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Oakland A’s can play spoiler down the stretch

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s may not have a chance at the postseason, but that does not mean that the final few weeks are just a matter of playing out the string.

Players on the A’s are looking to cement their spots as long term options. As the A’s are in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, finding those players to build around is going to be key. These last few games could go a long way towards deciding which players get a longer look next year.

Oakland A’s could impact postseason

In the immediate future, the A’s could make an impact on the postseason with their performance. They face several teams with playoff aspirations as they have just three series, two against the Angels and a two game set against the Rangers, against teams that are not contending for a playoff berth.

Their next series against the Orioles could make a difference in Baltimore’s push for the postseason. It is the only series they have left against a team in the AL East which could help the Orioles as they look to catch the Rays and Blue Jays for that final Wild Card spot.

The A’s are also going to be a factor in the NL East. Both the Mets and Braves have a series left against Oakland, although the Mets have an extra game against them left. The AL West also will be impacted, as the Astros are holding the top overall seed in the American League and the Mariners are also looking to maintain their own place in the Wild Card.

This leaves the A’s as an important team over the next few weeks. Strong showings by the A’s could lead to teams moving down in playoff seeding or, in some cases, losing their spot atop the division. The A’s can still make their presence felt.

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The Oakland A’s may not be heading to the postseason but they can still make their presence felt. They are perfectly set up as spoilers in the final weeks.