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Oakland A’s have a magic number of their own for 2022

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detailed view of the cap and Wilson baseball glove belonging to Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics sitting on top of the dugout steps against the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 11, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detailed view of the cap and Wilson baseball glove belonging to Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics sitting on top of the dugout steps against the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 11, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Let us go back in time to 1979. The Oakland A’s lost 108 games that season, their most losses since moving to the west coast and the third most in franchise history. It was also the first time that they had lost 100 or more games since they were essentially the Yankees’ farm team during their time in Kansas City.

Even though the A’s down years, that century mark was never really threatened. The closest they came was in 1997 when they lost 97 games in the second year of the Art Howe Era, a time when the franchise was attempting to find their way once more.

Oakland A’s looking to avoid ignoble mark

And then there is this season. Following their 5-2 loss to the Astros on Thursday, the A’s hold a 52-92 record, those 100 losses staring them straight in the face. Eight more losses and they will hit triple digits for the first time in over a generation.

In order to avoid this fate, the A’s need to post a 11-7 record down the stretch. It is possible – the A’s were 11-7 from July 12 through August 4. However, a lot has changed since then, especially in terms of injuries and the departure of Frankie Montas via trade.

The schedule makers have not done the A’s any favors down the stretch. They still have three more games against the Astros, six games against the Mariners, and a three game set against the Mets. Their remaining six games come against the Angels, who may be their best chance to whittle that magic number of 11 down.

Chances are, that 100th loss will come soon. While they have eight more defeats to go, their schedule makes it possible that will happen before the end of next weekend. Yet, there is always hope. Should they avoid that 100th loss, it would be a bright spot to focus on heading into 2023.

Building blocks already in majors for A's. dark. Next

The Oakland A’s are on the verge of doing something that has not happened in over a generation. They could lose 100 or more games this season.