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A swansong for the 2021 Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Sep 27, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin (right) pulls starting pitcher Cole Irvin (19) in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin (right) pulls starting pitcher Cole Irvin (19) in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /
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Well, that’s it. The Oakland A’s 2021 season has essentially come to an end with a whimper as they are officially eliminated from postseason contention.

This season had begun with a great deal of promise. The A’s were in command of the division for a large chunk of the season, and appeared to be solidly in control of a playoff berth at the trade deadline. The acquisitions of Starling Marte, Josh Harrison, Yan Gomes, and Andrew Chafin all worked out, improving the A’s roster dramatically.

Oakland A’s officially fall short of playoffs

In the end, there were two reasons why the A’s fell short. They simply could not defeat the Mariners, who won their last 12 games against Oakland. Cole Irvin‘s well documented struggles against Seattle, who he claimed were not the type of team that should be hitting anyone earlier in the season, were a large part of that issue.

Then there was a two week stretch at the end of August and into September. As Lou Trivino was suddenly unable to get anyone out, the A’s collapsed. By the time that Chafin was inserted into the closer role, and Trivino was given the time to get himself back together in low leverage situations, it was too late.

This was supposed to be the year. With the roster coming into its own, with a strong lineup and a starting rotation that was filled with potential. Even if the A’s did not spend in the offseason, this was a team that was good enough to reach the playoffs.

Now that season ends in disappointment. The A’s will be playing out the string, missing the postseason for the first time since 2017. They will play out the string with an offseason of uncertainty ahead.

Next. A's bullpen failed when needed most. dark

The Oakland A’s have been officially eliminated from the postseason. What had been such a promising season has ended in disappointment.