Getting to know the Oakland A’s with Golden Gate Sports
Well the Detroit Tigers earned a victory in game one of the 2012 ALDS last night, and they are now nine victories away from the ultimate goal of a World Series championship. Even though they only have to beat the Oakland A’s three times it is very important not to look past this young team that is cleary on the rise. DJC took some time out to chat with our compatriots over at Golden Gate Sports to get to know this Oakland A’s team a little better.
Oct 6, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (4) makes a play at second base to force out Oakland Athletics shortstop Cliff Pennington (2) during the fifth inning of game one of the 2012 ALDS at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
Editor Eric He took some time out of his schedule to sit down and chat all things ALDS:
We asked Eric the following:
Who is the one A’s player the Tigers fans should know and why?
This is a tough question, because there are so many players this year who came out of nowhere to lead this team to the playoffs. But one who stands out is Yoenis Cespedes, the Cuban defect who would have been Rookie of the Year if not for Mike Trout. Like Trout, Cespedes is a five tool player who has tremendous power and plays great defense. Tigers pitchers should look out for this guy.
How do the young A’s win this series?
I think the key to this series for the A’s is to beat Justin Verlander in Game 1 (they failed in that but made him earn it. However, beating JV once is tough and the A’s will have to do it twice if this series goes five) and establish the momentum early. Beating one of the best pitchers in the game will give them confidence to think that they can beat anybody. Plus, earning a split in Detroit means that they just have to win 2/3 at home to take the series.
How do the A’s strengths line up with the Tigers weaknesses?
The A’s biggest strength is their ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark, which can turn a game around in an instant. They need to continue to do this in the playoffs, and need to take advantage of any Tigers’ pitcher not named Verlander.
How is this series different than the 2006 ALCS?
The 2006 ALCS was the last time that the A’s were in the postseason, and ironically it was against the Tigers. Obviously, it didn’t go well for the A’s, who were swept in four games. It’s going to be much different this time around because unlike 2006, Oakland comes in as an underdog. They never expected to be in this position, whereas the ’06 team had much higher expectations.
What is your series prediction?
On paper, I have to go with the Tigers in four. But something tells me that the A’s are going to give Detroit a run for the their money. After what they’ve done this season, I would not be surprised at all if they pull off yet another upset.