Baseball Viral

A rousing youth movement has the A's more excited than ever about their future, but expectations must be tempered in the coming year while they practice patience with a rebuild. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2Cjd4wA

When Haley Alvarez finished her internship with the Oakland A's two years ago, she began searching for her next opportunity, understanding the A's didn't have any full-time positions available at the time. But a couple of weeks later, she received a call from the club's general manager, David Forst, asking her if she would like to attend scout school, with the A's as her sponsor. That started Alvarez on a path that eventually led her back to the A's in a full-time role. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2C89ilg

The 2017 season was a time of transition for the A's, who made promises of a rebuild and better days ahead amid a third consecutive last-place division finish. A sluggish start prompted the club to give the young guys a shot, and they responded with a 36-37 record in the second half, finishing on a 17-7 run with a core of baby-faced hitters who are igniting a roster renovation. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2lwJ310

Sandy Alderson got a contract extension last week to continue one of the most distinguished careers ever inside and outside of baseball, and his new deal reminded me of our chat before that Mets' game against the Braves when we discussed the old days. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2litj2s

When word began to spread that Carlos Santana had agreed to a free-agent contract with the Phillies, Indians catcher Yan Gomes fired off a text to his long-time teammate. Santana was well-liked inside Cleveland's clubhouse and productive on the field, but his departure does not damper the Tribe's expectations for 2018. from CLE Homepage News http://ift.tt/2lyjDQI

There has been a shift of power in the American League East, and for the first time in three years, the Blue Jays will enter the upcoming season as clear underdogs in the division. Here's a closer look at the top five pressing questions facing the Blue Jays as they enter 2018. from TOR Homepage News http://ift.tt/2ltVdZs

The Indians hoped to have a parade to plan at the end of this past season, but instead, they were dealt a disappointing first-round exit from the October stage. Still, Cleveland's 2017 campaign was one of the most remarkable regular seasons in franchise history. Here is a look at five of the Indians' best moments from 2017. from CLE Homepage News http://ift.tt/2CsknPg

The Blue Jays' 2017 season began with high expectations, but a lack of depth and countless injuries made sure it never really got off the ground. Toronto placed 25 players on the disabled list in 2017, which resulted in 1,394 games lost to injury and eliminated any hopes of contending. The Blue Jays dropped to last in the American League East on Opening Day and remained there until the final day of the regular season. from TOR Homepage News http://ift.tt/2C03drm

Jonathan Mayo breaks down a list of an even dozen prospects -- six hitters and six pitchers -- who seem primed to have big 2018 seasons and who could, as a result, land on our Top 100 at some point in the current year. from TOR Homepage News http://ift.tt/2E7PHmU

Gregor Chisholm answers questions about defense, up-and-coming players and more. from TOR Homepage News http://ift.tt/2pOdYLx

Why was the Tribe willing to sign Yonder Alonso over a cheaper option? Any extension plans for Andrew Miller and Cody Allen? Beat reporter Jordan Bastian opens up the Inbox from CLE Homepage News http://ift.tt/2pO4GPF

Omar Vizquel wasn't the best shortstop of all time. But he outlasted all of the other greats at the most important defensive position in the game, and that's part of why I wound up voting for seven players on the 2018 Hall of Fame ballot, not just the five that were automatics for me. from CLE Homepage News http://ift.tt/2lehcU1

The consensus opinion is the A's need an experienced starting pitcher in 2018 after trading away Sonny Gray last season. A's beat reporter Jane Lee tackles this issue and more in her latest Inbox. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2C5YzvZ

Jonathan Mayo breaks down a list of an even dozen prospects -- six hitters and six pitchers -- who seem primed to have big 2018 seasons and who could, as a result, land on our Top 100 at some point in the current year. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2lf0wvx

Jim Callis looks at the five clubs who improved their prospect stocks the most in the past year, led by the Oakland Athletics. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2BYokyb

In 2000, the Oakland A's made 27-year-old Jason Isringhausen their closer. Four years later, the Houston Astros made 27-year-old Brad Lidge their closer. Up to that point, both pitchers had sketchy baseball careers. Both had been wrecked by injuries. Both had been tried as starters and, for various reasons, it didn't work out. from OAK Homepage News http://ift.tt/2pMyIDl