Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Athletics

 The Athletics of the 2010s will be forever remembered for being the most ubiquitous Wild Card team to never make it further than that. The Moneyball II teams in 2012-13 were 1 game away from advancing, both times, but never made it through, both times being felled by the Tigers. And for two straight years, the A's have lost in the Wild Card round to an AL East team; last year's Yankees and now this year's Rays. This year they arguably had a more well-rounded team, too.

Stephen Piscotty had a down year compared to his stronger 2018, as he dealt with injuries, but was still a strong performer, with 44 RBIs in 93 games.
Why Him in 2019?: His strong start paved the way for Mark Canha's wild finish at his position.
2020 Prediction: He will keep his job by the end of the year, but one of his fellow outfielders won't be so lucky.

 Chad Pinder continued his strong bench/extra OF work from last year, hitting .240 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs.
Why Him in 2019?: This was Pinder's fullest season yet.
2020 Prediction: There won't be room for him in Oakland's full outfield plan, so Pinder might have to play some games at 2nd. If the A's get a permanent 2nd baseman, expect Pinder to be gone soon.

 After a few years of partial seasons in Arlington, Jurickson Profar looked to capitalize on his full year as an outfielder in 2018. Despite hitting 20 home runs, Profar hit a measly .218, with only 65 hits in 139 games.
Why Him in 2019?: He managed to have 2 hits in the Wild Card game against Tampa.
2020 Prediction: It's him or Ian Kinsler for the starting 2nd baseman spot in San Diego. Either he has a good year or Kinsler does...and Kinsler's a better player.

 After trying Josh Phegley for a bit, the A's settled on Seth Brown behind the plate. Brown's 26 game audition consisted of 13 RBIs and a .293 average, which gave him the starting gig in the Wild Card game.
Why Him in 2019?: 26 games after debuting, he's good enough to be making appearances in a Wild Card. And he might be a favorite for the starting spot next year.
2020 Prediction: Top 5 ASG voting for catchers.

 Sean Manaea missed several months of 2019, but he eventually stopped by for 5 games in August, notching 4 wins, getting a 1.21 ERA, and striking out 30 batters.
Why Him in 2019?: Cause even short-form Sean Manaea is nasty.
2020 Prediction: A return to ace status, an ASG gig, some Cy Young votes, and some trade talks by 2021.

 In Manaea's place, the A's plotted a few veteran arms, including Marco Estrada and Homer Bailey, but it was Tanner Roark who did the best post-trade deadline, as he had a 4.58 ERA in 10 games as an A, with 50 strikeouts. Not as good as his Reds numbers, but not bad.
Why Him in 2019?: Cause of the notable pair who left the Nats before the ring, he had the better year, and this is how he ended it.
2020 Prediction: A team will try a similar strategy to Cincinnati last year by signing him and letting him build up numbers to bring them up as well. I'd say...Texas has a good shot? Maybe Anaheim? Hell, maybe the Reds again.

And let's end on a sharp rookie- AJ Puk has been in the minors for a while for the A's, and they finally got to see some major league production from him this year. Puk made 10 appearances, had a 3.18 ERA, and struck out 13.
Why Him in 2019?: Cause he might be incredible someday.
2020 Prediction: Puk will start in the bullpen, and potentially get the call to start some games...to much acclaim.

Coming Tomorrow- The young, scrappy and hungry Toronto Blue Jays.