.
There are certainly some areas of concern. Khris Davis finally recorded his first hit of the season on Saturday, and has struck out ten times in his 23 plate appearances. Second base, which was a giant question mark heading into the season, has not had any clarity thus far. Tony Kemp may be the nominal starter, but his production has not been enough to solidify his presence in the lineup.
Even the players that were a given to produce have yet to do so. Neither Matt Olson nor Matt Chapman have set the world afire thus far; Olson’s home run and four of his five RBI came on Opening Day. Marcus Semien has not been able to replicate his MVP caliber season from 2019 to this point.
But that does not mean that it is all bad for the Oakland A’s. Robbie Grossman has been relatively hot to start the season, giving the A’s a spark that they desperately need. Ramon Laureano is continuing his climb as one of the better young players in the game. Mark Canha has produced when given the opportunity.
For now, that has been enough. But if the Oakland A’s are going to break the Astros stranglehold on the AL West, they will need to get those bats going soon.
Extend Ramon Laureano – now
Ramon Laureano appeared ready to take that next step to stardom for the Oakland A’s. To this point in the 2020 season, he has not disappointed.
To this point, he has been the A’s best hitter, and it is not even close. Over the first nine games of the season, he has produced a .290/.368/.548 batting line with two homers and two doubles while driving in seven runs.
Laureano has also continued his impressive defense. Thus far, he has saved four runs in center and has notched an assist as players still have yet to learn not to run on his arm. He currently leads all AL center fielders in runs saved, range factor, and fielding percentage.
While he is not arbitration eligible for another two years, this is the time to strike. As he continues to establish himself as one of the more exciting young players in the league, his salary is only going to increase. Locking Laureano in now would not only give the A’s cost certainty going forward, but would also give the franchise a budding superstar that they can build around.
Ramon Laureano is an exciting player, a building block for the Oakland A’s. It makes sense to extend him as soon as possible.
Time for Jesus Luzardo to show what he can do
Oakland A’s fans have been waiting to see Jesus Luzardo in the rotation. His performance in the first week only served to whet the appetite.
More from White Cleat Beat
- Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
- Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
- Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
Serving as a long reliever, Luzardo pitched well in his two outings. Over the course of his 6.2 innings, he has allowed three runs, one earned, on five hits and three walks, striking out seven. Even more importantly, he built himself up to 67 pitches in his most recent outing, showing that he is ready for this upcoming start.
It is remarkable how quickly Luzardo was able to get ready to return to the rotation. Despite missing most of summer camp due to COVID-19 protocols, he was able to ramp up quickly. With manager Bob Melvin using him on a schedule that would mirror his turn in the rotation, Luzardo should be close to not having any restrictions.
This is also a chance for the A’s to potentially find their ace. Frankie Montas, the nominal ace of the rotation, has not replicated his success from 2019. Sean Manaea has struggled to go deep into games. There is an opening, and one that Luzardo could be the perfect fit for.
Next. Time to put an APB on the A's offense. dark
But it has to start somewhere. For the Oakland A’s and Jesus Luzardo, that time is Tuesday. By the looks of everything, he will be ready.