AL West champ A’s wait to see who’s next
AL West champ A’s are waiting to see who they’ll play in wild-card round
With the American League West title in hand, the A’s have ensured, at least, one of the top three seeds in this year’s bestof-three wild- card series. Along with home-field advantage for all three games.
This was a goal listed way back in February when the team met under pretenses of a normal year. The objective was to push themselves over the wild card hump — to achieve more in the postseason realm and avoid the one-game trap.
“That’s something we talked about at the beginning of the year,” manager Bob Melvin said. “Originally it was a full season and trying to stay out of the wild- card game, which hasn’t really been kind to us.”
Who they’ll face in that first series is still up in the air. Only a handful of wins and losses separate the American League’s top eight teams. Here’s a look at the pros and cons the A’s will consider against some of the contenders.
Houston Astros
PROS » As a potential third seed, the A’s are lined up to play the sixth- seeded Houston Astros in the wild- card series, which may be the most opportunistic matchup. The A’s have fared well against the Astros this season, taking 7 of 10 against their AL West foes. That kind of familiarity paired with success could provide the most optimism in a three-game series.
Without Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, the Astros’ rotation hasn’t been as strong as it was in their most dominant years. Though Zack Greinke and Lance McCullers are no walk in the park, the A’s familiarity with both could give Oakland an advantage. The A’s have seen Greinke twice this season and McCullers once.
The bullpen is green and full of rookies, too, posting a collective 4.36 ERA.
CONS » The Astros are still a strong team with some of the best bats in the game. There will be nothing easy about facing a lineup featuring Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley and Yuli Gurriel. Up and down the order, the Astros offense can mash. Plus, most of this team is well versed in the pressures and grind of a postseason.
Cleveland Indians
PROS » For now, a matchup against the Astros seems ideal. Move one seed up, and the A’s are in a nightmare series against the Cleveland Indians. Maybe unfamiliarity could work to Oakland’s benefit. But the cons vastly outweigh the pros for the A’s in this compelling matchup between teams that boast strong lineups, starters and bullpens.
CONS » José Ramirez is getting hot, which is scary. He has 19 hits in his past 43 plate appearances, including seven home runs. He stars in a lineup that also features Francisco Lindor and Franmil Reyes. Even worse for Oakland, Cleveland’s rotation could give the A’s fits. The Indians have an array of elite right-handed starters in Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, Carlos Carrasco and young Triston McKenzie. The A’s are 9-2 in games against left-handed starters, 24-18 against right-handers, though their hitting splits are about even — .228 against righties and .223 against lefties. The Indians also have a bullpen boasting a 3.71 collective ERA, which is fifth-best in baseball but still inferior to the A’s ‘pen.
New York Yankees
PROS » The Yankees haven’t been quite the team they were last season; falling short thus far of sky-high expectations.
They’ve fumbled around a .500 record for most of the year while dealing with injuries to powerful hitters Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. A lot of the A’s success has come late in games, against vulnerable bullpens after wearing down a starter. Despite boasting Adam Ottavino,
Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees bullpen has been weak. Their 4.49ERA ranks as the ninth-highest in baseball with nine blown saves. CONS » Last week, the Yankees hit five home runs in a single inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. It completed a series in which they hit 19 home runs total. This is all to say that the Yankees are still explosive on offense. Plus, the A’s would assuredly face ace Gerrit Cole,
whohas a 3.00 ERA with 87 strikeouts. He’s no fun.
Toronto Blue Jays
PROS » The Blue Jays are a bit of a surprise contender, and the A’s could do well against them. They have a vulnerable rotation, Hyun Jin Ryu with his 3.00 ERA the only bastion. Old friend Tanner Roark has a 6.53 ERA. Taijuan Walker has been one of the Blue Jays’ best starters since being acquired, posting a 1.54
ERA with Toronto. The Jays’ bullpen also hasn’t been too sturdy, blowing 11 saves with a 4.60 ERA. CONS » This team has a ton of young, strong hitters. Teos car Hernandez is batting .308 with a .983 OPS. Bo Bichette, Rowdy Tellez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. aren’t far behind and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a capable power hitter. This matchup could be fun, but may require the A’s to move up a few seeds.