Checking out the Young Talent (Part 1 Hitters)

This new group of young players looks very promising. Now as long as Beane doesn't trade these guys a couple years down the road when they are peaking, as he did with Haren, Harden, and Swisher, we have the opportunity to be dominant for many years, possibly even become a dynasty (but that may be a little optimistic looking at the other teams in the AL). But looking at the promise and potential of this group, it's tough to believe otherwise. Here are some of the players to look for in the near future, as well as some guys who I hope the A's keep for awhile.

Carlos Gonzalez: This kid is special. Aquired as one of 6 players in the Dan Haren deal in December, he's only 22 years old and is the perfect combination of speed, power, average, and defense! Called up on May 30th, he has become the starting center fielder for the A's, hitting .280 with a .430 slugging percentage and a .747 OPS. Even more impressive, since the All-Star Break, he's been hitting .325. While he's only hit 3 HR's on the season, the power he showed in the minors will come with a little more big league experience. Defensively, he's already a regular on Baseball Tonight's Web Gem's and has an incredible arm. Carlos has everything he needs to be a force in the league for years to come.

Ryan Sweeney: Also able to play CF because of his speed and range, him and Carlos Gonzalez will more than likely be splitting time between CF and RF for awhile. Sweeney, 23, may not have the power that Gonzalez will have, but will still be a threat at the plate as a #2 or maybe 3 hitter. Sweeney leads the A's in batting this year, hitting .307 with a .358 OBP and a .760 OPS, tremendous numbers for a 23 year old rookie. He has also stolen 8 bases, a good total considering he missed 15 games in early June. Look for Sweeney to be a key part of the A's outfield for awhile.

Kurt Suzuki: The real deal behind the plate. In his first full season starting behind the dish, Suzuki is hitting .300 with a .400 slugging percentage and .754 OPS. Suzuki is also solid defensively, holding a fielder's percentage of .992. He's improving with the pitchers, holding a CERA (the ERA of the pitcher with him behind the plate) of 3.52. Suzuki is only 24 years old and has the tools to become an excellent catcher and leadoff hitter for the A's.

Travis Buck: Although Buck has had injury problems in his 2008 campaign, he really impressed in 2007, his first season in the majors. Buck, a 2nd round pick in 2005 out of ASU hit .288 with a .377 OBP, .474 SLG, and .851 OPS, killer numbers for a rookie. He's also very young at 24. If Buck, Gonzalez, and Sweeney can stay healthy adn continue to improve, the A's can have 3 outfielders in the All-Star Game consistently in a few years.


Others to watch out for:
Jesus Guzman, 24, 3B, hitting .359 with a .414 OBP, .562 SLG, and .976 OPS in Double-A Midland.
Daric Barton, 22, 1B, has been struggling with injuries in 2008, but hit .347, with a .429 OBP, .639 SLG, and 1.068 OPS in his ML stint in 2007 (18 games).
Eric Patterson, 25, Utility, could play 2B or OF, hit .320 for the Cubs AAA team and is hitting .366 with a .422 OBP, .756 SLG, and 1.178 OPS for the A's AAA affiliate. Also, stole 24 bases last year for the Cubs AAA affiliate and stole 37+ bases in his previous 4 seasons.
Gergio Petit, 23, 2B, hit .292 in AAA ball this year before he was called up. Petit is hitting .348 for the A's with a .400 OBP in 12 games.
Cliff Penington, 24, SS, the A's number 1 pick in 2005, is hitting .286 with a .413 OBP in 45 games for the AAA River Cats.