Majors: Organization Reports: Oakland Athletics: 2011
Athletics' Carignan Returns From Injury Detour
Dec. 2, 2011
Not long ago, righthanded reliever Andrew Carignan was on a skyrocket ride toward the major leagues. "I was knocking on the door," he said. "I was on the ultimate fast track. Then I got hurt, and that derailed me pretty quick." [...] Continue Reading »
Feinstein Returns To Athletics To Assist In 'Everything'
Nov. 18, 2011
The Athletics wasted no time this offseason to make a big acquisition, but not one that will take the field. Dan Feinstein returned to the organization in late October as director of professional scouting and baseball development, but his position will encompass far more duties. [...] Continue Reading »
Weeks Rewards Athletics With Breakthrough Year
Nov. 4, 2011
Through his first three professional seasons, second baseman Jemile Weeks' career seemed like a series of injuries interrupted by a few spectacular moments on the field. The reward came with a fully healthy season in which he batted .303/.340/.421 in 406 at-bats for the Athletics. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Vision For Future Hinges On Home Base
Oct. 14, 2011
If the Athletics are locked in Oakland, they may choose to build a more competitive team for the immediate future, though the organization has struggled to develop its own middle-of-the-order offensive threat. [...] Continue Reading »
Slugger Allen Learns To Diversify Game With Athletics
Sep. 29, 2011
First baseman Brandon Allen struggled through his first three professional seasons before he got the message: One can collect hits by staying back and hitting the offspeed pitch to the opposite field. "I learned to have an approach and started to stick to it. You can't just go up there and swing," he said. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Final Report
Sep. 16, 2011
Correspondent Casey Tefertiller selects end-of-season awards for the Athletics organization, naming a best player, best pitcher and a player to monitor in 2012. [...] Continue Reading »
Slimmed-Down Straily Defies Odds With Athletics
Sep. 2, 2011
Athletics righthander Dan Straily didn't make his Springfield, Ore., high school team as a freshman, but he eventually became the team's top pitcher. "I've been told too many times that I didn't have what it took to be a baseball player," Straily said. These days, he's a successful professional pitcher in high Class A. [...] Continue Reading »
Day Of Reckoning Nears For Athletics Catcher
Aug. 18, 2011
Catcher Anthony Recker made the Triple-A all-star team this year, and he is poised for what may be the biggest moment of his career. At the end of the season, the Athletics will have to decide whether to place him on its 40-man roster or risk losing him as a minor league free agent. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Sogard Reaps Benefit From Versatility
Aug. 5, 2011
Despite a track record for hitting in the minors, Athletics second baseman Eric Sogard had not been afforded much big league opportunity. He took it upon himself to alter perceptions by learning a new position. [...] Continue Reading »
Higher Arm Slot Yields Results For Athletics' Godfrey
Jul. 21, 2011
A higher arm slot boosted righthander Graham Godfrey's velocity, which led to minor league success and, ultimately, a notable big league debut. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Midseason Report
Jul. 12, 2011
Athletics correspondent Casey Tefertiller hands out midseason awards for the system's best player, biggest leap forward and biggest disappointment. [...] Continue Reading »
Improved Slider Keys Magnuson's Breakout For A's
Jun. 23, 2011
The Athletics called on 26-year-old righty reliever Trystan Magnuson in mid-June to fill a hole in the bullpen. He's made great strides in Triple-A this season by learning to throw a four-seam fastball and slider. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Bank On Competitiveness Of Top Pick Gray
Jun. 6, 2011
Athletics scouting director Eric Kubota said of Sonny Gray, "He is an incredible, incredible competitor." Oakland made the Vanderbilt righthander its first-round selection at No. 18 overall. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Big Three Propel Burlington To Fast Start
May. 20, 2011
The Athletics' low Class A Burlington affiliate roared to a Midwest League-best 28-9 record thanks to the circuit's lowest ERA (2.56) and WHIP (1.08). For that a trio of college pitchers from last year's draft was most responsible. [...] Continue Reading »
Famous Tutor Revives Mitchell's Athletics Career
May. 5, 2011
After two difficult seasons, outfielder Jermaine Mitchell's fortunes changed last season when he began talking with Athletics roving instructor Rickey Henderson. [...] Continue Reading »
A's Simplify Choice's Swing To Tone Down Strikeouts
Apr. 25, 2011
The Athletics love center fielder Michael Choice's power, but they hope his modified swing will help cut down his strikeouts. [...] Continue Reading »
Jai Miller Seeks Stability, Opportunity With Athletics
Apr. 8, 2011
