In a year where Josh Reddick was arguably ousted from the American League All-Star team, Oakland Athletics fans can eat the chip on their shoulders—as the right fielder did against his former employer.
Reddick was named American League player of the week due in large part to his first career grand slam against Bobby Valentine’s struggling Red Sox in the 20-2 massacre in Oakland.
The Athletics’ OF accounted for four home runs, 10 RBI, 12 hits and scored six times over their flawless week that left the Red Sox and Cleveland Indians winless against Oakland.
The American League is no cakewalk for top-notch player-of-the-week contenders.
Reddick prevailed over the likes of other AL standouts such as Texas Rangers‘ Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Mike Trout—ever heard of them?
Not only did Reddick produce on the offensive front, but also made the replay reel for a diving stab during Oakland’s visit to Cleveland, preserving Brett Anderson’s two-hitter in the series opener.
Reddick joined Oakland’s player-of-the-week fraternity with fellow teammates Yoenis Cespedes and Brandon Moss that received the unique recognition earlier this season.
The award was born from Reddick’s lineup demotion where he batted in the sixth spot against the Indians in the opening game of the series.
Bob Melvin, who has been notorious this year for crafting the perfect lineup, dropped Reddick from his normal third spot due to his struggling bat.
Apparently, this ignited Reddick’s inner slugger.
Reddick rode the sweep of the Indians into the three-game bout against the Red Sox where the potentially spiteful former employee played with vengeful intent. It was a perfect storm.
Oakland’s man-of-the-hour currently leads the A’s in homers with 28.
Though Reddick missed the opportunity to accompany Ryan Cook to Kauffmann Stadium in Kansas City for the All-Star Game, MLB has awarded recognition where it was due.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox and Indians, it came at their expense.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com