Athletics Lose Series to Mariners

Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images

August 31, 2023

The Oakland Athletics (39–95) dropped two out of three from the Seattle Mariners (76–57) this week. They lost another series in Seattle and helped keep the AL West division race close. The Mariners, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers all sit within one game of each other for the lead in the division. It may very well come down to how well the teams all play against the Athletics in their remaining series. The Athletics travel home for a six game home stand where they will face the Los Angeles Angels and the Toronto Blue Jays.

With their 95th loss of the season the Athletics winning percentage drops to .291 on the season. Along with that they have a -308 run differential, by far the worst in the league. The next lowest run differentials belong to the Colorado Rockies at -197 and the Kansas City Royals at -192. This is with their better offensive play as of late with the additions of Zack Gelof, Esteury Ruiz, and Lawrence Butler. It has been an absolutely dismal season, especially so for their pitching staff. According to sportrelay.com Editor-in-chief Evan Thompson’s Reliever Roundup and Bullpen Bonanza, the Athletics’ bullpen ranks last in the league in run prevention, baserunners, and command. Although they have improved since the beginning of the season. Not being able to prevent runs or throw strikes is a recipe for disaster.

Historically Bad Season

With their .291 winning percentage, the Athletics are on pace for their third worst season in franchise history. This dates all the way back to Philadelphia in 1901. The two worst seasons record-wise in franchise history were in Philadelphia in 1915 and 1916. Those seasons followed a five year span where the team went to four World Series and won three. The 1915 went 43–109 with a winning percentage of .283. The 1916 team was the worst team in franchise history going 36–117, and they had a winning percentage of .235.

Their worst season in Oakland history came in 1979 with a team who lost 108 games and had a .333 winning percentage. Last year’s team lost 102 games and had a .370 winning percentage, good enough for second worst in Athletics history. Continuing with this season, it would easily be the worst two year span in their history as well. In fact, 1979 and 2022 are the only two seasons in Oakland history where the team lost 100 or more games. An incredibly impressive stat for a team known for low payrolls. These last two seasons, unfortunately, continue to be a black eye on a once great organization.

A Glimmer of Hope

With a historically bad team and an owner who is doing everything he can to rip the team from the city it has called home for over 50 years, Athletics fans are looking for anything they can for a glimmer of hope for the future. Zack Gelof has been sensational this season, but isn’t enough to light the fire under the fanbase. In comes outfielder Lawrence Butler, Athletics number four prospect. He made his way from Single-A all the way to the majors this season. That is a very impressive feat for such a young player. Butler was a sixth round draft pick by the A’s in the 2018 draft. Like many young players, he has struggled to find consistency at the plate. Getting used to major league pitching is one of the toughest things to do in sports.

Potential at the Plate

In 59 at-bats, Butler is slashing .237/.262/.373, giving him a .635 OPS and a 79 OPS+. He has two doubles and two home runs with five RBI. What gives A’s fans hope is his incredible power. When he makes good contact with the ball, he hits it harder than any other player on the roster. His two home runs this season have been absolutely crushed. His first major league home run came against the St. Louis Cardinals on the road.

He turned around a 95 mph fastball and hit it 111 mph and 437 feet to right field. His second home run came in the rubber match of this series against the Mariners. Once again he turned on a 96 mph fastball on the hands. This time, he hit it 109.4 mph and 431 feet to the bleachers in right-center field. He needs to work on his discipline, but has proven that he can be an elite hitter when his eye at the plate improves.