Athletics' Pitching Problem Demands a Quick Fix

The Athletics' next eight games should go well. They have two more games vs. the last-place Angels, followed by a three-game series vs. the Giants, who are 31-44, and expected to be sellers at the deadline. Once that is over, the Athletics will play the Angels once again for a three-game series.

Any good MLB team should be able to win a significant majority of these games. But as we have seen all season, the Athletics have struggled to remain consistent even when their opponents are subpar. We saw this story almost unfold on Friday, when the Athletics fell behind 11-4 against the Angels.

A major reason the Athletics have struggled to remain consistent is their very top-heavy starting rotation, headlined by Gage Jump and J.T. Ginn. But after that, it becomes clear to why this team has been unable to make the next step. This is why the Athletics need to find another starter via trade within the next week or so.

Offense Is Red Hot

In the last 30 days, the Athletics are 9th in MLB in runs scored, 3rd in SLG, and 1st in home runs. This offensive outburst does not seem to be slowing down either. The Athletics have scored 17 runs in their last two games vs. the Angels, which have come from the bats of eight different Athletics.

This proves that the A's have difference-makers at all levels of their lineup, which is why this team needs more help pitching. As mentioned earlier, the Athletics' rotation is very top-heavy, which leaves three out of five games up in the air. This should not be happening with how well the A's offense is playing.

The bottom line is that the Athletics are playing good baseball despite their record and run differential. With one or two moves, this season could end very late in October. And considering how early this prediction is coming, proves that the A's have what it takes to do some real damage down the stretch.