There is a lot of doom and gloom when it comes to baseball timelines on social media. Between the ongoing lockout and the Oakland A’s expected fire sale, it is easy to get depressed about the state of the game. Fortunately, Yusmeiro Petit is here to lighten everything up.
Grant Brisbee, the Giants reported for The Athletic, posted the perfect image on Twitter on Tuesday. It shows Petit wearing a kimono appearing as though he is about to draw a sword.
hmm, timeline seems a little bleak, maybe you all need Yusmeiro Petit in a kimono (with sword) pic.twitter.com/Ef0CuSfgeM
— Grant Brisbee (@GrantBrisbee) January 18, 2022
Yusmeiro Petit gives us what we all needed
A one time swingman with the Giants, Petit has spent the last four seasons as a dependable middle reliever with the A’s. No one has made more appearances in that time, something that has not affected him at all.
Despite that workload, Petit put together another strong year in 2021. He posted a 3.92 ERA and a 1.038 WHiP in his 78 innings, striking out 37 batters with just 12 walks. Once again, he thrived on soft contact despite a less than overpowering arsenal.
Even though the A’s are not expected to do much in free agency, Petit could be someone they bring back. He received little interest before returning to the A’s on a one year deal worth just over $2.5 million. As Petit is 37 years old and does not throw hard, it is possible that history repeats itself and he returns once again.
If that happens, Petit would be a stabilizing force in what could be a very inexperienced A’s bullpen. Four relievers from last year’s bullpen, including Petit, are free agents. The A’s are also reportedly looking to trade anyone that is making a decent salary, with speculation even surrounding closer Lou Trivino. Petit could be a very important piece, especially as a veteran mentor for a young pitching staff.
It has been a long, dreary offseason for baseball fans. At least Oakland A’s reliever Yusmeiro Petit has given us something to smile about.