Don't get me wrong, I'll watch part of a game here and there through the playoffs, maybe even a few innings of the World Serious IF the Yucking Fankees aren't in it.... but for all intents and purposes, it's over.
And it wasn't satisfying. I mean, sure my team, is riding a 2 game win streak into the 2012 season, but they also finished 74-88, 22 games out of first in the AL West. We were 24th in the MLB in both BA and HR and 2nd in ERRORS.
There were a few bright spots though, like some STELLAR pitching and relief work. Gio's 16W, 3.12ERA over 202IP and his All-Star appearance, McCarthy's 9W, 3.32ERA over 170IP and only giving up 25BB, Balfour's 62G, 59K and a .247ERA and Bailey's 42G with a 3.24ERA and 24 saves. And a bright light shining on the horizon? Moscoso... in 23G, he posted 129IP, 8W, 74K, a 3.38ERA and only 38BB.
Although it was sad to the see the offensive decline and eventual departure of our veteran 2nd baseman, Mark Ellis (whose defense remained strong) NO ONE was sorry to see the emergence of our 2nd baseman of the future, Jemile Weeks. Weeks defense was a bit (pardon the pun) weak when he first came up, but the miscues became less common, and his offense and base running make up for much of it. This guy is FLAT OUT EXCITING to watch.. and his back-to-back home runs in the last week of the season show he has power as well. Weeks finished with a .303BA after 97 games. And let's not forget Josh Willingham's 29HR, 98RBI and .246BA or Hideki Matsui's 12HR, 72RBI and .251BA and both of their contributions in the outfield.
One of the most glorious days for me? June 9th, 2011... the end of the misery that was Bob Geren and the beginning of the Bob Melvin era. As stated in an earlier blog post, (please read here) there was no expectation of an instant turnaround, but there was no question it was a move in the RIGHT direction. I have every confidence that the decision to sign Melvin to a 3 year contract as the season was winding down was the right move, and I hope he is able to weigh in on some critical decisions the team need to make in the off season. I already like (most) of the moves he has made with the coaching staff.... not quite sure WHY Ron Romanick was released and REALLY not sure WHY Mike Gallego was retained, but I'm sure there is more to come.
Biggest concerns in the near term? What to do with the free agents, and how it will impact our outfield. HATE to see us possibly lose Willingham after the great season he had, his community consciousness, and the inspiration he is to others. Undecided on Matsui, but I think I'd be okay with his departure or return. Would REALLY like to see us re-sign Coco and I'm on the fence about DeJesus.
Other issues/concerns? I think the move to bring Brandon Allen in at 1B was a positive one, he seems to be getting used to the wide foul territory and his offense is promising. Sizemore has done a good job of making the move from 2B to 3B, and unless something drastic happens, I'm down with him remaining as our full time 3B. Pennington is solid at SS, a bit streaky at the plate, but definitely NOT a concern. We could SURE use a good utility player for relief- Rosales may not be able to fill the bill there. Suzuki had a good year, new baby, 134G, 1132INN, 237BA, 38CS and a .993FPCT... but I'm not sure Powell is what we need as a backup catcher.
Hopefully, Melvin's comments in the last few weeks and in the post season presser about increased fielding practice, working on fundamentals and reducing the number of errors will resound LOUDLY in the ears of EVERY PLAYER on the roster. The two biggest failings of the Athletics in 2011 were the number of errors and runners left in scoring position. I can't find the stat yet, but we left a TON of runners at 3B and 2B with 1 or fewer outs this year. And by improving on this and reducing errors, we could have been in a much better position at year and- maybe not AL West Champs, but certainly not AL West CHUMPS. And yes, I know we didn't finish last... but from day one, the Mariners never were in it.
Biggest distractions?
1) Sigh... the horrible, HORRIBLE ownership and the constant bitching about the Coliseum and the City of Oakland. It's even impacting our ability to sign free agents as the management is openly stating they are "...delaying decisions on player personnel pending a response from the League on the Stadium 'issue'..." . Face up gents, no matter WHAT decision is rendered, the team will be playing here for 2-3 years and a lot of Division Championships (AND 4 World Series) were won in THIS STADIUM and in THIS CITY. The tarps make us look like a boarded up business district and the empty seats are a testimony to your indifference. Open up your wallets and shut yer traps- you want attendance to rise? Put some talent on the field and lower your ticket prices. Do the math- how many more seats do you need to sell at a lower price to make the same money? More money? It ain't rocket science!
Larry Medina
A Native Son of Oakland
An A's fan since 1968
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