The Oakland A’s typically look to sell hope to their fanbase. Whether it is hope for the future or the hope that a new ballpark will eventually come to pass, that is their modus operandi – that some point down the line, everything will be better.
That has been the case at times. The A’s have been competitive of late, with an impressive core that has brought them to the edge of playoff contention. However, they have not exactly supplemented that core with the talent needed to take the next step. And now, as is part and parcel for the organization, that core is expected to be broken up to save money.
Expanded playoffs will not change anything for Oakland A’s
But that was before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement came to be. While it has not yet been finalized, one of the provisions involves expanding the postseason. As Bob Nightengale reported, the two sides have agreed to 12 playoff teams, giving each league an additional entrant.
In theory, this would incentivize teams to spend more and look to be competitive. Having that extra spot in the postseason can bring more money to the organization, resulting in a potential windfall should the team keep advancing. But it is still a matter of the A’s spending that needed amount.
That is the problem. Ownership has not displayed much of an interest in spending money to supplement a core that could go on a deep run in the postseason. Likewise, they have stated that they are looking to slash payroll by a drastic amount. Nothing short of a visit by the Ghosts of Baseball Past, Present, and Future will change that.
The Oakland A’s have the pieces needed to put together a playoff roster. Ownership just will not spend, even with the expanded postseason.