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How Do the Oakland A’s Stack Up Against The AL West

By Riley Wilkins

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 24: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics tags Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on July 24, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 24: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics tags Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on July 24, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Center Field

(Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
  1. LAA: Mike Trout
  2. OAK: Ramón Laureano
  3. SEA: Kyle Lewis
  4. TEX: Leaody Tavares
  5. HOU: Myles Straw

We’ve made it to the most boring category. Mike Trout wins. While there could be a case for the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, Kyle Lewis, to take the second spot, the rest of the judges and I were too afraid of his strikeout numbers to pick him over the outfield assist machine, Ramon Laureano.

Right Field

  1. SEA: Mitch Hanniger
  2. HOU: Kyle Tucker
  3. TEX: Joey Gallo
  4. OAK: Stephen Piscotty/Mark Canha
  5. LAA: Dexter Fowler

Our first 50/50 split! I jumped on the Mariners train with Trevor and picked my first Mariner of the contest, Mitch Hanniger. In his 350 games, Haniger has proven that he can hit with power, have a sound plate approach, and play gold glove caliber defense in the outfield.

The catch? He hasn’t played in a major league baseball game in almost two years due to one of the most gruesome injuries one can get playing sports. My dad and Sven went with the Astros young and talented outfielder, Kyle Tucker. Tucker has impressed many with his play but has yet to play an entire season’s worth of games, which was enough for me not to pick him.

We also have to mention one of the more unique players that the game has to offer, Joey Gallo. Gallo hits the ball in a way that makes you question if you are actually watching a human being. He also strikes out at a clip that makes many baseball purists squirm in disgust. The other aspects of his game don’t get as much attention, but Gallo also provides great defensive value in right field and also is very talented on the basepaths.