2007 Oakland Athletics

2007 Oakland Athletics / Franchise: Oakland Athletics / BR Team Page

Record: 76-86, Finished 3rd in AL Western Division (2007 AL)

Managed by Bob Geren

Coaches: Brad Fischer, Rene Lachemann, Bob Schaefer, Ty Van Burkleo, Tye Waller and Curt Young

Ballpark: McAfee Coliseum

History, Comments, Contributions

Expectations had not been particularly high for the 2007 Oakland Athletics, although they had won a division title in 2006. General Manager Billy Beane had gotten rid of manager Ken Macha, and star slugger Frank Thomas had signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, although he had been expected to stay in Oakland.

In spite of that, on June 15th the A's were riding high at eight games over .500. And while they slumped in July, they recovered in August to go 17-12 for the month. Finally, though, they played poorly in September, and so they ended up the season several games under .500, and only a three-game losing streak by the Texas Rangers to finish the season kept the Athletics from finishing last.

No regular position player hit .300 or had 30 home runs, but Jack Cust was a big surprise, coming up from the minors partway into the season to hit 26 home runs, leading the team. Mark Ellis, who had struggled with injuries in 2006, hit 19 home runs in 2007 as he appeared in 149 games. Nick Swisher had 22 home runs, down from 35 the year earlier, but drew 100 walks. Dan Johnson, who was plagued with a low batting average for the second year in a row, nevertheless had 18 home runs in 117 major league games.

Eric Chavez continued to hit for a low average, batting in the .240's for the second year in a row.

Young Travis Buck was a bright spot at age 23, slugging .474 in 82 games.

The 2007 pitching staff had lost star Barry Zito to free agency during the off-season, but got a good performance from Danny Haren, 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA. 23-year-old Huston Street had a 2.76 ERA and 16 saves, but injuries forced him to share the closer duty with 37-year-old Alan Embree, who had a career-high 17 saves. Rich Harden, a star earlier in the decade, continued to have injury problems, but posted a solid 2.45 ERA in the few games that he pitched for the A's.

Manager Bob Geren was in his first year as a major league skipper.

Awards and Honors

• All-Star: Dan Haren

2007 MLB season by team