The Oakland Athletics and Their Success

The Athletics are the notorious 'Money Ball' team. They spend little and find much success, but this year it appears they are finding more success than ever, but not for the same price. The Athletics added nearly $23 Million in payroll this off season. About a forth of that comes from the trade that acquired Jim Johnson who holds a $10 Million salary and has not performed well. About another half of that came from the so far very successful Scott Kazmir. Other names like Nick Punto and Craig Gentry fill the rest of that additional salary. But the Athletics' payroll is about $83 Million and last season it was about $60 Million. They are on track to win 100 games this season, but they are paying more per win in a winning season for the first time in this century.

If they continue on this successful and specific pace then the Athletics would be spending about $830,000 per win. They have not spent that much per win since 2011 which was a losing season where they spent nearly $900,000 per win.  In a winning season the Athletics have not spent more than $668,000 per win. They are still spending significantly less than other teams to win as many games, but they are spending more than ever. This season the Cubs, Twins, Indians, and Pirates have the closest payroll to the Athletics and all but the Indians are experiencing losing seasons. The Athletics have not spent more than $1 Million per win since 2007.

List of payroll, season, and number of wins for the Athletics.

The Swingin A's

2013     $60.6 M     96 W
2012     $55.4 M     94 W
2011     $66.5 M     74 W
2010     $51.6 M     81 W
2009     $62.3 M     75 W
2008     $48.0 M     75 W
2007     $79.3 M     76 W
2006     $62.2 M     93 W
2005     $55.9 M     88 W
2004     $59.8 M     91 W
2003     $50.2 M     96 W

With the increase in team popularity and player popularity, and of course the teams overall success they are making more money. The organization is spending the money and spending it very wisely. They are making great trades, and we will see if they add any parts at the trade deadline. The Athletics have expressed interest and in my opinion desperately need a new stadium. Perhaps if they continue this low budget success they will have one in the near future.

The Oakland Athletics

The Athletics like their National League counterparts across the bay always find a way to win. They do not have any great super stars on their team, but they do have a group of players who perform well in clutch situations.

Jemile Weeks lost the second base competition to Eric Sogard in 2013, and was eventually traded for Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles. Other than the addition of Nick Punto, who will play off the bench, the lineup for the Athletics will look strikingly similar to that of 2013. Here is how the lineup will look in 2014.

1. S. Coco Crisp CF 119 OPS+
2. S. Jed Lowrie SS 122 OPS+
3. R. Josh Donaldson 3B 148 OPS+
4. L. Brandon Moss 1B 139 OPS+
5. R. Yoenis Cespedes LF 108 OPS+
6. L. Josh Reddick RF 93 OPS+
7. R. Derek Norris C 113 OPS+
8. L. Eric Sogard 2B 94 OPS+
9. R. Nate Freiman DH 102 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Athletics has no big names, but several young effective pitchers. The big move in terms of starting pitching for the Athletics in the off season was trading Brett Anderson for Drew Pomeranz another young pitcher. For this rotation, I will put the player's age after their name in parenthesis. Some of the pitchers I didn't include in the rotation but have a chance of making it are Scott Kazmir and Drew Pomeranz.

Sonny Gray

1. R. Jarrod Parker (25) 94 ERA+
2. L. Tommy Milone (27) 90 ERA+
3. R. AJ Griffen (26) 97 OPS+
4. R. Dan Straily (25) 94 OPS+
5. R. Sonny Gray (24) 140 OPS+

The Athletics absolutely have the best bullpen in the Major Leagues as of right now. They made significant upgrades this off season, although they let fan favorite Grant Balfour sign with the Tampa Bay Rays. They acquired Jim Johnson from the Baltimore Orioles and retained great set up men Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook. Also acquired by the Athletics was Luke Gregorson and Josh Lindblom. Additionally the two starters that do not make the rotation will likely join the guys in the bullpen, making it very effective in middle innings as well as late.

Rockies and Athletics Exchange Anderson for Pomeranz

Brett Anderson looking tough

The second biggest story of the Winter Meetings on Tuesday was the exchange of Brett Anderson for Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen. This trade is the even for both sides as Anderson is going to be 26 and has the potential to do so well, but is consistently injured and Pomeranz also going to be 26 has the same potential to do well, but has not showed it. Pitching in Colorado has its challenges as it yields more home runs than the average ballpark.

