Oakland MiLB Postseason Round-Up

Following the abysmal 2013 campaign in the sense that Oakland only produced a lone affiliate postseason representative in that of Beloit, Oakland overcame their minute drought with Stockton and Midland surging forth into September despite the untimely collapse of Sacramento and thus depriving the A's organization of three full season ballclubs entry to games past Labor Day. Stockton, pertaining to an absolutely dominant stretch through the latter portion of the summer, was slain two bouts into their first appearance since 2011 while Midland bested their competition en route to a nine contest romp towards a Texas League championship crown to claim Oakland their first MiLB league title since the 2009 Rockhounds ballclub. Daniel Robertson and Beau Taylor starred as the lone farmhands to tightrope both postseason squads with the absence of Hiroyuki Nakajima and Blake Forsythe to season ending injuries that conclude their tenure as Athletics with both having been cast to free agency with the conclusion of the campaign while Oakland's prospect jewel, Matt Chapman, was bestowed with a permanent postseason post at 3B for the Puppy Dogs with the departure of Jefry Marte to the disabled list as well. Without any tangible statistical sample sizes arriving from Stockton due to their unexpected demise, Midland's stretch does raise some intrigue with numerous roster members now departing forth outside of the A's system while Matt Chapman and Beau Taylor have made claims to shuffle depth charts for the approaching 2015 assignments with their performances as fruitful spring crusades could boost their potential standing within the organization. More so a rewarding sequence for an A's developmental staff that had been deprived from a crown for a half decade, Midland's climb to the title has given some much needed morale for the Texas League bunch and partially assisted in Midland reaffirming their affiliation with the Athletics with a recently announced extension through the 2016 as the Rockhounds continue to remain as Oakland's most loyal MiLB ballclub with their East Bay partnership having been cemented since 1999. 

Statistical Records: 

Stockton -

Chad Pinder: 9 PAs, 2-8 (3 K)

Matt Olson: 9 PAs, 3-7 (3 2B/BB/K)

Renato Nuñez: 9 PAs, 1-9 (3 K)

Ryon Healy: 9 PAs, 0-9 (4 K)

Jaycob Brugman: 8 PAs, 3-8 (2 K)

Tyler Marincov: 8 PAs, 0-8 (2 K)

Bobby Crocker: 3 PAs, 0-3 (2 K)

Boogie Powell: 4 PA, 2-4

Chris Lamb: 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 HR), 0 BB, 8 K, 2 GB/2 FB

Brendan McCurry: 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 3 GB/0 FB

Austin House: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 GB/0 FB

Tim Alderson: 3 1/3 IP, 8 H, 6 R (1 HR), 0 BB, 4 K, 3 GB/1 FB, 2 HBP

Rodolfo Fernandez: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 GB/1 FB

Michael Ynoa: 1/3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 GB/1 FB, HBP

Bobby Wahl 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 HR), 0 BB, 2 K, 0 GB/0 FB

Josh Bowman: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 HR), 0 BB, 1 K, 3 GB/2 FB

Stockton/Midland -

Daniel Robertson: 39 PAs, 7-29 (HR/9 BB/3 K/HBP). 9 PAs, 2-5, 4 BB with Stockton. 

Beau Taylor: 28 PAs, 6-20 (HR/2 2B/3 BB/2 HBP/3 K). 9 PAs, 2-5, HR, 2 BB, 2 HBP with Stockton. 

Midland -

Matt Chapman: 35 PAs, 9-32 (2 HR/2 2B/3 BB/4 K/SB)

Kenny Wilson: 40 PAs, 9-38 (3B/2B/2 BB/10 K/2 SB)

Conner Crumbliss: 30 PAs, 2-19 (HR/5 BB/3 K/HBP/SB)

Max Muncy: 41 PAs, 9-34 (2 HR/3 BB/6 K/SB)

Jeremy Barfield: 40 PAs, 9-30 (3 2B/9 BB/4 K/HBP)

Kent Matthes: 41 PAs, 8-33 (HR/2 2B/4 BB/7 K/3 HBP)

D'Arby Myers: 18 PAs, 5-17 (2B/BB/4 K)

Blake Forsythe: 12 PAs, 2-9 (3 BB/2 K)

Hiroyuki Nakajima: 2 PAs, 1-2

Chad Oberacker: 5 PAs, 0-5 (3 K)

Dusty Coleman: 39 PAs, 9-39 (HR/2B/12 K/SB)

Bruce Maxwell: 2 PAs, 0-2

Nate Long: 3 GS/ 17 2/3 IP, 16 H, 2 ER (1 HR), 5 BB, 9 K, 21 GB/11 FB

Murphy Smith: 3 G/ 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 11 GB/1 FB

