Oakland Athletics Struggle While Uncertainty Looms Over Franchise

When it comes to building a team on a budget, the Oakland Athletics are an iconic franchise.

The Athletics and executive Billy Beane were the subject of “Moneyball,” Michael Lewis’ bestselling book in 2003. The book was adapted into a feature film eight years later.

However, Moneyball doesn’t work when ownership orders the front office to slash payroll and jettison high-salaried players. Even Beane and well-respected general manager David Forst haven’t been able to piece together a winner in 2022 following a roster purge in March after the lockout ended.

The Athletics are 21-41 and have the second-worst record in the major leagues ahead of only the Kansas City Royals (20-40).

That is not a surprise after the Athletics traded left-hander Sean Manaea, right-hander Chris Bassitt, first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Matt Chapman. Righty Frankie Montas, reliever Lou Trivino and center fielder Ramon Laureano are among those who also figure to go in advance of the trade deadline Aug. 2.

Looming over the franchise is the never-ending attempt to get a new stadium in Oakland to replace the antiquated RingCentral Coliseum. Owner John Fisher is also having a dalliance with Las Vegas about a potential relocation.

The team’s fans have appeared to reach their breaking point. The Athletics are averaging an MLB-worst 8,569 fans a game.

That, as much as the losing, breaks the heart of veteran Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt. He is in the first year of second stint in Oakland after spending five seasons there from 2013-17.

“It doesn’t bother us as players a whole lot, but I think the fans are being affected by it in a big way,” Vogt said. “As somebody who has spent a lot of my career in Oakland, it makes me sad for our fans and we have great fans, very loyal fans.

“I’ve heard from a number of people, and they just can’t come out to the ballpark anymore. That makes me sad, but I also understand why. We have no control over any of that, but I think all of us just want an answer. I would prefer the A’s stay in Oakland and I think that is what we all want. We just want to know.”

What first-year manager Mark Kotsay would like is for the Athletics to win more games. However, it is difficult with a stripped-down roster that consists primarily of journeyman and is devoid of impact prospects.

Kotsay got a promotion from third base coach in the offseason after the Athletics, allowed manager Bob Melvin to take the same job with the San Diego Padres despite having one year remaining on his contract.

The Athletics reached the postseason six times in Melvin’s 10 seasons and contention had become the organizational standard.

When the Athletics visited Cleveland last weekend for a four-game series against the Guardians, Kotsay commiserated with opposing manager Terry Francona.

Francona was Boston’s manager in 2009 when the Red Sox released Kotsay, who is the midst of a 17-year career as a player. Francona admitted he teared up when he had to break the news.

“I care a lot about him, and I told him that you can’t let this define who you are,” Francona said, referring to the Athletics’ record. “It’s hard because you care, and I know Mark cares a lot. The day you stop caring is when you need to stop and do something else. This league isn’t set up equally and he’s in a tough spot.”

Kotsay’s biggest challenge is keeping the morale up for a team whose season is all but over with 100 games remaining. However, he is embracing the challenge.

“You lean on some of the veterans in the clubhouse, some of the leaders, and for me to get in there and engage with (the players) and not stay in the office,” Kotsay said. “I’ve been sharing the experiences I’ve gone through as a player, as a coach about when rough stretches come and how important it is to stay together to scratch out wins any way you can.”

The wins have been far and few between. The Athletics have had losing streaks of nine and 10 games.

It is not an ideal situation for a first-year manager, but Kotsay is trying to make the best of it.

“It’s more grinding on you if you don’t have the experience of handling it from the manager’s standpoint and trying to separate the emotion as much as you can,” Kotsay said. “I talked about it with (Francona). He’s a very emotional and passionate person who cares about everybody and I think I’m cut from the same cloth.

“I know right now it’s really difficult for all of us. Hopefully, we can look at this as an experience to grow from and understand when you may think it’s bad that it’s not that bad. We’re still playing a game and we’ve got to remind ourselves of that a lot.”