Monday, September 22, 2014

Examining the A’s Epic Collapse | FanGraphs Baseball



It must be tough to have to live up to the genius label. Sometimes you can be too smart for your own good. I'm very surprised that the Jonny Gomes effect hasn't helped so far, but this was a move for the playoffs so in fairness, we have to see how it plays out there. So far, so not so good. I'm not sure I would use the term "epic collapse" to describe it either. More like a late season swoon.

from FanGraphs:
Examining the A’s Epic Collapse | FanGraphs Baseball:
The A’s record crested at 28 games over .500, at 72-44, on August 9, though their winning percentage peaked at .625 a couple weeks earlier, on July 27. They are 18-28 since the former date, and 11-23 since the latter. Obviously, this is right around the time of the Cespedes trade, on July 31. Usually, when a contender acquires a high-end rental player like Lester at the deadline, minor league pieces are exchanged in return.
 By dealing Cespedes, the A’s did weaken their lineup to strengthen their rotation. They did receive Jonny Gomes in the deal, but unsurprisingly, he appears to be toast, batting .250-.317-.269 since the deal. Sam Fuld was also re-acquired that same day, and has had to play quite a bit, batting a puny .217-.272-.344 in two stints with the A’s this season. Certainly, there has been an offensive dropoff with the departure of Cespedes, but there is that slight mitigating effect – sarcasm intended – of the acquisition of Lester and his 2.30 ERA in 62 2/3 innings since the trade. The offense was hurt, but the team significantly helped by the deal. As a club, the A’s were batting .254-.329-.406 through July 29 – since that day, they have hit only .223-.295-.335. It has been run creation, not prevention, that has keyed the club’s decline.
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Giants Top Minor League Prospects

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