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Sunday March 24th, 2013

With Cespedes (23 HRs)and Reddick (32 HRs) anchoring the middle of the lineup last year in the 2nd half – the Athletics belted an MLB Leading 112 Round Trippers after the ALL – Star Game. Many players clubbed the long – ball despite limited AB in the lineup. They also finished 3rd in the Major Leagues for the whole season on the road. This is bad news for teams in the AL West. The team looks to duplicate their incredible second half of power into a full season in 2013.

By Bernie Olshansky Follow @bernieolshansky  and Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024

The success of the Oakland Athletics was the surprise of the year in 2012. No one expected them to win the AL West after the Angels signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson and with the Rangers coming off of their second straight World Series Appearance. The A’s completely came out of nowhere with players stepping up that no one had heard of.

Josh Reddick proved to be a great acquisition from the Red Sox, hitting 32 bombs and driving in 85 runs. Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes also exceeded expectations after he was signed in the offseason, hitting 23 Homers and driving in 82. These two hard-hitting Outfielders served as mini Bash Brothers.

Of course, no pair of hitters could compare to the Bash Brothers of 1987 consisting of Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, who combined for 80 HR.

But, seeing Reddick and Cespedes both have good hitting seasons could have reminded longtime A’s fans of the greatness that happened in 1987, Canseco’s second year and when McGwire was a rookie. Cespedes and Reddick, along with the rest of the Oakland Athletics’ cast brought excitement to the Oakland Coliseum for the first time in a few years. But, the big question is: was last year a fluke?

The Swinging A’s in 2013 – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised:

How important was Cespedes to The A’s Lineup? They went 83-47 with him in the lineup and 12-20 without him. He was the biggest reason the team  soared into the playoff race and won the AL West. Beane secured him Free Agency last year without trading any prospects. Cespedes clubbed 23 HRs in just 487 AB during 2012.

Many fans are wondering, can the Oakland Athletics repeat their 2012 performance and reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season? Josh Hamilton stayed in the division and moved to the Angels while the Rangers remain a formidable opponent.

The Seattle Mariners, while still projected to be at the bottom of the division, made some improvements and should pose more of a threat than last year. The Houston Astros moved to the AL West and should serve as the door mat of the division (although that is what some were saying about the A’s in 2012).

On paper, it looks like the Angels and Rangers will be reaching the playoffs and the A’s will be on the outside looking in, but this is exactly what was said last year and the A’s ended up taking the division from the Rangers.

Hot off the Wire:

The Nate Freiman’s claim off of waivers from Houston yesterday is a classic example of a Billy Beane pickup. A behemoth man who can rake the ball out of the yard. This 6 FT 8 250 LB specimen hit 24 HRs and drove in 105 RBI in AA For San Antonio (Padres Organization.)

The Athletics are poised to bash the heck out of the ball this year as well.  Here are looks at their projected Opening Day Lineup (of how I would put them and HRs per AB last year.)  I would not personally start the year with Nakajima playing SS – and try out Lowrie there.  This frees up Donaldson and Sizemore to both be in the starting lineup.  Or you could flip Lowrie to Second Base and use Nakajima at SS. The native of Japan should be able to hit for a nice Batting Average if his NPBL numbers are any indication at all for the 30 year old.

1. Coco Crisp CF ( 11 HRs in 455 AB) 2. John Jaso (10 HRs in 294 AB)    3. Cespedes LF (23 HRs in 487 AB) 4.  Josh Reddick RF (32 HRs in 611 AB) 5. Moss (21 HRs 265 AB) 6. Smith DH (14 HRs in 383 AB) 7. Jed Lowrie SS (16 HRs in 340 AB) 8. 8. Scott Sizemore 2B (DNP in Majors in 2012 – but hit 11 HRS in 305 AB for Oak in 2011) 9.  Donaldson 3B (9 HRs in 274 AB).

