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3 unexpected building blocks for Oakland A’s

By David Hill |
May 20, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Sometimes, a player just needs a chance. The Oakland A’s were certainly going to give those opportunities this year.

A major part of the A’s rebuilding process was going to be to find players they could build around. Players that had been designated as Quad-A players or minor league filler were going to get a chance to prove themselves.

Three surprise building blocks for Oakland A’s

In some cases, the belief that they would not be able to produce in the majors was proven to be correct. In others, those players have run with the opportunity presented, establishing themselves as viable major league options. They have forced their way into the A’s plans, both this year and into the future.

The Oakland A’s have found several unexpected building blocks this season. Let’s take a look at three players who should be part of their future.

Paul Blackburn

Paul Blackburn was destined to be a depth piece. He was someone that the Oakland A’s would be able to stash in Triple-A, bringing him to the majors when they needed a sixth starter or in case of injury.

His major league track record had not indicated anything different. Blackburn had posted a 5.74 ERA and a 1.486 WHiP in his 138 innings across five seasons. While he issued just 38 walks, Blackburn struck out only 77 batters as he appeared to be nothing more than a depth option.

He ended up in the A’s rotation as there were few other options. It turned out that he may have just needed to know that he would remain in the majors no matter what. Blackburn has been a revelation, posting a 1.91 ERA and a 0.992 WHiP in his 42.1 innings entering Sunday, striking out 34 batters with just seven walks.

That performance has led to questions about his future, albeit in a good way. He has performed well enough to be considered a possible trade chip despite having three more years of team control left. Instead, the A’s should regard him as a part of their future core, even if he is likely a middle of the rotation arm.

Paul Blackburn was expected to eat innings for the Oakland A’s this year. Instead, he has become someone that they can build around.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Dany Jimenez

The Oakland A’s had wanted Dany Jimenez for years. They finally landed him this offseason and have not looked back.

Jimenez was briefly a member of the A’s before. He had been selected in the Rule V Draft, but returned to the Blue Jays after he failed to earn a spot on the A’s major league roster. However, they were quick to sign him as a minor league free agent after the 2021 season, giving him a chance in what promised to be a wide open bullpen.

Jimenez had actually seen time in the majors before. He had been selected by the Giants in the Rule V Draft ahead of the 2020 season, making two appearances before being sent back to Toronto. His high octane fastball had intrigued for years, but he just was unable to put it all together.

That has happened with the A’s. He has emerged as their closer, seizing the role when Lou Trivino was sidelined. Jimenez has posted a 0.55 ERA and a 0.918 WHiP in his 16.1 innings this year, notching eight saves as he has struck out 17 batters with five walks. He has gone from being a question mark to cementing his place as the A’s closer of the present and future.

Dany Jimenez had been atop the Oakland A’s wish list for years. His performance thus far is showing why he was so coveted.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Sheldon Neuse

Sheldon Neuse did not seem as though he would be a part of the Oakland A’s future at all until recently.

He had gotten a brief look at the majors in 2019, making contact and performing reasonably well defensively at second and third. However, even with all of the A’s issues at second base in 2020, he never got a look. Neuse was then sent to the Dodgers as part of the trade for Adam Kolarek, appearing in 33 games as a utility man before being let go after the 2021 season.

Then the A’s came calling. He returned to Oakland on a minor league deal, getting a chance to force his way onto the Opening Day roster. Neuse was able to do exactly that as his defensive versatility earned him a place on their bench.

He has become much more than a bench player. Neuse has been one of the A’s better hitters thus far, producing a .269/.329/.366 batting line in his 146 plate appearances entering Sunday. While he may not be much of a power threat with three doubles and two homers, he makes consistent contact and has enough pop to be a useful piece going forward. Even if he is not a starter at the corner infield spots, Neuse should be a valuable option as a super utility player.

Langeliers pounding on the door. dark. Next

Sheldon Neuse has been one of the Oakland A’s better hitters thus far in 2022. That production could make him a part of their future core.

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