A Minor Review of 2008: The Athletics

The Graduate: Daric Barton | Born: August 1985 | First Baseman

Daric Barton was being counted on to help carry the offence in 2008, but he regressed significantly after a promising minor league career and brief cup of coffee in the Majors in 2007. The former catcher, who was acquired in the trade with St. Louis for Mark Mulder, hit just .226/.327/.348 in 446 at-bats after posting a career minor league line of .299/.411/.455. He likely put too much pressure on himself to drive in the big runs. He should get a second chance in 2009 and is still only 23 years old.

The Riser: Vince Mazzaro | Born: September 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Vince Mazzaro made huge strides in 2008 after struggling in both 2006 and 2007. He began the year in Double-A, where he was dominating. Mazzaro posted an ERA of 1.90 and allowed just 115 hits 137.1 innings. He posted rates of 2.36 BB/9 and 6.82 K/9 with his repertoire of a low-90s fastball, plus change-up and developing curveball. He was roughed up a bit during a late-season promotion to Triple-A and allowed 49 hits in 33.2 innings of work. On the plus side, Mazzaro’s other rates held and his BABIP was .404.

The Tumbler: Henry Rodriguez | Born: February 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

The hard-throwing Venezuelan took a big step backward last season after getting pounded in Double-A, in part due to inconsistent command and in part due to the lack of a reliable breaking ball. Henry Rodriguez can throw 92-96 mph and even touch 100 mph, but better hitters can sit on the pitch. He second best pitch is a change-up. He has a ways to go to harness his stuff after posting a rate of 9.66 BB/9 in 41 Double-A innings.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Rashun Dixon | Born: August 1990 | Outfielder

Rashun Dixon is not a typical A’s draft pick. The athletic, but raw, outfielder was considered the best hitting prospect in Mississippi and had committed to play football in college. He has the potential to be a 30-30 player if he can harness his abilities. He struck out far too much in his debut in rookie ball (38 K%) but he slugged 10 triples and posted an ISO of .263. Patience is required, as Dixon should move slowly through the minor league system.

The ’09 Sleeper: Andrew Carignan | Born: July 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A 2007 fifth round pick, Andrew Carignan has done nothing but post solid numbers in his pro career. The late-game reliever spent most of 2008 in Double-A, in his first full pro season. Carignan allowed just 36 hits in 52.2 Double-A innings but walked too many (6.66 BB/9), while striking out a ton (11.45 K/9). Once he develops better command, Carignan could challenge for a set-up role in Oakland.

Up Next: The Florida Marlins