 Anderson has peaked at 175 innings pitched in a season which was his rookie year and has only pitched more than 100 innings pitched in his sophomore season. Anderson does hold an ERA of 3.81 over 450 innings pitched, so there is success in his career. Pomeranz has 136 innings pitched in his career and his lowest ERA is 4.93 in 2012 where he pitched 96 innings. Unlike Anderson, Pomeranz has found barely any success at the Major League level, perhaps joining a winning team and pitching in a bigger ballpark will help him. Anderson will have to stay healthy in order to help out the Rockies in 2013.

Ellsbury, Morneau, Saltalamacchia Sign. Fowler, Gentry, Lindblom, Bell, Smith Gregerson Traded

Jacoby Ellsbury in his new uniform

The biggest news of yesterday's busy day was the signing of Jacoby Ellsbury. The New York Yankees signed the All Star Jacoby Ellsbury to a colossal 7 year $148 Million deal. Ellsbury will join an outfield with Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki probably making the best defensive outfield in the MLB. Ellsbury has had some fluctuation in his stats from year to year, but he has been someone consistent. He has put up a .297/.350/.439 slashline for his career, and has one dominating season under his belt. Ellsbury has led the league in stolen bases 3 seasons and has a 162 game average of 55 stolen bases. With an average annual war of 3.9 and assigning $5 Million to each win above replacement Ellsbury seems to be worth the deal. Johnny Damon is a similar player to make the transition from the Red Sox to the Yankkes via free agency, and he saw some success. Damon's average home run totals increased from 14 to 19.25 per season. That is a 37.5% increase. If the same can be said for Ellsbury, who has an average home run total of 15 home runs per season, you can expect him to hit about 20 home runs a year in Yankee Stadium. Combined with his speed and defense, Ellsbury will be an impact player for the Yankees, although his signing most likely takes them out of competition for Cano.

Justin Morneau

In the wake of Todd Helton's retirement the Rockies signed slugging first baseman Justin Morneau to a 2 year $13 Million deal. Morneau was traded to the Pirates mid season and was a big help for getting them to the post season. He hit 17 home runs last year playing most of his games in the spacious Target Field, and has a career average of 22 home runs per season.   Morneau is still relativley young at 32, but has battled some injuries the past few seasons, only playing 150 games total between 2010 and 2011. The Canadian born Morneau will slot in very nicely in the Rockies lineup which is projected to be Gonzalez, Tulowitzki, Morneau, Cuddyer, for a 3-6. The home run numbers are expected to rise for Morneau playing in Coors field.

It was reported that the Rays acquired Ryan Hannigan in a trade yesterday, but that turned out to be a 3 team with Heath Bell also headed to the Rays. Hannigan had a down year in 2012 with his batting average not cracking .200. Heath Bell will play for his 4th team in 4 years after what could be called a bounce back season. His ERA dropped from 5.09 to 4.11 after going from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks. With the signing of Juan Oviedo and the trade to acquire Heath Bell, the chances of Fernando Rodney returning to the Rays are bleak.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

The Miami Marlins signed free agent catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a 3 year $21 Million deal. Salty has been pretty productive for ta catcher during his time playing for the Red Sox. In 3 full seasons in Boston the backstop put together an OPS+ of 104 over those 3 seasons. His slashline of .244/.306/.437 slashline during his time in Boston is significant given his defensive capabilities. With this signing I think the Marlins are up to something especially with their reluctance to trade Giancarlo Stanton. Watch out for the Marlins in the trade market and the free agent market as they may be flying under the radar.

After trading Jemile Weeks for Jim Johnson the Athletics made another move by trading for outfielder Craig Gentry and right handed reliever Josh Lindbolm. With the departure of Chris B. Young the Athletics were in search for an outfielder and they went to Gentry who's game revolves and speed and batitng average. His career .280 batting average in two full seasons proves Gentry's capabilities. Lindbolm's ERA has steadily been climbing but the ballpark he has been playing in has steadily been getting smaller. Going from Dodger Stadium to Citizens Bank Park to Rangers Ballpark his ERA went from 2.73 in 2011 to 5.46 in 2013. Lindbolm's ERA will resort back to around 3.00 as he moves to the spacious Oakland Coliseum.

