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3 possible All Stars for the Oakland A’s

By David Hill |
May 30, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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One thing is certain when it comes to the All Star Game – the Oakland A’s will be represented. This is mainly because every team gets a representative in the Mid-Summer Classic, whether they deserve one or not. Regardless, A’s fans will have at least one reason to tune in during the exhibition.

That does not mean that the A’s do not deserve representation. The A’s have several players who have outperformed expectations this year and deserve a trek to Los Angeles.

Three potential All Stars for the Oakland A’s

The Oakland A’s will have at least one player in the 2022 MLB All Star Game. Let’s look at three possible representatives thus far.

Paul Blackburn

Paul Blackburn has gone from a filler piece in Triple-A to a building block for the Oakland A’s.

He had not exactly performed well over parts of five major league seasons prior to 2022. Blackburn had posted a 5.74 ERA and 1.486 WHiP over his 138 innings. However, despite his occasional flashes, Blackburn was not able to consistently produce the results needed to stay in the majors.

That has changed this year. He has posted a 2.15 ERA and a 0.975 WHiP over his 54.1 innings, striking out 41 batters with 12 walks. His 5-1 record is all the more impressive given the A’s struggles in the standings, and he leads the American League in winning percentage. Blackburn’s 2.4 bWAR not only leads the A’s by a wide margin, but is also the best mark for any pitcher in the AL.

This turnaround could not have happened at a better time for Oakland. As they are rebuilding and looking for pieces for the future, they needed some of those players to step up. Blackburn has done just that this season, emerging as either someone who could retrieve a surprisingly solid return in trade or as a piece that the A’s can build around.

It has been a dream season for Paul Blackburn. That dream could continue with an appearance in the All Star Game.

Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Dany Jimenez

It is not a surprise that Dany Jimenez earned a job in the Oakland A’s bullpen. What is a surprise is that he has become a solid closer at the major league level.

Jimenez had intrigued the A’s with his swing and miss stuff before, having been selected in the Rule V Draft before being returned to the Blue Jays. It was not a surprise that the A’s scooped him back up as a minor league free agent this offseason.

His opportunity to make an impact came when Lou Trivino struggled as the A’s closer and landed on the COVID-19 List. Jimenez stepped into that role and did not look back, having posted a 2.25 ERA and a 1.050 WHiP over his 20 innings, striking out 21 batters with eight walks. He also has ten saves thus far, making those rare ninth inning leads stand up.

At 28 years old, Jimenez is not exactly a kid. However, he is young enough to be a key part of the A’s future. He is also just starting his prime and should be a solid option for years to come. Chances are, this will not be the first time that Jimenez finds himself in the conversation for an All Star nod.

Dany Jimenez has been an excellent piece in a mediocre Oakland A’s bullpen. His showing could result in an All Star berth.

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Frankie Montas

On Opening Day, if anyone was expected to be named to the All Star Game, most fans would have guessed Frankie Montas would have gotten that nod.

He has done nothing to change that thought. Montas has posted a solid 3.20 ERA and a 0.990 WHiP in his league leading 64.1 innings, striking out 71 batters with 15 walks. The A’s are leaning on him to be their staff ace and he has delivered thus far.

The biggest question is whether or not Montas will still be a member of the A’s come the All Star Break. He has been a frequent subject of trade rumors since the A’s announced that they would be looking to slash their payroll, a solid middle of the rotation arm who has displayed the potential to be even more. As he is under team control through 2023, Montas is even more desirable for a contender.

If anything, Montas may have increased his trade value. He is becoming a modern day workhorse, taking the ball every fifth day and sparing the bullpen. The Mets have already shown interest in his services and other teams will as well.

Next. Checking in on Paul Blackburn. dark

Frankie Montas may well be the Oakland A’s representative for the All Star Game. Whether or not he is with the team at that time is the question.

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