The idea is to write a quick post after each series the Oakland A’s play this season. Mostly anecdotal thoughts, probably some statistics tossed in because I probably just can’t help myself.

The opponent: The White Sox

The Results:

1. A’s: 8 vs White Sox: 1
2. A’s: 10 vs White Sox: 2
3. A’s: 12 vs White Sox: 11 F/14

What happened?

Game 1: Mengden! 8 innings (plus one batter in the 9th) and only a single run on a homer in the 9th? And the offense continued to get hits, and maybe more importantly take advantage of mistakes by the White Sox. Ideally the offense would be good enough to score runs regardless of what the other team is doing, but the truth is that most teams make at least a few mistakes (whether errors or not) in every game. The team that win is usually the one that manages to take advantage of those mistakes.

Game 2: I’m biased, but this may go down for me as one of the best games of the season. It was the 50th anniversary of the first game in Oakland, so the A’s made every ticket for the game free. Yup, free. Several months ago I signed up to get free tickets, and the whole family went (both kids, 4 years and 2 years) as well as my parents and sister. We got there 3 hours before first pitch (and 30 min before gates opened) got GREAT seats, and proceeded to watch the A’s celebrate on the field as well. 5 runs in the first with 2 outs, and TREVOR CAHILL back in Oakland, back on the mound, and pitching well. The bullpen gave up another run, but at that point it was 10 - 0, so a little bit more aggressively in the zone is to be expected, and rookie Trivino got into the game and got himself into and out of trouble. Final bit of personal fun from the game - they were taking photos with a particular hashtag and putting them on the big screens before the game started, and we got three different photos up there!

Game 3: Beating almost any team three straight days in a row is tough, and this game was no exception to that rule… It was disappointing, but maybe Triggs was due for a bit of a stinker. The offense came through in covering for him though, only to have the bullpen gives the runs right back… multiple times… including in the top of the 8th to force the game to extra innings. Good character win though for the team to overcome the mistakes from the pitching staff, and the bullpen did come through in extra innings. Going from not winning a series yet this season, to sweeping is also pretty nice.

What do we know?

I’m tentatively comfortable saying that the offense is there, the defense is there, and now there’s actually light at the end of the tunnel with the starters - Manaea, Triggs, Mengden, and Cahill… if you can get 4 quality starts (or even better which all 4 of them have provided) this offense looks to be opportunistic enough to win some games, and if those 4 can go deep-er into games, the bullpen shouldn’t be as overtaxed and hopefully can handle its business too.

Who’s Next?

The A’s stay at home and welcome the Boston Red Sox into town.

The idea is to write a quick post after each series the Oakland A’s play this season. Mostly anecdotal thoughts, probably some statistics tossed in because I probably just can’t help myself.

The opponent: The Mariners

The Results:

1. A’s: 4 @ Mariners: 7
2. A’s: 8 @ Mariners: 10
3. A’s: 2 @ Mariners: 1

What happened?

Game 1: Frustrating… Andrew Triggs turns in another solid (if short) start - 5 innings, 2 runs - which is promptly wasted by the bullpen… hit allowed by Petit, walk by Coulombe, homer by Hatcher, and then, for good measure Hatcher gives up another hit and another homer…

Game 2: Even MORE frustrating… Graveman once again gives up a long ball for a 3 run deficit. But THEN, beyond all hope, the offense comes alive and immediately answers with 3 runs of their own. Especially gratifying because they appeared to lose a run (and get an out) on what turned into a ground rule double. It feels like every time the A’s lose a potential/likely run to a ground-rule double, they end up getting nothing, so to get a 2 out, 2 run single, and then ANOTHER 2 out, RBI hit! But of course, Graveman immediately gives up another 2 run homer. From there it just continues to be disappointing - the A’s keep finding ways to score, but they can never overcome the bullpen finding ways to give up even MORE runs…

Game 3: Yeah, Manaea is the man! He outpitched ‘King’ Felix for 7 innings, and Jed Lowrie continued to stay hot getting to Felix for a 2 run homer in the first. Treinen got the 4 out save in convincing fashion, and the A’s defense sprinkled in some impressive plays - Chapman showcasing his all-around ability by charging and throwing out the speedy Dee Gordon on another excellent bunt attempt, and Olson flashed some impressive mobility and leather to eliminate an infield hit. The offense threatened a few other times, but once again couldn’t break through.