Luke Gregerson

The Athletics further added to their bullpen after getting both Lindbolm and Johnson by trading outfielder Seth Smith for right hander Luke Gregerson of the San Diego Padres.  Smith hovers around a .265 batting avage with an on base percentage .100 points higher. He gets on base, and hits for average power with an average of 14 home runs per season. Gregerson has been an extremely effective and healthy reliever in San Diego the first 5 years of his career by pitching 347 innings and holding a 2.88 ERA in his career and a 2.60 ERA in the past 3 seasons. The Athletics are seriously building an effective bullpen, possibly soon to be the best in baseball.

The Houston Astros made their first splash of the off season by trading for center fielder Dexter Fowler from the Rockies in exchange for pitcher Jordan Lyl

Dexter Fowler

es and outfielder Brandon Barnes. In his first 5 full seasons Fowler has a 103 OPS+ with an on base percentage of .367 staying consistent by year. He swipes an average of 17 stolen bases and hits an average of 7 home runs, which is pretty good for a lead off hitter. Fowler will set the table well for the Astros with Jose Altuve following him.  Lyles hasn't found much success with his consistent ERA over 5 in his first 3 seasons, which is mot expected to go down in Colorado where ERAs tend to inflate. Brandon Barnes will be 28 in 2014 and has also not found much success in his first full season. He hit 8 home runs with a .289 on base percentageand a 50% stolen base percentage. This trade was probably done to free up salary so I expect the Rockies to make another move either for a starting pitcher or an outfielder.

Trades, Free Agent Signings, Non Tneders, and More!

Yesterday was a very busy day in baseball as many players found new homes. Two trades went through yesterday and several players signed with new teams and re-signed with their same teams.

Jim Johnson

The biggest news was the trade between the Athletics and Orioles. Closer Jim Johnson has a 2.70 ERA over the past 3 seasons and has 101 saves over the past 2 seasons. Jemile  Weeks is the younger brother to Ricky Weeks, and has not found much success at the Major League level besides his rookie year. Weeks is set to compete for a spot at second base. These two players were exchanged for one another strait up. Johnson is going to replace closer Grant Balfour, and Johnson is projected to earn $10 Million or more in arbitration. The Orioles are trying to land a starting pitcher and by freeing up salary they may be on the verge of making a splash.

Doug Fister

The other big trade was between the Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers. The Nationals acquired starting pitcher Doug Fister who featured a respected 3.30ERA over the past 3 seasons and a 3.67 ERA in 2013. In exchange for Fister the Tigers pitching prospect Robbie Ray, infielder Steve Lomardozzi, and left handed reliever Ian Krol. Fister will be a definite improvement over Dan Haren who signed with the Dodgers as a free agent who featured a 3.97 ERA in the past 3 seasons and a 4.67 ERA in 2013. Fister will join a rotation with Stephan Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and a 5th starter.

Also last night the Red Sox signed free agent catcher AJ Pierzynski to a 1 year deal with $8.25 Million guaranteed. Pierzynski played for the Texas Rangers in 2013 posting a .272/.297/.425 slashline with 17 home runs in 134 games. The Red Sox were preparing for the departure of Jarrod Saltalamacchia who  posted a .273/.338/.446 slashline with 14 home runs in 121 games.
It appears the Red Sox have taken a down grade at the catcher's position especially with Pierzynski's age.

Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes has a 4.54 career ERA, but a 95 career ERA+. The reason for having an ERA+ around average with a high ERA is the ballpark factor. Hughes has pitched most of his games in Yankee Stadium, one of the smallest ballparks in the league. Hughes signed a 3 year $24 Million deal with Minnesota Twins. The deal also includes bonuses up to $1 Million a year based on the amount of innings pitched. As Hughes moves to the spacious Target Field his ERA will drop dramatically. If his ERA+ is any indication of the type of pitcher he is, his ERA may drop to around 3.70.

After several successful seasons early in his career Scott Kazmir has fell of quite a bit. Its weird to think Kazmir will only be 30 in January, but he has been around around for 9 seasons. Kazmir hasn't found much success in recent years, but he signed a 2 year $22 Million deal with the Oakland Athletics. This deal is probably the reason why Brett Anderson is now available for trade.

