Travis Buck (.265 AVG, .371 OBP, .538 SLG, 6HR, 17 RBI) - A-
With the plethora of healthy outfielders at the start of Spring Training this year (my, how quickly things change), chances seemed slim that Buck, despite tearing up the minor leagues, would be able to break into the big league club, and looked to be starting the season in AAA. However, when Dan Johnson’s injury forced Nick Swisher to first base, the window of opportunity was cracked open, ever so slightly, and Buck took full advantage. Battling through injuries to his wrists and elbow (let’s be honest, ‘Athletics’ this year is synonymous with ‘Injury-ridden’), Buck has put up highly impressive rookie numbers and as the team is coming back
together, he looks to keep a spot in the big league lineup, while staying healthy. If Buck can remain healthy, and keep these numbers steady, he will be a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year, and a huge help to the power-starved A’s.
Shannon Stewart (.276 AVG, .357 OBP, .347 SLG, 2HR, 16 RBI) - B+
Shannon Stewart has just about lived up to his billing, putting together a nice little season so far in the outfield. Despite warning injury reports, he has stayed healthier than the majority of the team, and has been a steady presence in the clubhouse, and on the field. The A’s would like to see him hit with a little more power, but overall, there isn’t much to complain about.
Nick Swisher (.305 AVG, .433 OBP, .537 SLG, 9HR, 32 RBI) - A+
The biggest off-field move for the A’s so far this year was signing Swisher to a contract. More and more every day, he is looking like the best move the A’s have made since they traded Haren for Mulder. Swisher, who could be a Gold Glove candidate at first base, looks as good as any top players in the league right now on offense, and for a switch-hitter to put up the kind of
numbers that he has, it is pretty amazing.
