Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
A's position-by-position breakdown: Outfield
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 - 7:45pm
Follow @joestiglich

A glance around the Oakland A’s outfield reveals an impressive variety of skills.

Center fielder Coco Crisp is the speedy igniter atop the batting order. Left fielder Yoenis Cespedes is the middle-of-the-lineup intimidator, capable of changing a game with one swing. And in right field, Josh Reddick brings Gold Glove defense along with run-producing potential.

In 2014, the A’s would like to mesh the talents of all three players more consistently.

Reddick was hampered by a sprained right wrist last year that limited him to 114 games and required offseason surgery. His offensive production fell off dramatically from 2012. Cespedes slugged 26 homers but was erratic with the bat for much of last season. His batting average dipped to .240, 52 points lower than his rookie season.

Should both of those players find some consistency, it would be an in-house boost for a team that has yet to add a true impact hitter this winter.

[RELATED: A's position-by-position breakdown: Second base]

Speedster Craig Gentry, acquired from Texas in early December, brings base running and defensive prowess off the bench, and the A’s are banking that his value trumps the loss of promising outfield prospect Michael Choice, who went to the Rangers in the Gentry deal.

Here’s a closer look at the A’s outfield as we finish off our offseason positional breakdowns:

STARRING CAST: Crisp, who turned 34 in November, has been hopeful of a multi-year extension. His value to the A’s, with his bat and glove, is unquestioned over four seasons with the team.

Though Crisp’s speed has always been his most talked-about asset, the switch hitter surprised everyone with a career-high 22 home runs in 2013. Along with his 21 stolen bases, he was one of just two American League players to post a 20-20 season. Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout was the other.

Crisp again will be looked to as a catalyst from the leadoff spot. The A’s have become more dangerous offensively over the past two seasons largely because they’ve hit more home runs. But it all begins with Crisp getting on base, delivering key hits, making things happen.

Cespedes’ 2013 numbers -- .240, 26 homers, 80 RBI – were viewed as a letdown after his impressive rookie season. But consider he’s one of just two players in franchise history to hit 20-plus homers in his first two major league seasons. Bob Johnson (1933-34) is the other. Still, Cespedes did not take the steps forward that might have been expected in his second major league season. Can he increase his plate discipline and lay off sliders out of the strike zone?

Reddick had another stellar defensive season, and with his rifle arm on one corner and Cespedes’ on the other, it helps cover for Crisp’s subpar arm in center. But the A’s need Reddick’s bat. He hit .226 last season with just 12 homers and 56 RBI. He doesn’t need to replicate his 32-homer output of 2012 – he might never. But if Reddick can be a 20-25 homer, 80-RBI guy, that’s a big upgrade and it will make Oakland’s lineup look a lot deeper.

[RELATED: A's position-by-position breakdown: First base]

CAMP COMPETITION: Gentry was acquired largely as a center field insurance policy for the oft-injured Crisp. But it stands to reason he could also get some time in right if he outplays Reddick early on. As a right-handed hitter, he could also form a natural platoon with Reddick. Gentry is considered a very good defender.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said when Gentry was acquired in December. “We’ve got the DH spot. We didn’t bring him in not to play him. He can spell Coco. He’s played left some. He’s a natural outfielder. We’re pretty certain he’ll be able to play right field, give Josh some days off.”

But Melvin is also encouraged that reports on Reddick’s health are good. The outfielder had arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist in October, and indications are he’ll be full strength at the start of camp.

“There’s always motivation to go out there and have a better season,” Melvin said of Reddick. “Mentally, just knowing that he’s feeling better physically (will benefit him).”

[RELATED: A's position-by-position breakdown: Shortstop]

PAY ATTENTION TO: How the A’s roster takes shape coming out of spring training. They typically keep five outfielders, but given their current collection of players, the A’s could carry as many as six infielders on their Opening Night roster. If that’s the case, it could mean just the four outfielders mentioned above – Cespedes, Crisp, Gentry and Reddick.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Crawford wants to give a new identity to bench
Kevin Kurz details Marleau, Thornton extensions
49ers and Comcast SportsNet announce 10-year deal at Levi's Stadium
Little Joe comes up big for Sharks; Curry to start in ASG

Giants

Chipper Jones accidentally sets woods on fire doing chores
Source: Giants hand multi-year deal to valuable bench piece
Report: Matt Garza agrees to deal with Brewers
Lasorda: 'A-Rod ruined the game'
Read More

Athletics

A closer look at A's Top 10 minor league prospects
Tanaka says Yankees wanted him most
San Jose appeals federal court decision, refiles state lawsuit
Report: Grant Balfour picks Rays over Mets
Read More

Sharks

Sharks chat NOW with Kevin Kurz (1.24.14)
Thornton, Marleau ink deals, but Boyle still without contract
Sharks' Thornton, Marleau come as a package deal
Sharks sign Thornton, Marleau to extensions
Read More

