Elephant Rumblings: Forst speaks on the team

Jan 28, 2023 - 3:00 PM

Happy Saturday morning everyone!

General Manager David Forst spoke yesterday on some A’s topics, from the recent signing of Aguilar, to the Irvin trade, to the state of some of the starting options and how their recovering from surgery.

The A’s finally made the Jesus Aguilar deal official, with Aguilar taking the roster spot of the just-traded Cole Irvin. Forst spoke on his upcoming role on the team, saying that Aguilar will be playing “most days” at either first base or DH, which shouldn’t surprise anyone with the current options on the roster. That’s generally what he did last year between the Marlins and Orioles, anyway.

It also sounds like Aguilar has been making some adjustments to his batting stance, as well as embracing his new role as a mentor and leader for a young Oakland team:

Just a reminder: he hit 16 home runs last year which would have been third on the team, behind Seth Brown and the traded Sean Murphy. Aguilar will also be getting a very unique number in A’s history:

Forst also provided an update on a couple starting pitching options in Paul Blackburn and James Kaprielian:

Blackburn, if healthy, looks like the most likely Opening Day starter now that Irvin is gone. As for Kap, the A’s could afford to start him on the IL to start the year if he’s not 100% ready from shoulder surgery; they have so many options in the rotation right now that they don’t need him immediately. Also, he’s out of options so if he’s healthy he’ll be with the team, but an IL stint would give the club a chance to take a look at one of the other options for a bit before he returns.

And then Forst finally touched on the Irvin trade, specifically citing that rotation depth as a key reason the organization felt comfortable making the move. He then spoke on the player coming back for Irvin, young infielder Darell Hernaiz:

Everyone seemed to have felt that the return for our Opening Day starter was light, but the scouts saw something that they really liked about him. It’s also clear that from here on out, they’ll be looking to add more position player prospects than arms, at least for now.

A’s coverage:

A’s: Sacramento River Cats broadcaster joining A’s team

Anderson: A’s running out of time to find home in Oakland, Vegas

MLB News & Interest:

Passan: Mets sign McNeil to 4-year extension

Berry: Rays, Fairbanks agree to 3-year extension

Adams: Braves extend manager Brian Snitker

Matheson: Blue Jays adjusting their outfield fences

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