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MESA, Ariz. — The A’s finally got an up-close look at the many young sluggers that are expected assemble one of the most potent lineups in baseball.
Khris Davis, Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Stephen Piscotty were among the the bevy of power hitters who took part in live batting practice for their first full-squad workouts of spring training on Monday at Fitch Park.
Even when Khris Davis doesn’t get all of it, the ball still goes a long way. #Power pic.twitter.com/11kNkb31Hf
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 19, 2018
Davis, whose 85 home runs over the past two seasons are second only to Giancarlo Stanton’s 86, leads a high-powered offense which finished fourth in the majors last season with 234 homers.
With a full season out of Matt Olson and Matt Chapman on deck, the A’s are expected to surpass that total this upcoming season.
Matt Chapman. Another guy who rakes. pic.twitter.com/w9nAmX9nS5
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 19, 2018
Chapman hit 16 home runs in 204 at-bats last year. Having received plenty of praise for his Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base last year, people may have overlooked his power potential.
Not only does A’s manager Bob Melvin expect Chapman’s power numbers to go up, he believes he will transform into a better all-around offensive threat.
“I know he has plans to do it,” Melvin said. “It’s not just power. Each and every year you try to be a better hitter. I know he was working hard in the offseason about shortening the swing a little bit. He’s got a lot of power and my guess is we’ll see a two-strike approach at some point in time once we get into games. He’s a pretty good two-way player.”
New A’s outfielder Stephen Piscotty pic.twitter.com/jfxRn2yDJ5
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 19, 2018
A’s top prospect Franklin Barreto pic.twitter.com/3IzSkQTxRC
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 19, 2018
