Bob Melvin's Expectations With the Oakland Athletics In 2013

The Oakland Athletics have to be pleasantly surprised with what they have gotten out of Bob Melvin in just two seasons with the club. Showing their appreciation, the A’s have given Melvin a two year extension which makes him under contract through the 2016 season. Although the Athletics have not enjoyed much playoff success in the past seasons, the team has become accustomed to developing good talent.

Melvin will try to bring a second divisional title in just his third season with the team in what will be a completely difficult AL West. The Athletics will remain underdogs versus both the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers as they just don’t have the names that are experts are looking for when making preseason predictions. With that being said, the Athletics will be surely be expecting Melvin to eclipse the 90 win mark yet again which shouldn’t be too much to ask given the clubs talent.

Yoenis Cespedes has become the face of the franchise in only his second season with the team and I look for him to crush the dreadful sophomore slump that so many players endure. This is a five tool player who hit 23 home runs, stole 16 bases and averaged .292 in his rookie season not to mention nine outfield assists– six from left and three more from center field. Cespedes is not the only Athletic looking to make another splash in 2013 as newly acquired Chris Young is also ready to bring his Arizona Diamondbacks production to the Bay.

After winning the 2012 Manager of the year award the writing was on the wall for Melvin to get an extension with the Athletics however, with amped expectations we will see how the club responds in 2013.