This is W A R !!!
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This Fangraph's tool lets you compare the WAR values position by position for all 30 MLB teams.
The A's currently rank 10th out of the 30 MLB teams.
But our 162 game regular season with a few small exceptions for NL team match ups will be played against American League teams.
…this is how the A's compare, position by position, with those 15 American League teams:
POS / WAR / AL rank …worst rankings at top.
SS /1.2 /14
RF/ 1.0 /13
DH /0.8 /12
2B /1.5/ 11
SP/ 5.4 /9
RP/ 0.6 /8
3B /3.3/ 4
LF /1.9 /3
CF /3.0/3
CA /2.3/ 3
1B /2.9/ 2
Lets Make Lemonade from the lemons:
SS Improving. A fulltime healthy Elvis is improving as the season progresses and appears capable of providing near average production at SS consistently. His veteran instincts add a high baseball IQ and smart reactions to the ball in play. He motivates our prospects to stay focused & ready for when he might like time off. Pinder getting some playing time at SS can help. Machin adds AAA depth. A trade is not likely this year and may be unneeded with only a 2 year tear contract. WAR at SS should improve enough to put that 1.2 WAR in the rear view mirror and join the middle MLB rankings, 2.? with our existing A's players by July/August.
RF Improving. Lately Piscotty is hitting as we fans always thought he would. Seth Brown isn't though and needs to adjust to opposing pitcher's adjustments. Additional team depth is available and prospects are at AAA waiting for their chances so there is no need for outside talent to be added at this time. Hard to believe WAR dropped to 1.0.
DH While wishing for more production DH is best served by Moreland + existing players. A's should join the top 6 AL teams by July/August.
2B Their splits suggest a strong platoon of Lowrie vs LHP & Kemp vs RHP will right this. Lowrie, 37, should respond well physically to such a platoon. (Knees). Amazingly the upgrade to this low WAR is already on the roster.
SP Astros WAR is 5.7, A's 5.4, …we got this!
RP RP Roles have been up in the air, mild bullpen chaos. Players that come to work knowing what to expect always have more confidence and that is when most are at their best. A's Bullpen roles will have to be better defined and that takes time. Bullpen assignments are basically earned. Luzardo in the pen has to be great for him and the pen. Hopefully Puk joins soon also. Pending those outcomes probably will decide if we trade for more relief help. For now? ...stand pat, define roles, wait until mid-July to fill any voids.
3B Great @ Top 4! & Improving! Chapman appears closer to getting his stroke back.
LF Great @ Top 3! Canha, Brown, Pinder, Kemp, Barrera...
CF Great @ Top 3! But Ramon to IL? Canha, Bolt, Barrera, Reed...
C Great @ Top 3! Should be #1 in AL soon.
1B Great @ Top 2! Should be #1 in AL soon.
Conclusion: Lots to still do but baring injuries trades can be put on hold until July/August..