The Shallow & The Deep Special ODE TO THE A’s Edition
By Adam Forsyth
The Deep
Rajai Davis – Outfield (CF/RF)
This former 38th-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates has loved the move to the American League and while it was just a short trip across the San Francisco Bay , it has totally revived this talented speedster.
Thriving in O-Town, Davis has been a force to be reckoned with since the All-Star break, thrashing the opposition at a .326 clip. With little to non-existent power, Rajai does his damage on the base paths by running wild and helping the A’s and their humble offense create runs.
In his 92 appearances, the 28-year old Connecticut native is 29-for-37 (78%) in stolen base attempts, which puts him ahead of some premium base running threats; such as: Curtis Granderson (77%), Ichiro (75%), Shane Victorino (75%) and Chone Figgins (74%) to name a few. If at some point he is given the full green light, Davis could swipe 50+ bags in a full season.
Davis will however need to improve his output within his own division if he plans to take it to the next level. He has struggled against AL West foes, Anaheim , Seattle and Texas , hitting only .234 (15/64) this season.
Have no fear though, as regardless of this information, Davis definitely has all the ingredients to be a nice speed add to your roster as the season comes to a close and deserves consideration as a late round speed pick in your 2010 draft.
The Deeper
Cliff Pennington – Shortstop
A prototypical Oakland A’s type player, Pennington isn’t going to amaze too many out there with outlandish, eye-popping statistics. I think that it is fair to say that with this former Texas A & M shortstop, what you see is what you get.
Although he raked at college, (which lead to his first round selection, 21st overall) hitting to the tune of .346 in his three years at A & M, Pennington’s transition to pro ball hasn’t been without a hitch. Needless to say, while he won’t be a liability with the twig, to assume that he will have a plus .330 batting average wouldn’t be fair.
As a matter of fact, the light-hitting prospect will probably settle in around the 260-.275 range year-to-year (currently hitting .263 with the big club through 95 AB’s), be a solid contact hitter that doesn’t strikeout a lot and has a good eye at the dish (nearly a 1:1 BB:K ratio). Simply stated, Pennington can put the ball in play, throw down a bunt when necessary and play sound defense. All are elements that have made the career of Oakland GM Billy Beane such a success.
The 25-year old Texan has a touch of speed and can be counted on for double digit swipes, even upwards of 25+ if given the chance to run with regularity. Not keeper-esque numbers all around per se; but definitely someone not to allow fly completely under the radar at a tough fantasy position moving into 2010. It appears as if the current audition to finish this season is to prepare him for the job which may officially be his to lose now that Orlando Cabrera is out of the picture.
The DYNASTY
Brett Wallace – Third Base
The key member of the Matt Holliday deal, Wallace is sure to give the A’s a push to have him on their 2010 opening day roster. One simple indication could be their need for another power bat, as Oakland currently has only three active roster players with more than six home runs! Yes, that’s right, SIX HR’s. Free-swinging Jack Cust and his 145 whiffs has 20, Kurt Suzuki has 11 knocks and Adam Kennedy with 10 are the only A’s players to circle the bases with even a hint of regularity.
Enter this hot-corner blue chipper that the Cards’ certainly didn’t want to dish; however, in order to get a player of Holliday’s caliber was more than likely the only way to the Billy Beane would pull the trigger. With 18 long balls this season, spread through AA and two-AAA teams, Wallace is showing signs of comfort at the plate as well as his .298 career minor league average would indicate through nearly 700 AB’s.
Wallace has average defensive skills and could even be more comfortable as a first baseman. I’m sure that Daric Barton (or future FANTALYTICS article member) Chris Carter would have something to say about that. One way or the other, the A’s are at least looking to add more young talent to their mix in hopes of shaking off the struggles of the past three seasons. Expect this California kid to be considered a major cog in that development, bringing this small market dynamo back to the top of the AL West.
