Oakland Athletics: A Look Back at the Good and the Bad in 2016
The 2016 season was a strange year for the Oakland Athletics. Coming out of Spring Training, no one expected the A’s to contend deep into September, but it was still surprising to see just how disappointing their season turned out to be.
In many ways, this wasn’t the fault of the players themselves. Injuries plagued both the pitching staff and the offense, with a lengthy list of players incurring season-ending surgeries before the campaign had even begun.
However, there were plenty of other issues as well.
“Clubhouse chemistry” continued to be an issue for the A’s, eventually culminating in a physical fight. In an embarrassing moment for the Athletics, utility man Danny Valencia sent Billy Butler to the disabled list with a concussion, following a clubhouse disagreement. Butler was later released from the team, and although Valencia finished out the season, his return is questionable for next year.
The season also brought to light questions about Billy Beane’s leadership. Once revered as the infallible king of “moneyball”, Beane’s lack of clear direction this year created frustration for fans and players alike.
The A’s roster was a mix of “win now” and “rebuilding” players, as if Beane wasn’t quite sure which way to go. Khris Davis and Ryan Madson would have fit right in on a contending team, but Ross Detwiler and Brett Eibner are hardly household names. Rebuilding years are necessary for small-market clubs, but the A’s seemed hesitant to go all-in on the idea. That lack of direction significantly contributed to the struggles of the team.
With that being said, there were plenty of pleasant surprises in the 2016 season as well, including an outstanding trade and a few surprise performances Let’s review some of the highs and lows from 2016: