Athletics GM Billy Beane gave a stark assessment of the timetables for both outfielder Coco Crisp and reliever Sean Doolittle in an appearance on 95.7 The Game (via SB Nation blog Athletics Nation).
“We have to be realistic that both Sean and Coco probably aren’t going to be playing a whole lot this year,” said Beane. “They could come back, maybe later but they’re a long way off and I think we have to keep that in mind with whatever we do.” As the post also notes, Doolittle’s own comments also indicated that he feels he could be in for a lengthy period of rebuilding strength and getting back to the hill.
While nothing has changed in these players circumstances, per se, the overall assessment is notable. Beane made clear that the club’s internal assessment is not promising regarding receiving much of a contribution from either player — at least not in time to impact the club’s AL-worst record before summer trade decisions must be made. And he will obviously be weighing that in deciding how to proceed.
Of course, it’s still too soon to label Oakland as a definite seller. They are within shouting distance of most of the division, and it remains to be seen whether the first-place Astros can continue to pace the American League. But it is notable that both Crisp and Doolittle play positions of clear need for the A’s, who have received the least production out of left field of any team in baseball while carrying the game’s very worst bullpen ERA (entering tonight’s action).
Did anyone see Pat Venditte today……he struck-out the chosen 1….Swihart…
They’re 7.5 back of a postseason spot right now, with bullpen and defense being literally the only reasons why they are where they are. While the RP looks a LOT better with Pomeranz and Venditte’s amazing debut last night, the defense – particularly at SS – continues to sink them, as it did last night with 3 errors. However, the offense and SP are both great, its such a weird season for them. I wonder if in fact Beane wont sell but will continue selling prospects – like Matt Olson – to bolster the current SS or bullpen situations.
What defensive SS’s are available? Cozart? Can the A’s afford Segura?
probably depends on how aggressive the A’s want to promote Chad Pinder
Luis Sardinas is probably available. If Beane is willing to play a rookie, Yadiel Rivera. They also have Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez that could fit in a trade.
With Sardinas just being acquired, and having more control, why would Milwaukee trade him? Seems Segura would be the odd man out, less control, and higher price tag. How much do you think Beane is going to give up? What you are suggesting is quite aggressive.
I think they really like Segura. The AAA SS, Rivera, is doing well and plus defensively. The AA SS, Arcia, is sort of the star of the system, hitting great and a great defender. And they also have Hector Gomez at the MLB level. So I’d say that the control isn’t an issue. Over the next year or so, they’re going to trade 1 or 2 SSs (I’d think).
I’d guess they’d be looking for a near ready 3B and/or starting pitching, especially left handed.
Super aggressive, sure. I have no idea what Beane’s inclination is. Mostly I was just following up on the idea that there aren’t SSs available.
They better get a SS, Seimen is one of the worse SS in history. But no need to rush, they are going nowhere this year.
There’s a lack of shortstops in the MLB