The Oakland Athletics ended up fourth in the American League West last year and then dealt away three of their best pitchers. This lineup isn't going to frighten to many folks away either. Let's have a look at the lineup and what to expect out of them this year. If you'd like more details on the franchise, check our 2012 Oakland Athletics preview.
Projected Lineup
Kurt Suzuki (Catcher) - After signing a big contract, he has not been able to measure up to the expectations he raised while hitting .274 with 15 home runs and 88 RBI in 2009. Although his home run numbers remained constant, his average and RBI totals have taken a big hit, at just .237 and 44 RBI in 134 games played last season.
Brandon Allen (First Base) - The A's acquired Allen in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Though he has played inconsistently in the Majors up to this point, he will be able to really be looked upon in the current season thanks to the fact that he has hit 20 or even more home runs in every one of the last 4 years in the minors. He has not actually shown much promise in the majors yet, so we'll figure out if that translates or not.
Jemile Weeks (Second Base) - After he had a good season last year, the Athletics were not keen to part ways with Weeks this past offseason. The 25-year-old batted .303 with 50 runs, 26 doubles, 36 RBI and 22 steals in just 97 games last season. The Athletics hope for a breakout season for Weeks, if not this year then soon.
Cliff Pennington (Shortstop) - Pennington batted just .264 with eight HRs and 58 RBI in 2011, there is, however, still hope that he will be able to put up better stats in 2012. He did improve in nearly every category last season after a down year in triples and steals in 2010.
Luke Donaldson (3rd Base) - Donaldson will get a solid chance to display what he'll do this year. Scott Sizemore was the Athletics predicted third baseman, but a torn MCL injury will make him miss the 2012 year. Donaldson has just 32 career at-bats in the major leagues all the way back to 2010. He doesn't have lots of power and will possibly hit for a low average, making him pretty not very likely to shine at the hot corner.
Yoenis Cespedes (Left Field) - Although some are forecasting that Cespedes will become an instant star in the big leagues, Cuban players typically take a year or two to adapt before they really reach their potential. Some even question whether he will be prepared to play come Opening Day. But Cespedes does have great potential to be a 5-tool threat along the line; it's just hard to imagine him being a player in his first season in the major leagues.
Coco Crisp (Center Field) - Crisp ultimately stayed healthy in 2011 after playing merely a mixed 124 games the prior two years. He does not really do a whole lot, though, besides rack up steals. Although he swiped 49 bases last season, he just batted .264 and has very limited power when he does make contact.
Josh Reddick (Right Field) - The Athletics managed to land Reddick in the trade that sent Bailey to the Boston Red Sox. Reddick batted .280 with seven HRs and 28 RBI in 254 at-bats with the Red Sox last season. Although those stats don't truly seem like anything special, he does have each opportunity to be good with a full year with the Athletics.
Seth Smith (Designated Hitter) - Smith really did not measure up to his actual potential, but he will be able to give the Athletics a solid bat for the time being. He did hit .284 with 15 home runs, 59 RBI and 10 steals in 2011. Nevertheless it doesn't look like he will have the same success, as he will not be playing the bulk of his games at hitter-friendly Coors Field in Colorado.
Projected Lineup
Kurt Suzuki (Catcher) - After signing a big contract, he has not been able to measure up to the expectations he raised while hitting .274 with 15 home runs and 88 RBI in 2009. Although his home run numbers remained constant, his average and RBI totals have taken a big hit, at just .237 and 44 RBI in 134 games played last season.
Brandon Allen (First Base) - The A's acquired Allen in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Though he has played inconsistently in the Majors up to this point, he will be able to really be looked upon in the current season thanks to the fact that he has hit 20 or even more home runs in every one of the last 4 years in the minors. He has not actually shown much promise in the majors yet, so we'll figure out if that translates or not.
Jemile Weeks (Second Base) - After he had a good season last year, the Athletics were not keen to part ways with Weeks this past offseason. The 25-year-old batted .303 with 50 runs, 26 doubles, 36 RBI and 22 steals in just 97 games last season. The Athletics hope for a breakout season for Weeks, if not this year then soon.
Cliff Pennington (Shortstop) - Pennington batted just .264 with eight HRs and 58 RBI in 2011, there is, however, still hope that he will be able to put up better stats in 2012. He did improve in nearly every category last season after a down year in triples and steals in 2010.
Luke Donaldson (3rd Base) - Donaldson will get a solid chance to display what he'll do this year. Scott Sizemore was the Athletics predicted third baseman, but a torn MCL injury will make him miss the 2012 year. Donaldson has just 32 career at-bats in the major leagues all the way back to 2010. He doesn't have lots of power and will possibly hit for a low average, making him pretty not very likely to shine at the hot corner.
Yoenis Cespedes (Left Field) - Although some are forecasting that Cespedes will become an instant star in the big leagues, Cuban players typically take a year or two to adapt before they really reach their potential. Some even question whether he will be prepared to play come Opening Day. But Cespedes does have great potential to be a 5-tool threat along the line; it's just hard to imagine him being a player in his first season in the major leagues.
Coco Crisp (Center Field) - Crisp ultimately stayed healthy in 2011 after playing merely a mixed 124 games the prior two years. He does not really do a whole lot, though, besides rack up steals. Although he swiped 49 bases last season, he just batted .264 and has very limited power when he does make contact.
Josh Reddick (Right Field) - The Athletics managed to land Reddick in the trade that sent Bailey to the Boston Red Sox. Reddick batted .280 with seven HRs and 28 RBI in 254 at-bats with the Red Sox last season. Although those stats don't truly seem like anything special, he does have each opportunity to be good with a full year with the Athletics.
Seth Smith (Designated Hitter) - Smith really did not measure up to his actual potential, but he will be able to give the Athletics a solid bat for the time being. He did hit .284 with 15 home runs, 59 RBI and 10 steals in 2011. Nevertheless it doesn't look like he will have the same success, as he will not be playing the bulk of his games at hitter-friendly Coors Field in Colorado.
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