Oak town Pride: An Oakland Athletic's Production (MLB The Show 16)

[Dynasty Legend 99]

Bringing Back Oaktown Glory



Oakland, California-- Today marks a big change in the Oakland Athletics organization, since 1997, Billy Beane has ruled the front office in Oakland as the General Manager. Today A's Owner Lew Wolff has announced the Billy Beane has been promoted to VP of Baseball Operations. Beane announced that with his promotion he has decided to step down from his role as GM in the aftermath of the hiring of young baseball executive, Zach Roberts. Roberts takes over the General Manager duties under Beane. Roberts, just 28 years old becomes the youngest GM of all time (Just under 30 year old David Stearns).

"We are excited for Roberts, we really like his ideas for how we can build Oakland into a winner again," said Beane. "I truly believe that the combination of the brain trust we have in the front office here that we can bring this team a championship." Lew Wolff, the team owner chimed in as well, "The City of Oakland has waited long enough, it's time to return to where we belong, the World Series."

Roberts heralds from Wichita State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management with minors in Exercise Science, Marketing, and Finance. "It's exciting to fulfill a lifelong dream, but thats half the battle." "I have plans for this organization, and with the right personalities here in Oakland, we can win that first elusive title that we've been searching for since '89." Roberts, who spent time in the Kansas City Royals organization for the '14 and '15 (World Series Champions) seasons as an advisor to Dayton Moore was sought after by over half the teams in the Major Leagues for his ability to trade, and his knack for international scouting. Roberts is said to have had a big role in the Johnny Cueto trade with the Cincinnati Reds last season per Dayton Moore.

Roberts inherits an Oakland A's team that in 2015 went 68-94, placing Last in the American League West Division. Roberts endorsed all Bob Melvin as the A's Manager of the Future in his opening press conference, "Bob has us going in the right direction, we are really fortunate to have him on our side." Hitting Coach Darren Bush will return as Hitting Coach for his 2nd season as well as Curt Young returning for his 5th season in his 2nd stint as the A's Pitching Coach. The Athletics are lead primarily by Sonny Gray (14-7, 2.73 ERA, 169 SO, 3.45 FIP in 2015), Veteran Outfielder Josh Reddick (.272 BA, 20 HR, 77 RBI, 3.5 WAR in 2015), and Breakout Seasoned Catcher Stephen Vogt (.261 BA, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 3.5 WAR in 2015).

__________________________________________________ _____

2016 Oakland Athletic's Preview:



The A's enter 2016 searching for Answers and the Hiring of Roberts seems to only add more questions as opposed to solving them. O.Co. Coliseum, perhaps the most out of date stadium in the Major Leagues remains an enigma within the league. The A's have 8 years left on a lease agreement at O.Co. but that has not stopped speculation on a move. The Truth of the matter is, the stadium is not the problem with the A's. The A's seem to lack a personality, they have pieces that are very strong in the Bullpen and at the Top of the Rotation but are relatively mediocre everywhere else.

If the Athletics wish to be successful in 2016, they have to to get consistent production out of the middle of their rotation outside of Sonny Gray. Jesse Hahn and Veteran addition Rich Hill will try to solidify their spots in the Rotation with a strong april, both coming off strong spring sessions. Henderson Alvarez figures to be part of that equation once he comes off the DL in May. For now the rotation is rounded out by Chris Bassitt (1-8, 3.56 ERA, 3.76 FIP in 2015) and Kendall Graveman (6-9, 4.05 ERA, 1.48 WHIP in 2015), but the A's will continue to look for answers there as the season goes along. The Offense will no doubt be lead by Catcher Stephen Vogt, Right Fielder Josh Reddick, and Newly Acquired Left Fielder Khris Davis (.247 BA, 27 HR, 66 RBI in 2015). The Oakland Athletics need to build upon their 3rd place finish in Team Strikeouts last season with 1,119 (Behind Royals and Braves). While there is defensive strengths on this A's ball club, there are clear holes that need to be addressed such as Marcus Semien (35 Errors in 2015, .947 Fielding Percentage) at Shortstop. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bob Melvin throws Semien into a platoon with Billy Butler at DH and play a more defensive game at Shortstop in response in 2016.

Oakland, coming off a 12-17 spring training season is looking to get off to a good start this season (2nd Last in Cactus League), however we know that Spring Training results do not mean ANYTHING if history is any indication.

2016 Prediction: Even with some of the new additions in Oaktown, this division will be immensely tough with the Strength of the Astros, Angels, Rangers, as well as the potential of the Mariners. There simply aren't enough pieces in Oakland to put together a solid performance for 162 games and remain competitive in what's maybe the 3rd toughest division in all of baseball.

My Prediction: 75-87, 5th AL West

_______________________________________________


Stay Tuned!
Dynasty will begin upon the release of OSFM 2K16 V1.