After suiting up for three organizations in 2010, Jai Miller seeks stability with the Athletics. While he didn't break camp in the big leagues, he put himself in position for a quick callup from Triple-A Sacramento. [...] Continue Reading »
A's Pick Up Where Yordy Cabrera's Father Left Off
Apr. 4, 2011
An Athletics second-round pick last June, Yordy Cabrera spent his early years in his native Dominican Republic, but at age 14 he called his father Basilio, a manager and hitting instructor in the Tigers system, and told him that he wanted to live with him in the U.S. [...] Continue Reading »
Haviland Earns A's For Aptitude On Diamond
Mar. 16, 2011
When righthander Shawn Haviland left Harvard, he knew he still had a thing or two left to learn. His lessons continued courtesy of two Athletics coaches whose education came on the diamond, not the ivy-covered halls. [...] Continue Reading »
Vets Crowd Carter Out Of A's Outfield . . . For Now
Mar. 3, 2011
Athletics slugger Chris Carter stands as the system's top power prospect and the fount of great optimism. But the A's have earmarked five roster spots for veteran outfielders, leaving Carter on the bubble for 2011. [...] Continue Reading »
Navy Lt. Johnston Attempts To Catch On With A's
Feb. 18, 2011
Jonathan Johnnston, a 27-year-old catcher and 2006 graduate of the Naval Academy, refuses to give up on his dream of playing in the big leagues. He served the last three years on active duty, but this spring he's in camp with the Athletics. [...] Continue Reading »
Shipman Shows Promise In A's Instructional League
Feb. 7, 2011
Athletics third-round pick Aaron Shipman, a center fielder, made serious noise in instructional league, drawing attention for his advanced level of play at the age of 18. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Horton Puts Injuries Behind Him In Breakout
Jan. 20, 2011
For two ugly years, shortstop Josh Horton battled injuries and just wondered what might happen if he could stay healthy. The Athletics farmhand found out last season when he made the Texas League all-star team. [...] Continue Reading »
Spina Reworks Swing After Signing With Athletics
Jan. 6, 2011
First baseman Mike Spina could hit home runs, and hit them in bunches. But the Athletics knew they had work to do with their 11th-round pick from Cincinnati in 2009. [...] Continue Reading »
Veteran A's Triple-A Pitching Coach Earns Promotion
Dec. 17, 2010
Rick Rodriguez spent 10 seasons as pitching coach for the Athletics' Triple-A Sacramento affiliate, but an offseason coaching shuffle elevated him to a big league coaching gig. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Carignan Returns From Injury Detour
Dec. 2, 2011
Not long ago, righthanded reliever Andrew Carignan was on a skyrocket ride toward the major leagues. "I was knocking on the door," he said. "I was on the ultimate fast track. Then I got hurt, and that derailed me pretty quick." [...] Continue Reading »
Feinstein Returns To Athletics To Assist In 'Everything'
Nov. 18, 2011
The Athletics wasted no time this offseason to make a big acquisition, but not one that will take the field. Dan Feinstein returned to the organization in late October as director of professional scouting and baseball development, but his position will encompass far more duties. [...] Continue Reading »
Weeks Rewards Athletics With Breakthrough Year
Nov. 4, 2011
Through his first three professional seasons, second baseman Jemile Weeks' career seemed like a series of injuries interrupted by a few spectacular moments on the field. The reward came with a fully healthy season in which he batted .303/.340/.421 in 406 at-bats for the Athletics. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Vision For Future Hinges On Home Base
Oct. 14, 2011
If the Athletics are locked in Oakland, they may choose to build a more competitive team for the immediate future, though the organization has struggled to develop its own middle-of-the-order offensive threat. [...] Continue Reading »
Slugger Allen Learns To Diversify Game With Athletics
Sep. 29, 2011
First baseman Brandon Allen struggled through his first three professional seasons before he got the message: One can collect hits by staying back and hitting the offspeed pitch to the opposite field. "I learned to have an approach and started to stick to it. You can't just go up there and swing," he said. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Final Report
Sep. 16, 2011
Correspondent Casey Tefertiller selects end-of-season awards for the Athletics organization, naming a best player, best pitcher and a player to monitor in 2012. [...] Continue Reading »
Slimmed-Down Straily Defies Odds With Athletics
Sep. 2, 2011
Athletics righthander Dan Straily didn't make his Springfield, Ore., high school team as a freshman, but he eventually became the team's top pitcher. "I've been told too many times that I didn't have what it took to be a baseball player," Straily said. These days, he's a successful professional pitcher in high Class A. [...] Continue Reading »
Day Of Reckoning Nears For Athletics Catcher
Aug. 18, 2011
