Bruce Jenkins:
Future looks bright, thanks to several young prospects.
The Oakland A’s reacquainted themselves with an old friend this offseason, a quaint little concept called tomorrow. With exasperating days ahead, it will be their greatest ally.
No undertaking is too challenging if it has a future, whether it’s staying afloat in a power-packed division or negotiating the politics of ballpark construction. The A’s have a plan, and they’ll find they’re in the perfect setting. There are no more loyal, resilient sports fans in America than the ones in Oakland.
With the season opener at hand Monday night against the Angels, it’s inappropriate to be skeptical about a team destined to have an entire professional landscape to itself. It’s crazy to think that David Kaval, the team’s energetic and forwardthinking new president, is on the wrong track. And it’s OK to dream a little — about a revenue-rich team building to win, not just survive, in a charming and intimate East Bay ballpark.
For now, the engine idles. The Coliseum has some handsome new frills — the arrival of food trucks in fan-friendly Championship Plaza is a terrific idea — and a playing surface as meticulously groomed as any in the big leagues. Kaval’s management team is paying long-awaited homage to history: Bill King (Hall of Fame broadcaster), Dennis Eckersley (executive ambassador), Rickey Henderson (for whom the field will officially be named), Steve Vucinich (the equipment man beginning his 50th season with the club) and TV analysts Dave Stewart, Jose Canseco (hold on to your hats!) and Dallas Braden.
But the ancient essence remains, with a team typically stuck between transitory veteran presence and intriguing young prospects. Houston, Texas and Seattle all seem immeasurably stronger in the American League West, and the Angels are no bargain with Mike Trout, probably the best player in the game. The A’s are coming off back-to-back lastplace finishes for the first time since 1997-98, a sorry aftermath to the unspeakably horrific loss to Kansas City in the 2014 wild-card game.
There’s your dose of hardcore reality, but that’s where tomorrow comes in. It’s conceivable that the A’s could trade Sonny Gray or Stephen Vogt before too long, but that wouldn’t compare with the devastating losses of Josh Donaldson or Yoenis Céspedes. A’s fans probably shouldn’t become too enamored with Rajai Davis, Trevor Plouffe, Matt Joyce, Jed Lowrie or Yonder Alonso — each a candidate to be dealt in late July — but, truthfully, how disappointing would that be? There doesn’t appear to be a single All-Star among the A’s position players, save 42-homer man Khris Davis, so there isn’t a whole lot left to lose.
To put it another way: The A’s division is a showcase for Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Carlos Beltran, Alex Bregman (Houston’s can’t-miss third baseman), Adrian Beltre, Rougned Odor, Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Edwin Diaz (the Seattle closer who starred for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic), Albert Pujols, Andrelton Simmons and Trout. The A’s star looks a bit dim in that galaxy.
Consequently, radical transition cannot come too quickly. Don’t let Khris Davis get away; his all-field power is magnificent. Ryon Healy’s quick bat is a treasure. Marcus Semien, although a few steps down the hierarchy in this golden era of shortstops, has promise. But it’s exciting to anticipate the arrival of third baseman Matt Chapman, Baseball America’s fourth-ranked defensive infielder in the minor leagues this year, with the best throwing arm and eye-opening power.
Youthful starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Jharel Cotton have exceptional stuff, with style. The Donaldson trade has its positive elements with Kendall Graveman the potential staff ace and infielder Franklin Barreto about to make his presence known. First baseman/outfielder Matt Olson, still just 23, has shown power and defense in the minors. And it will be interesting to follow the progress of Cuban outfielder Lazaro Armenteros, signed at 17 in July. The A’s made a $3 million investment for this potential five-tool star, probably bound for the Arizona rookie league after the June draft, and that’s a sizable investment for this organization.
“He’s probably the most imposing young player we’ve seen in a long time,” scouting director Dan Feinstein said. “It’s a rare combination of size and strength from a player this young.”
That sounds a lot like tomorrow. It’s a theme the A’s have cherished, wisely, in their refreshing change of mood.