The Blue Jays signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a 2 year $8 Million that will pay $3 Million in the first season and $5 Million in the second season. This move made JP Arencibia become non-tendered and become a free agent. Navarro played 89 games with the Chicago Cubs and posted a 132 OPS+ , very good for a catcher, and he is a defensive upgrade over Arencibia in my opinion.

Joe Nathan

Being announced a little more than an hour ago was the signing of closer Joe Nathan. Nathan signed a 2 year deal with the Detroit Tigers. The salary in the deal hasn't been made official yet, but this is a good deal for the Tigers. With the failures of Jose Valverde and the shakiness of the closer position last season, the Tigers needed a stud for the ninth inning. Nathan posted 2 stellar seasons with the Texas Rangers by collecting 80 saves with a 2.09 ERA.

On smaller notes, the Rays have traded for catcher Ryan Hannigan, the Giants re-signed starter Ryan Vogelsong to a 1 year $5 Million deal, the Mariners signed Willie Bloomquist, and the Rays re-signed  reliever Juan Oviedo.

Several players were non tendered yesterday as it was the non tender deadline. When a player gets non tendered it means that the team will not be tendering a contract to that player, because they believe they will be too expensive through arbitation, so the team allows them to become a free agent. Some of the important players that were non tendered yesterday are J.P. Arencibia, John Axford, Andrew Bailey, Ronald Belisario, Chris Coghlan, Chris Getz,Tommy Hanson, Jeremy Hefner, Daniel Hudson, Jayson Nix, Xavier Paul, Omar Quintanilla  Sandy Rosario, Ryan Webb, Jerome Williams, and Wesley Wright. These players are now allowed to sign with any team that offers them a contract. 

The Other California Teams

The Oakland Athletics and the San Diego Padres are often forgotten when you think of California baseball. The Athletics surprised everyone when they won the AL West in 2012 and the Padres did just as they were expected to do, poorly. Both teams are looking to do well in 2013, but one may fare better than the other: Take a guess on which one.

The Padres have a pretty good offense especially playing in the cavern of Petco Park. They are led by Chase Headley who won the silver slugger award for NL third baseman. Also Carlos Quentin is in the outfield slugging as always.

1. R. Maybin CF  85 OPS+
2. R. Forsyth 2B   106 OPS+
3. S. Headley 3B  144 OPS+
4. R. Quentin LF   145 OPS+
5. L. Alonso 1B    109 OPS+
6. R. Guzman LF  106 OPS+
7. L. Baker C        68 OPS+
8. R. Cabrera SS   84 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Padres is led by Edison Volquez who had a 4.14 ERA over 184 innings. He is a bright spot in the Padres rotation. Freddy Garcia was signed by the Padres to a minor league deal. I expect he will get the 5th spot in the rotation.

1. R. Edison Volquez 4.14 ERA
2. L. Cory Luebke 3.29 ERA in 2011
3. L. Clayton Richard 3.99 ERA
4. R. Jason Marquis 5.22 ERA
5. R. Freddy Garcia 5.20 ERA

People suspected that the Padres' bullpen wouldn't be so good when Heath Bell left and signed with the Miami, but they actually performed very well. One of my favorite names in baseball, Huston Street is the closer and had a 1.85 ERA in 2012. Every season Luke Gregerson's ERA gets lower and lower and in 2012 his ERA dropped to 2.39, and lefty Joe Thatcher had some success after coming off injury.

I project 78 wins for the Padres in 2013

The Oakland Athletics have a team of people we never heard of, until 2012. Every player on that team did well and impressed a lot of people who doubted them, but the true star on the A's is Billy Beane. I'm not sure if he knew something about Josh Reddick, Yoennis Cespedes, and Coco Crisp or if he got lucky. Either way there are more new players on the A's in 2013 and they are looking to win.

1. S. Crisp CF        105 OPS+
2. R. Nakajima SS .833 OPS in Japan
3. L. Reddick RF    110 OPS+
4. R. Cespedes LF 137 OPS+
5. L. Moss 1B        160 OPS+
6. R. Norris C         73 OPS+
7. L. Smith DH        109 OPS+
8. S. Lowrie 3B        108 OPS+
9. S Weeks 2B          71 OPS+

The Athletics have a pitching rotation of young pitchers who all were successful in 2013. They each pitched well and shocked many by how well they handled the pressure down the stretch. They aren't household names by they are pretty damn good. A perfect addition for their team would be Kyle Lohse, but he may be too expensive.

