What the Oakland A's Need to Do This July To Be Alive in October

As the A’s round out their first successful road trip this season with a 6-4 record, their winning percentage sits at .527 (29-26). This is good enough for a half-game out of first place in the AL West.  That corresponds to a final record of 85-77, which may be enough to take the division. 

This is not a bad season, overall. However, a lot can be done to raise this percentage and give the A’s a legitimate chance at a late playoff appearance, and possibly even greater success.

Although the pitching is performing admirably, the A's desperately need to add a power bat to their lineup. One open position is left field. Some possible corner outfielders include Jose Guillen, Josh Willingham, and Corey Hart.

With just one acquisition in left field, the A’s lineup looks formidable enough to contend in the playoffs:

1. Crisp/Davis CF                       
2. Barton 1B            
3. Sweeney RF           
4. Guillen/Willingham/Hart LF
5. Cust DH
6. Kouzmanoff 3B
7. Suzuki C
8. Ellis 2B
9. Pennington SS

With numerous trade pieces looming in the minors, the A’s have all the tools they need to make a deal this July. And with the Mariners struggling and Kendry Morales injured, the West may become a two-team race.

Major prospects such as outfielder Michael Taylor and first baseman Chris Carter should provide a major boost this September or sooner, but the next two months are a perfect time for Beane to make a move. And there is no denying the A’s pitching deserves it.

What do you think?

Who should the A’s go after? Can they win in October with the current offense?