What do we know?

The offense seems to be coming to life, although its still inconsistent - Khris Davis seems to have gotten going again with 3 homers in the series, and Jed Lowrie continues to rake. Starting pitching is still really only Manaea and Triggs, and now the wear on the bullpen seems to be showing… I believe I saw the stat that they’ve given up more home runs than any other bullpen. The defense actually continues to look impressive at multiple points each game, but not sure if its translating to wins…

Who’s Next?

The A’s are back home facing the Chicago White Sox.

The idea is to write a quick post after each series the Oakland A’s play this season. Mostly anecdotal thoughts, probably some statistics tossed in because I probably just can’t help myself.

The opponent: The Dodgers

The Results:

1. A’s: 0 @ Dodgers: 4
2. A’s: 16 @ Dodgers: 6

What happened?

Game 1: Back to back home runs to start the game, certainly not ideal from Manaea, but 5+ innings and not allowing anything else? A very good sign and continuation of his excellent start this season. Once again though the offense just isn’t there, are all of these pitchers the A’s are facing really THAT good (hint, I think they’re probably not…). No hit into the 5th inning AGAIN… and ultimately the first shutout of the season. While I’m annoyed at Liam Hendriks for giving up extra runs, its not like the offense was actually doing anything to inspire faith or even hope in a comeback.

Game 2: You get a hit, and you get a hit, and YOU get a hit. EVERYBODY HITS! At least for one night… and Mengden was effective, AND HE GOT AN RBI! A little bit high on the pitch count, but 5 innings is probably the best we can expect from this starting staff right now… giving up 4 runs isn’t ideal, but when the offense had already spotted you 9 runs and you have a 7 run lead… ¯\(ツ)/¯ Also Trayce Thompson steals a home run!

What do we know?

Not much changes… only a 2 game series, and interleague as well… but if they can figure out how to hit even slightly consistently (and 21 hits, 16 runs is nice but excessive) they have a chance to win some games because a few of the starting pitchers are actually looking solid (Manaea, Triggs), the bullpen is eating a LOT of innings for the others, and the defense is actually pretty good so far.

Who’s Next?

The A’s continue traveling to Seattle to play the Mariners.

The idea is to write a quick post after each series the Oakland A’s play this season. Mostly anecdotal thoughts, probably some statistics tossed in because I probably just can’t help myself.

The opponent: The Angels

The Results:

1. A’s: 9 @ Angels: 13
2. A’s: 7 @ Angels: 3
3. A’s: 1 @ Angels: 6

What happened?

Game 1: So much right, then so much wrong, then so much right again, and ultimately so much wrong… Home runs for everyone, thanks Bridwell! Then Gossett comes back down to earth… But then more home runs! And then the error … live by the sword (aka Matt Chapman’s amazing arm and defense) and die by the sword… also, he’s been making so many plays period, he was bound to make a mistake (and he is still young). Treinen giving up the home run didn’t help obviously, but that goes back to the bullpen being overused (not Melvin’s fault of course, when his starters can’t consistently get to, let alone out of, the 5th, whats he supposed to do…). All in all a very disappointing game - hopefully they can hang onto the good and leave the bad, but as a fan this is one that will stick in the craw awhile.