Catcher Anthony Recker made the Triple-A all-star team this year, and he is poised for what may be the biggest moment of his career. At the end of the season, the Athletics will have to decide whether to place him on its 40-man roster or risk losing him as a minor league free agent. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Sogard Reaps Benefit From Versatility
Aug. 5, 2011
Despite a track record for hitting in the minors, Athletics second baseman Eric Sogard had not been afforded much big league opportunity. He took it upon himself to alter perceptions by learning a new position. [...] Continue Reading »
Higher Arm Slot Yields Results For Athletics' Godfrey
Jul. 21, 2011
A higher arm slot boosted righthander Graham Godfrey's velocity, which led to minor league success and, ultimately, a notable big league debut. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Midseason Report
Jul. 12, 2011
Athletics correspondent Casey Tefertiller hands out midseason awards for the system's best player, biggest leap forward and biggest disappointment. [...] Continue Reading »
Improved Slider Keys Magnuson's Breakout For A's
Jun. 23, 2011
The Athletics called on 26-year-old righty reliever Trystan Magnuson in mid-June to fill a hole in the bullpen. He's made great strides in Triple-A this season by learning to throw a four-seam fastball and slider. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics Bank On Competitiveness Of Top Pick Gray
Jun. 6, 2011
Athletics scouting director Eric Kubota said of Sonny Gray, "He is an incredible, incredible competitor." Oakland made the Vanderbilt righthander its first-round selection at No. 18 overall. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Big Three Propel Burlington To Fast Start
May. 20, 2011
The Athletics' low Class A Burlington affiliate roared to a Midwest League-best 28-9 record thanks to the circuit's lowest ERA (2.56) and WHIP (1.08). For that a trio of college pitchers from last year's draft was most responsible. [...] Continue Reading »
Famous Tutor Revives Mitchell's Athletics Career
May. 5, 2011
After two difficult seasons, outfielder Jermaine Mitchell's fortunes changed last season when he began talking with Athletics roving instructor Rickey Henderson. [...] Continue Reading »
A's Simplify Choice's Swing To Tone Down Strikeouts
Apr. 25, 2011
The Athletics love center fielder Michael Choice's power, but they hope his modified swing will help cut down his strikeouts. [...] Continue Reading »
Jai Miller Seeks Stability, Opportunity With Athletics
Apr. 8, 2011
After suiting up for three organizations in 2010, Jai Miller seeks stability with the Athletics. While he didn't break camp in the big leagues, he put himself in position for a quick callup from Triple-A Sacramento. [...] Continue Reading »
A's Pick Up Where Yordy Cabrera's Father Left Off
Apr. 4, 2011
An Athletics second-round pick last June, Yordy Cabrera spent his early years in his native Dominican Republic, but at age 14 he called his father Basilio, a manager and hitting instructor in the Tigers system, and told him that he wanted to live with him in the U.S. [...] Continue Reading »
Haviland Earns A's For Aptitude On Diamond
Mar. 16, 2011
When righthander Shawn Haviland left Harvard, he knew he still had a thing or two left to learn. His lessons continued courtesy of two Athletics coaches whose education came on the diamond, not the ivy-covered halls. [...] Continue Reading »
Vets Crowd Carter Out Of A's Outfield . . . For Now
Mar. 3, 2011
Athletics slugger Chris Carter stands as the system's top power prospect and the fount of great optimism. But the A's have earmarked five roster spots for veteran outfielders, leaving Carter on the bubble for 2011. [...] Continue Reading »
Navy Lt. Johnston Attempts To Catch On With A's
Feb. 18, 2011
Jonathan Johnnston, a 27-year-old catcher and 2006 graduate of the Naval Academy, refuses to give up on his dream of playing in the big leagues. He served the last three years on active duty, but this spring he's in camp with the Athletics. [...] Continue Reading »
Shipman Shows Promise In A's Instructional League
Feb. 7, 2011
Athletics third-round pick Aaron Shipman, a center fielder, made serious noise in instructional league, drawing attention for his advanced level of play at the age of 18. [...] Continue Reading »
Athletics' Horton Puts Injuries Behind Him In Breakout
Jan. 20, 2011
For two ugly years, shortstop Josh Horton battled injuries and just wondered what might happen if he could stay healthy. The Athletics farmhand found out last season when he made the Texas League all-star team. [...] Continue Reading »
Spina Reworks Swing After Signing With Athletics
Jan. 6, 2011
First baseman Mike Spina could hit home runs, and hit them in bunches. But the Athletics knew they had work to do with their 11th-round pick from Cincinnati in 2009. [...] Continue Reading »
Veteran A's Triple-A Pitching Coach Earns Promotion
Dec. 17, 2010
Rick Rodriguez spent 10 seasons as pitching coach for the Athletics' Triple-A Sacramento affiliate, but an offseason coaching shuffle elevated him to a big league coaching gig. [...] Continue Reading »
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