49ers

NFL: Sherman fined for unsportsmanlike conduct/taunting
Jets' Smith receives apology from Virgin America
Jury sentences Brent to 180 days in jail, probation
Sean Taylor's murderer sentenced to 57 years in prison
Read More

Raiders

Browns finally find their head coach in Bills' Pettine
Note to Mark Davis: Pay the women, now, in full
Clowney meeting with teams at Senior Bowl; Raiders on list?
Raiders facing class action lawsuit from cheerleaders
Read More

Warriors

Fast Forward: Lee, Bogut questionable for W's vs. Wolves
Ayesha Curry's Easy Pan Steaks
Poole's NBA Western Conference midseason team awards
All-Star vote continues rise of Curry, Warriors
Read More

NCAA

UCLA smothers Cardinal, snaps Stanford's win streak
Hewitt, Coleman trying to make name at Senior Bowl
Stanford's Murphy torments passers from two positions
Spartans QB David Fales trying to impress at Senior Bowl
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Chipper Jones accidentally sets woods on fire doing chores
(2)
Associated Press

More Stories

Source: Giants hand multi-year deal to valuable bench piece
(28)
Report: Matt Garza agrees to deal with Brewers
(1)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Affeldt talks fitness, Stow fundraiser, Generation Live
YSTL: Affeldt talks fitness, Stow fundraiser, Generation Live
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Lasorda: 'A-Rod ruined the game'
Matt Kemp unlikely to be ready for Opening Day

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Judge rejects San Jose antitrust claims against MLB
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A closer look at A's Top 10 minor league prospects
(1)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Tanaka says Yankees wanted him most
(1)
San Jose appeals federal court decision, refiles state lawsuit
(4)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Melvin faces tough decisions at second base and catcher
Melvin faces tough decisions at second base and catcher
See more >

A's TALK

Report: Grant Balfour picks Rays over Mets
No logos on HOF plaques for Maddux, La Russa
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Sharks chat NOW with Kevin Kurz (1.24.14)

More Stories

Thornton, Marleau ink deals, but Boyle still without contract
(3)
Sharks' Thornton, Marleau come as a package deal
(3)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Kevin Kurz details Marleau, Thornton extensions
Kevin Kurz details Marleau, Thornton extensions
See more >

Features

Sharks sign Thornton, Marleau to extensions
Another shutout for Stalock, goal for Pavelski in Sharks win

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Tigers ride Verlander to shutout win, avoid ALDS collapse
  • Leyland 'slept great' after Game 4 loss
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Fast Forward: Lee, Bogut questionable for W's vs. Wolves
(3)
Monte Poole

More Stories

Ayesha Curry's Easy Pan Steaks
(1)
Poole's NBA Western Conference midseason team awards
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Crawford wants to give a new identity to bench
Crawford wants to give a new identity to bench
See more >

Features

All-Star vote continues rise of Curry, Warriors
Curry named first Warriors All-Star starter since 1995

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Kings buy land for downtown Sacramento arena
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Gay, Cousins 'day-to-day' with left leg injuries
(1)
DeMarcus Cousins among Team USA roster pool
(2)
See more >

Watch

Malone talks Gay, Cousins injuries, loss to Rockets
Malone talks Gay, Cousins injuries, loss to Rockets
See more >

Features

Cousins, Gay leave with injuries, Kings fall in Houston
Kings look to make it three straight wins vs. Rockets

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

NFL: Sherman fined for unsportsmanlike conduct/taunting
(9)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

Jets' Smith receives apology from Virgin America
(5)
Jury sentences Brent to 180 days in jail, probation
(4)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

49ers and Comcast SportsNet announce 10-year deal at Levi's Stadium
49ers and Comcast SportsNet announce 10-year deal at Levi's Stadium
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: 49ers just 'an inch or two' away from Super Bowl
(58)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Browns finally find their head coach in Bills' Pettine
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Note to Mark Davis: Pay the women, now, in full
(25)
Clowney meeting with teams at Senior Bowl; Raiders on list?
(7)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Raiderettes sue Raiders, claim unfair employment practices
Raiderettes sue Raiders, claim unfair employment practices
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Raiders Rewind: Overmatched vs. Broncos
(29)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes sign French midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Wondolowski, Goodson join United States camp
(1)
Who got off easy in the World Cup draw?
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Source: Giants hand multi-year deal to valuable bench piece
(28)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Fast Forward: Lee, Bogut questionable for W's vs. Wolves
(3)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

NFL: Sherman fined for unsportsmanlike conduct/taunting
(9)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Hewitt, Coleman trying to make name at Senior Bowl
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Thornton, Marleau ink deals, but Boyle still without contract
(3)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Roger Goodell, concussions and marijuana...

TOP STORIES

  • A closer look at A's Top 10 minor league prospects
  • Tanaka says Yankees wanted him most
  • San Jose appeals federal court decision, refiles state lawsuit

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

NCAA

Spartans QB David Fales trying to impress at Senior Bowl
Randle's career night lifts Stanford past Washington

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Crawford wants to give a new identity to bench
Crawford wants to give a new identity to bench
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live
  • CSN Talent

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California