Game 2: Another strong outing from Triggs, went a little deeper this time, and only gave up 2 runs, so thats a nice surprise! Jed Lowrie looks locked in at the plate right now, home runs in consecutive games! I thought that the A’s were using their bullpen alot, but Sciosia and the Angels are showcasing what it REALLY looks like to rely on your bullpen to an obscene level… There doesn’t appear to be any ‘hangover’ from the game last night, and Triggs made Trout look downright pedestrian, even got him to hit into a double play! Once again, the offense feels more like taking advantage of mistakes - which is very good for sure - rather than the offense imposing its will. With that said, the A’s did take a lot of walks, and score several of them late for ‘insurance’ runs… Blake Treinen with a 2 inning save!

Game 3: Ohtani was oh so close to perfection (well not really THAT close, but way closer than most, and close enough to use that terrible pun…) - 6 1/3 innings of perfect baseball. It will be interesting to see if he pitches as well against anyone else since he’s only pitched against Oakland so far. Not much to say in this one, a lot of ineffectual at-bats against Ohtani, a few chances to threaten late that came to nothing, and Graveman continues to pitch to an ~9.00 ERA… does he have any options left? Can he be sent down to AAA to figure things out, or do we have to keep forfeiting 1 out of every 5 games to him figuring things out this season…

What do we know?

Graveman is severely dragging the rotation down, but Manaea and Triggs are looking very solid, and Mengden/Gossett are still question marks to me. The bullpen is doing yeoman’s work, and the offense isn’t doing enough to cover for the spotty starting pitching.

Who’s Next?

The A’s continue traveling to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers #BeatLA.

The idea is to write a quick post after each series the Oakland A’s play this season. Mostly anecdotal thoughts, probably some statistics tossed in because I probably just can’t help myself.

The opponent: The Texas Rangers

The Results:

1. A’s: 3 vs Rangers: 1
2. A’s: 1 vs Rangers: 4
3. A’s: 6 vs Rangers: 2
4. A’s: 3 vs Rangers: 6

What happened?

Game 1: Triggs threw a lot of pitches, but only gave up 1 run, and lasted long enough to qualify for a win. Another long ball from Matt Chapman, strong defense as well, and a Jed Lowrie (patent pending) double. Still a mixed bag in the outfield, especially from Piscotty. Bullpen seemed pretty strong, a couple of innings for Treinen. Bartolo Colon continues to just be one cool dude.

Game 2: Bullpen again was impressive, shutting down the Rangers once they took over, but Kendall Graveman was equally disappointing… giving up 4 runs in 5 innings and actually LOWERING his ERA (slightly)… Offense again showing signs of rallying but not coming up with the necessary key hit. Also, Chad Pinder OWNS Cole Hamels!

Game 3: Another great start for Manaea, and this time the offense gave him some run support. Speaking of run support, finally some big hits to drive in runs! Great defensive plays by Olson and Chapman (of course). The addition of Dallas Braden to the A’s broadcast crew has been a surprisingly effective and nice addition. Braden can be a loud and potentially abrasive personality, but so far he has fit in very well ‘between’ Glen and Ray. He provides some ballast against Ray falling back on old baseball cliche’s and old stories he’s told many times (don’t get me wrong, I love him, he’s my homer/old timer after all), and also seems to be able to match (and sometimes exceed) Glen’s energy. A very good fit so far!

Game 4: The offense keeps getting hits, but not the key hit they need to bust open an inning, however Jed “Doubles” Lowrie looks like he is back! Mengden actually pitched well, with only one rough inning and that likely due to losing his rhythm after getting hit in the foot. Definitely impressed that he stayed in, and that he then recovered and pitched well the rest of the way.

What do we know?

Sean Manaea definitely looks like the ace of the staff, and the bullpen is shouldering a lot of the load right now which is almost certainly unsustainable. The defense feels like its stabilizing, but the Matts on the corners (Chapman and Olson) are definitely there already. Behind the plate Lucroy is VERY impressive throwing out runners all over the place. The offense is getting plenty of hits, but keeps coming up one or two hits short of breaking through.

Who’s Next?

The A’s travel to Anaheim to play the Angels for the first road trip of the season.