Oakland A's: 5 Possible Midseason Call-Ups for Billy Beane and Company

The Oakland A's, like many teams this year, have underperformed offensively.

Lucky for the A's their system is loaded with enough pitching talent to keep them afloat. But for how long? Dominant pitching will have its rocky patches at times and when that occurs, the offense needs to step up.

So far this year, it hasn't. But don't fear, there are a few possible fixes. Obviously a trade would immediately benefit the Athletics' offense, but doing so could hurt the organization for the long term. The alternative? Call someone up from Sacramento.

The Athletics' AAA squad is loaded with talent that is stuck behind the incumbent starters at the big league level. Tyson Ross has already been dominant since he was slotted into the starter rotation in mid-April. Surely there are more bounties waiting to be unearthed from the minors?

Let us see who Billy Beane and the A's might be willing to give a shot to at some point this season.

Jemile Weeks

Norm Hall/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 04: Jemile Weeks #59 of the Oakland Athletics throws the ball to first base against the Texas Rangers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on March 4, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Jemile Weeks is killing the ball right now; Mark Ellis, not so much.

Though it's tough to knock Mark Ellis for his defense, his offense in 2011 leaves much to be desired. Through May 12th, Ellis is hitting a woeful .185 with only six RBIs to his name.

Jemile Weeks on the other hand is hitting .351 with an OBP of .443 in 24 games. He has a pair of homers and 14 RBIs in 97 at bats.

While it's unlikely that Weeks' numbers will translate to such a high level of success in the majors, the A's really don't have that much to lose by calling him up. Ellis has, unfortunately, been so paltry at the plate that even a .220 batting stint by Weeks would be an improvement.

Weeks has battled injuries throughout his career, but he looks healthy this season and ready to contribute should the A's give him a shot sometime this season.

Adrian Cardenas

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - JULY 08: USA Team All-Star Adrian Cardenas of the Philadelphia Phillies plays the field during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park on July 8, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Adrian Cardenas is another A's prospect who deserves a chance due to poor production at the major league level.

Cardenas doesn't have true position but can play at any of the infield positions. He might be a defensive downgrade, but his .354 average would certainly be an upgrade. He could play third in lieu of Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Cardenas was the centerpiece in the trade that sent Joe Blanton to the Phillies. Cardenas has a career minor league average of just around .300 and could provide a needed spark to the A's under-powered offense.

Joey Devine

Greg Trott/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 25: Pitcher Joey Devine #33 of the Oakland A's delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox on May 25, 2008 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California. Oakland won 6-3. (Photo by Greg Trott/Getty Images)

Okay, he's probably not considered a prospect anymore. But Joey Devine is someone who the A's need to call up from Sacramento as soon as possible.

Devine spent all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. His spring training was less than stellar and he was sent to the minors to find his control.

Believe me, he has found it.

He appeared in nine different games where in 10.1 innings he has allowed four hits and one unearned run with zero walks and 14 strikeouts. In his first year with the A's, Devine had an ERA of 0.59 in 45.2 innings. Given the way he's pitched this year, a similar number doesn't seem to be out of the question.

Michael Taylor

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Michael Taylor #23 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during media photo day at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on February 24, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Michael Taylor is currently injured and his 2010 was less than stellar.

However, on paper Taylor is still an immensely talented player with a chance to a have a very good major league career.

He is due to finish up rehab by the beginning of June. If he has a successful June in Sacramento, we could see Taylor in the big leagues come August. He is a five-tool player who, if he regains his power stroke, could do wonders for the A's and their offense.

Chris Carter

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 12: Chris Carter #22 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Seattle Mariners during the spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 12, 2011 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The potential "savior" of the A's is injured. But when he regains feeling in his hand and gets back to playing shape, he will get a chance to play.

It couldn't hurt to give him a chance. Over his last three minor league seasons he's racked up more than 100 home runs.

His average leaves something to be desired, but he can mash. That is something the A's desperately need. They are near the bottom of the league in home runs and batting average. If Carter can bat a respectable .250 and slug anywhere near .600, the A's would be more than happy to oblige giving him playing time, in either the outfield or at the DH position.

It's clear the A's need a boost and Sacramento could be the provider, but it may require a few drastic roster moves that could ruffle the feathers of the organization.

Either way, the pitching is good enough to keep them competitive, but a boost from the minors could push them into contender status.