The baseball season is nearly half over. It is time to look back on the season and take a look at the numbers that have defined the A's so far, and will define the team's performance during the second half.
12
The number of times the A’s have used the disabled list.
Eric Chavez, Mark Ellis, Justin Duchscherer, Josh Outman, and Ryan Sweeney are just some of the players who were supposed to give huge contributions to the A’s this season, but instead have spent significant time on the DL.
It has forced guys who are not good enough to be everyday players (Jack Hanahan, Rajai Davis) into the starting lineup. With Sweeney back, and Ellis and Duke hopefully coming back soon, there may still be some hope for a second half run if the A’s can stay healthy.
.236/.310/.360/.671
Respectively, the A’s batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.
Each category is last among teams in the majors. The team is not hitting. Period. If you don't hit, you can’t win. A lot of the good hitters are hurt or underperforming. If they can all get their act together, the A’s will start winning.
.174
The batting average of A’s first basemen.
That makes me want to throw up. First base should be a power position (think Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Mark Teixeira, or Adrian Gonzalez). You need a good hitter there.
Giambi still has some power, but no average. Crosby has no power or average. Barton is back in the majors, and so far he is doing worse than last year. It makes me long for the days of Scott Hatteberg, and that says a lot.
Meanwhile, Tommy Everidge is hitting .309 with 11 homers and 62 RBI in 69 games split between AA Midland and AAA Sacramento; don’t be surprised if you see him donning the green and gold in Oakland by the end of the year.
36
The number of days until the non-waiver trade deadline.
Which bodes the question…how much can we get for Matt Holliday?
5
The number of rookies who have made major contributions to the A’s pitching staff.
Vin Mazarro has looked great in his first few major league starts. Trevor Cahill has started to pitch like an ace over his last few starts. Josh Outman came out of nowhere to be the A’s most consistent starter until he got hurt last week. Brett Anderson has been shaky much of the year, but has shown flashes of brilliance. And Andrew “Daily” Bailey has been nothing short of filthy as the closer. He will at least be considered as the AL Rookie of the Year.
That is a lot of inexperience, but the guys are learning fast, and with time they may be able to bring back memories of the glory days of Hudson, Mulder, and Zito.
18,410
The average attendance of Oakland A’s home games.
Come on people! The tickets are cheaper than just about any team in baseball, and it is summer in the Bay Area—the weather is beautiful. There is no better way to spend a day than taking in a ball game. Get out there and show some support for your team before they get moved to Fremont (basically a parking lot with a mayor).
7.5
The number of games between the A’s and first place in the American League West.
Yes, the A’s have had some bad luck, are not playing great, and are tied for the second worst record in the American League. But it is not even July, and 7.5 games is not an insurmountable deficit. The Angels are having a down year, and the Rangers are fading fast. We have all gotten used to the second half surge by the A’s, and if they can roll off a 20-game win streak a la 2002, they might be able to pull off a miracle.
So have faith A’s fans. Times may be dark right now, but do not lose hope. There is still a lot of baseball left to be played.
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