This would equate to 157 HRs in just 3314 AB (1 HR for every 21.1 AB or 1.5 per game) in the players last year in the big leagues.  This would put them in the 200+ HR range for the year yet again.  Picking up John Jaso for his ballooned OBP was a brilliant move for Beane and his scouting Staff.  

Runs are hard to come by in Oakland, Seattle and Anaheim, so if you can hit the ball over the fence – it should aid your offensive attack.  The Angels should challenge the A’s for HRs in the division – while Texas should see a drop off with losing Hamilton and Napoli (65 HRs combined last year.)

On the bench – Chris Young, who hit 14 HRs and added 41 RBI in just 325 AB last year should be the 4th OF.  Jemille Weeks, not so great for power, but could be a great Pinch – Runner and defensive replacement for any of the Infielders late.  The same could be said for Daric Barton.  Derek Norris can spell Jaso from time to time at Catcher – with his 2012 year of (7 HRs and 34 RBI in just 209 AB). 

Freiman will need to be kept on the 25 Man Roster to remain an Athletic this year, so look for him to possibly see some time at 1B – and to hit as the Designated Hitter vs LHP as Smith struggles against them – 3 Slash Line of .157/.250./521 vs Southpaws compared to .259/.352/805  vs RHP.  Freiman was the perfect pickup to offset losing Chris Carter.

14 Hitters – including the starting 9, Young,Nate Freiman , Norris and Nakajima look to be slated to start the year with the big club.  Barton, may be cut very soon with Freiman entering the picture.  Adam Rosales has had an impressive Spring at .343/.489/1.146 and will garner serious consideration for a spot at SS/2B/3B  (especially if there are injuries). Jemile Weeks maybe one of those said injuries – as he is ailing from a bad shoulder. 

Eric Sogard is also stating a case to make the club – raking at a .538 Batting Average so far in Spring Training.  The reserve Infielders are totally outperforming Sizemore and Nakajima this spring.  Don’t be surprised if either Rosales or he usurps these guys for a spot. Billy Beane  may also opt for another Trade within a few weeks.  Only 1 of these guys will likely stay with the big club to start.

The crazy fans at o.co Coliseum may be in for another great year in Oakland.  Will it show in attendance if they are in contention all season?  No matter what happens – it will not be dull in the Bay Area this year.

2012 Batting – Athletics:

The Oakland Athletics’ success will all depend on whether or not Reddick and Cespedes can repeat their 2012 performance. On the side, Brett Anderson and Jarrod Parker will need to remain healthy in order to support the offense. I think it is highly unlikely that Reddick will hit over 30 HR, but anything is possible.

What I do see is Yoenis Cespedes having an even better season. Last year was his first time seeing American League pitchers. With a year under his belt, he will have an even easier time hitting off familiar pitchers and we could see a spike in his power numbers.

In addition to this, Safeco Field brought in the fences this season, so for the few games that will be played there; we could see another HR or two. On the flipside, pitchers could have figured Cespedes out, learning his weak spots and exploiting them. I think there is a higher probability of the first instance happening, and the A’s should be excited about what is to come.

If Reddick and Cespedes both have great seasons and improve their power numbers, we might see the second coming of the Bash Brothers in Oakland. This will also lead to success in the American League West for the years to come. The pitching is tough in the division, so it might be tough, but I think the two are up for the challenge. They are young and their future is bright. A’s fans have a lot to look forward.

Billy Beane has pick- pocketed some of the best power hitting prospects from other clubs that may just need a chance to prove their metal with some big league At – Bats.  The 2013 version of the Oakland A’s may surprise everyone again.  What is great is that they will also have a chance to fatten their win total with 19 games vs the Astros.

***The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com or their partners***

Today’s feature was prepared by our Baseball Writer Bernie Olshansky. We highly encourage you to leave your comments and feedback at the bottom of the page and share in the discussion with our readers. You can also follow Bernie on Twitter. Follow @BernieOlshansky

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