Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane is still playing “Moneyball” to this day.
The team that used to perennially contend for the playoffs finished just exactly .500 last season, and was nine games out of first place behind the American League champion Texas Rangers.
Beane looks to compete more aggressively in 2011, as he has made quiet moves this offseason.
For example, they signed Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal to be the permanent DH. Not only is Matsui a consistent .270, 20 home run hitter, he knows what it is to be a World Champion as he won it all with the Yankees back in 2009.
The designated hitter spot was also one of the weakest spots in the lineup, so adding Matsui is already a good move.
Another consistent hitter, Josh Willingham, will also join the lineup with his 15 home run, .260 seasons.
Grant Balfour was added to the bullpen for pitching depth. To further bolster that ‘pen, Brian Fuentes has reportedly agreed with the A’s on a two-year contract. Both of these guys had ERAs under 3 last season.
These free agents make Oakland a competitor, as they were just an average team before.
Did it take a lot to sign these guys? Yes, they aren’t minor league cheap guys, but they also aren’t big time free agents worth $15 million per year.
With the addition of a defensive outfielder in David DeJesus, who is a .300 hitter, this club is looking good.
Don’t forget about the dominant starting pitching, either, which is led by youngsters Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill.
And if some injured players regain their form from about two to five years ago, Oakland might just overpower the Rangers.
Conor Jackson had hit .300 in 2009 before taking a hit with injuries. Coco Crisp is always a threat on the base paths.
The Athletics are also set on defense, with Kevin Kouzmanoff at the hot corner and Daric Barton scooping ground balls easily at first.
Beane is up to something, and they can catch up in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels not a great team like it used to be, and the Rangers losing Vladimir Guerrero.
“Moneyball” might just work in 2011.
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