*See how the A’s measure up against A.L. West rival: L.A. Angels of Anaheim, Texas Rangers
For the team that started the “Moneyball” philosophy, the Oakland Athletics have found themselves a dollar short on fantasy value. They have no power, very little speed, and a solid pitching staff that have wound up injured. Nope, it is not the Athletics we saw at the turn of this century.
Outfield:
When you have to look up the outfield, chances are….they don’t have an appealing outfield. Josh Willingham, out with an injury, seems to be their saving grace. Hes the only power hitter in the outfield (or rather, the entire team). Again, hes injured, and Conor Jackson is having a hard time filling the role. Coco Crisp,and David DeJesus have combined for less than ten homers. They have a combined batting average of under .270. Picking up DeJesus seemed to be a good idea for the A’s, as he was starting to hit well in Kansas City. He has fallen well off the map. Likewise for Coco (except he is a good pickup for stolen bases). If Willingham is available in your league, keep an eye out for when he returns. A strained achilles tendon is not something to toy around with.
First Base:
The Athletics really do not have a full time first basemen. Conor Jackson and Adam Rosales has both been seeing time at first base. The problem is that they are there for backup. Bob Melvin must not be convinced that anyone is THAT good to stay at first. I think you should use that same mentality.
Second Base:
Since being called up, Jemile Weeks have opened up his eyes. The brother of Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks, the second basemen has kept his batting average above .300 and has been a solid pickup for people who just need solid hitting numbers. Although hes not a home run hitter, hes been very consistent about getting on base. The kid has a ton of potential that is being shown each at bat.
Shortstop:
Just around the bend, shortstop Cliff Pennington has not shown anything appealing. Hes putting up average numbers. With the shortstop position being deep this season, many people havent even thought of adding them to their watch list, let alone picking him up.
Third Base:
Scott Sizemore is in the same boat as Pennington. Third base is so deep this year, and his plain numbers are not cutting it. Hes kept his home run count at lower single digits. Hes kept his batting average just under .275. He doesn’t steal bases. In terms of fantasy numbers, Sizemore is not impressing anyone.
Catcher:
Not too many people look closely at Kurt Suzuki. For those who have followed him the last few seasons know that he is good pickup if you need a backup catcher. This year, however, has not been the best for Suzuki. He has had a hard time hitting the ball. The silver lining – he crushes it when he makes contact. Again, hes a decent pickup, if you need a backup catcher. Thats it.
Utility:
Hideki Matsui is not the “Godzilla” that he was in the Bronx. Hes only good for home runs, and he has not been able to do that this season. Its nearing the end of the road for Matsui, sad to say.
Starting 5:
The Athletics “ideal” starting five is phenomenal. Their current starting five, not so much. With Dallas Braden and Rich Harden on a LONG DL stint, and with Brian Anderson hurting, the A’s have scrambled to find a rotation. They still have a healthy Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez. They have a combined win total in the double digits and a combined ERA just under 3.00. Keep an eye out for Braden, though. Hes starting his rehab assignment. He should be back up soon enough.
Bullpen:
At the start of the season, many people thought of Andrew Bailey as a number three closer for their team. He may not get to the amount of saves as in years past, but he is keeping his ERA down. Still, that is not what you are looking for in a closer. The Athletics also have Brian Fuentes, who has been as much of a closer as Bailey, with a better history. He is not the worst pickup for saves.
Overall:
A very bland lineup for the Athletics have left a blank taste in the mouth of Oakland. No one really pops my fantasy eye – little to no value.
Athletics Fantasy Quotient: 60/100
Not the best bang for your buck.
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