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Oakland A’s: Bob Melvin’s future is in his hands

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics signals the bullpen to make a pitching change against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics signals the bullpen to make a pitching change against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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It is difficult to imagine that Oakland A’s without Bob Melvin at the helm. He is entering his 11th season in Oakland, a constant fixture on the bench for a team that values continuity in the front office and on the coaching staff. Melvin has been able to consistently guide the A’s to being competitive despite their payroll limitations and a seemingly never ending conveyer belt of a roster.

At some point, the time will come where Melvin is no longer there. He is 59 years old and is entering the final season of his contract. The A’s do hold an option for 2022, so he is not necessarily facing the end of his time in Oakland.

Bob Melvin’s future is in his hands

That does not mean that the end will eventually come. However, it will be Melvin who decides when it is time to walk away. General manager David Forst has said that the option, and whether or not it is picked up, will be based on what Melvin wants to do as he has earned that right.

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Forst has a valid point. Melvin has been one of the better managers in the game during his time with the A’s, posting a 767-690 record during his time with the franchise. A two time AL Manager of the Year, he has led the A’s to six postseason appearances, winning the AL West title three times.

For his part, Melvin does not want to go anywhere else. He has said that he is happy in Oakland and does not have a desire to go be elsewhere. A native of the Bay Area, Melvin gets to manage close to home with a team that, more often than not, competes for a playoff berth. It is easy to see why he would not want to leave.

All good things come to an end eventually, which would include Melvin’s time in Oakland. But when that time comes, the A’s have determined that it will be Melvin himself who makes that call. His success has given him that right, which the front office and ownership also realize.

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The Oakland A’s have had a great deal of continuity on the bench with Bob Melvin. If he ever leaves the organization, it will be his own decision.