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Oakland A’s disrespected in list of top starting rotations

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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No one is going to confuse the Oakland A’s starting five with one of the top pitching rotations in the majors. They simply do not have the firepower to stack up with some of the other teams and their litany of aces. However, that does not mean that the A’s are devoid of talent when it comes to the rotation.

Nonetheless, the A’s have been ignored when it comes to the top ten rotations in baseball. They did not place on the list tweeted out by MLB Stats, although the Reds, Phillies, and Brewers somehow made the list.

Oakland A’s disrespected on top ten rotation list

Some of those selections can be defended in a way. The Phillies and Reds do have a strong 1-2 punch atop their rotations. But two pitchers does not a rotation make, as the Phillies found out last year. Teams need to have depth in order to contend.

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That is the greatest strength for the A’s. Yes, Frankie Montas has displayed flashes of ace potential. And Jesus Luzardo is expected to develop into an ace in his own right, possibly as soon as this season. Chris Bassitt has become a solid pitcher and was one of the better arms in the American League last year.

The A’s also have Sean Manaea who has flashed ace potential himself. Mike Fiers is a solid fifth starter, capable of eating innings and taking a load off the bullpen. Then there are the A’s group of young starters, potentially giving Oakland a group that is nine deep heading into this season.

In a year when pitching depth is going to be key, the A’s are in a great spot. They may not have those top arms or the big names, but that does not diminish what their rotation is, especially in relation to the rest of the league.

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The Oakland A’s deserve to be considered to have a top ten rotation this year. To suggest otherwise is to disrespect the defending AL West champions.