1. R. Jarrod Parker   3.47 ERA
2. L. Brett Anderson 3.57 ERA 2011-2012
3. R. AJ Griffin          3.06 ERA
4. L. Tommy Milone  3.74 ERA
5. L. Travis Blackley  4.10 ERA

A new trend in Oakland began in 2012, that is Balfour Rage. When Australian born Grant Balfour entered games to the sounds of Metallica's song "One" the fans would go crazy. I've never seen a crowed become energized so quickly, but Balfour will be out for the beginning of the season. Ryan Cook and his 2.09 ERA will probably take over as closer until Balfour comes back. Sean Doolittle, the lefty in the pen pitched to a 3.04 ERA in 2012 and will play an important role in 2013.

I project 85 wins for the Athletics in 2013.

But Wait! There's More!

This season has been nothing less than amazing. So many great stories, historic events, fantastic games, and breakout seasons. The season is not over yet, the play offs need to be played.

Speaking of the playoffs, if you told me the Athletics would win the American League West, beating both the Rangers and the Angels I would call you crazy. Yesterday the Athletics beat the Rangers to complete a sweep and end the season on a high note. The reason why they won the AL West is because everyone said they couldn't. Congratulations to the Athletics on a successful season.

R.A. Dickey was a fantastic story this year. The 37 year old knuckleballer pitched his way to a Cy Young quality season. He admitted after his last start that he has been pitching the entire season injured. Yup, he dominated the National League with a strained abdominal muscle. He said he'll have surgery in October.

The Orioles made it back to the post season for the first time since 1997. The Orioles under Buck Showalter are a different ball club. They hustle, they play hard, and they win. The Orioles will play the Rangers in Texas in the wild card game to earn the right to play the Yankees in the ALDS.

Adam Greenberg was hit in the head during his first at bat with the Cubs in 2005. Ever since that day Greenberg would never get another at bat at the Major League level. He played in the independent league for a while, until a movement started to get him just one more at bat. The Marlins took on the task and signed him to a one day contract. In his one at bat, he faced the  toughest pitcher in the National League, R.A. Dickey. In his only at bat Greenberg struck out on three pitches. Dickey said after the game that part of the experience for Greenberg was for Dickey to treat Greenberg like any other Major League player. At least Greenberg finally got his at bat.

The Nationals are in the post season with the best record in the National League. With the best pitching staff in the Major Leagues they dominated the Major Leagues and dominated the opposition. With help from Bryce Harper and Adam Laroche the Nationals were a well rounded team that could be anyone. They will test their young roster in the NLDS playing the winner of the wild card game. Also on the last game of the season Teddy Roosevelt won his first ever race in DC.

This season there were some huge trades. Ichiro went to the Yankees, Youkilis went to the White Sox, Ramirez went to the Dodgers, Dempster went to the Rangers, Pence went to the Giants, Victorino went to the Dodgers and of course the biggest trade of the season Gonzalez, Beckett, Crawford, and Punto going to the Dodgers.

Chipper Jones announced that this would be his last season and will retire after the season. He is one of the most loved players in the Major Leagues and his opponents made it noticed. Where ever he went this season the opposing team gave him something to depart with. Chipper will be put to the test in the wild card game against the Cardinals.

There were 7 no hitters this season, tying the all time high for a single season. Phillip Humber, Jered Weaver, Homer Bailey, Matt Cain, Felix Hernandez, Johan Santana, and a combined no hitter by the Seattle Mariners. Pitching really did have the upper hand in 2012.

There were several rookies who came on the scene this season. Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado, Yoennis Cespedes, Yu Darvish, Todd Fraizer, Jesus Montero, Matt Moore, Brett Lawrie, Matt Harvey, Trevor Bauer, and Quintin Berry are rookies who had a major effect on their teams this season.

Finally Miguel Cabrera made a mockery out of the opposing pitching by winning the first triple crown since  Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. Cabrera had 44 home runs, a .330 batting average, and 139 RBI's. It was a historic season for Cabrera and he led the Tigers down the stretch to win the AL Central.