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A's Bullpen Woes: Rookie Inexperience Plagues Team
24 Jul
Summary
- A's bullpen struggles stem from a majority of inexperienced rookies.
- Trading Mason Miller significantly impacted the bullpen's consistency.
- Dennis Santana offers veteran experience and a cheap contract option.
The Oakland A's are facing significant struggles, largely attributed to an inexperienced bullpen. The team's relief corps is predominantly composed of rookies and players with minimal Major League Baseball experience, hindering their ability to secure leads and maintain close games.
Last season, the A's bullpen was considered a strength, but trades and underperformance have dismantled that unit. The departure of pitcher Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres is highlighted as a particularly damaging loss, contributing to the bullpen's current inconsistency.
To address these issues, the A's are reportedly considering acquiring Dennis Santana from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Santana, a nine-year MLB veteran, posted a strong 2.18 ERA in 70.1 innings last season, though his performance has declined this year with a 6.05 ERA. However, his veteran presence could provide stability and mentorship to the young A's staff.
Santana's potential acquisition is seen as a financially sensible move, with his $3.5 million salary being attractive. His addition would also allow for strategic adjustments within the bullpen, potentially moving other arms to different roles and providing immediate high-leverage relief.