Marcus Walden: 4 G/ 8 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K, 9 GB/3 FB

Tim Sexton: 1 GS/ 3+ IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 5 GB/1 FB

Ryan Doolittle: 2 G/ 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 3 GB/1 FB

Frank Gailey: 4 G/ 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 3 GB/2 FB

Ryan Dull: 5 G/ 4 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 8 GB/0 FB

Jose Flores: 6 G/ 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R (1 HR), 3 BB, 6 K, 6 GB/2 FB

Chris Jensen: 2 GS/ 10 1/3 IP, 14 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 12 GB/6 FB

Omar Duran: 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Shawn Haviland: 2 GS/ 9 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 7 BB, 7 K, 6 GB/8 FB

Deryk Hooker: 1 GB/2 G/ 7 2/3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 6 BB, 9 K, 7 GB/1 FB

Matt Chapman, after having been plopped into the extraordinarily advanced caliber of competition from Beloit and three months removed from Big West collegiate adversaries with CSU-Fullerton, exceeded expectations with his replacement stint for Midland while exhibiting his remarkable defensive capabilities coupled with exceptional disciplinary displays with a mere four punchouts versus Texas League arms following an unfathomably massive jump from the Midwest League through 38 plate appearances (Including his regular season debut going 0-3 through Midland's seasonal finale). His two dingers included one smacked ~390 feet to pull center against the wind while his second was an opposite field poke that was assisted graciously by the blustery Texas jetstream that demonstrate his mighty power potentiality with at the very least a consistent opposite field approach as Chapman easily made contact to all fields during his Midland tenure. The undisputed best defensive infield asset for Oakland with a stunning amount of arm strength, Chapman now firmly stands in contention to acquire more Texas duties through 2015 even should he initially be slotted upon Stockton's roster. The 21 year old Dove Canyon native amassed four multiple hit outings through his eight Midland postseason appearances to produce a 9-32 (4 XBH/3:4 BB-K) result as one of the Rockhounds' most pivotal catylsts during their championship run. 

Daniel Robertson, following his 2-5 (4 BB) stint for Stockton which unfortunately didn't correlate with his fellow Ports teammates, was lifted towards Midland to acclimate to his 2015 place of residency for the Puppies and amassed a 5-24 (HR/5:3 BB-K) output for the Texas bunch as his permanent second base post in favor of Dusty Coleman at shortstop. With Dusty Coleman departing for free agency and equally displaying a gaudy plate approach that saw him accumulate 212 strikeouts for Midland (Postseason included) that nearly assuredly shall prevent him from inking once more with Oakland and challenging Robertson, the former 1st round supplemental selection shall seemingly be placed firmly at SS defensively barring another free agent acquisition with Chad Pinder unable to approach Robertson defensively. Robertson won't remain at the position however unless significant and seismic improvements to the defensive intangibles and instincts are shown during the upcoming season as scouts unanimously view Robertson as a major league second baseman with periodical stints at shortstop for utility purposes as the Southern Californian native occasionally plays back on grounders and has fringy range to his right that aren't traits exhibited by premiere shortstop prospects. Still, with the depression of middle infield defense within the A's organization, Robertson will undoubtedly continue to be planted at the position until his MLB debut. 

Jeremy Barfield tied Robertson for the most pristine disciplinary record of the postseason with a 9:4 BB/K through his 40 PAs including three doubles and a 9-30 production that could salvage his standing with another organization as a MiLB free agent this offseason. Conner Crumbliss wound up 2-19 with a HR and 5:3 BB/K through 30 PAs as the diminutive utility specialist smacked a whopping six sacrifices for Midland in his seven playoff bouts and featured as the most "selfless" offensive component for the Doggies. Kent Matthes crushed a desicive three run blast during Midland's first Texas League championship series contest to secure a victory while enduring three HBPs and gunning two baserunners from the corner outfield to complete his stint within the A's midst going 8-33 with 3 XBH and a 4:7 BB/K. Bruce Maxwell only appeared within a lone contest for the Hounds in relief of the then departed Blake Forsythe following a gruesome home plate collision and went 0-2 while never starting a contest behind the plate or at DH as the Midland staff opted to bench the struggling German born and Alabama native backstop after a tumultuous transition towards the Texas League as he has succumb to the increase of competition that has stunted numerous other Oakland farmhands. Still possessing untapped power capability and vastly improved defensive instincts, Maxwell shall acquire another attempt within Texas to flash his ability and sat due to Midland's coaching bunch reverting to a pure winning mentality never witnessed within minor league baseball outside of the postseason. Beau Taylor, displaced to Stockton in favor of Maxwell, ironically leapt over him to claim permanent starting duties at backstop following his Stockton stint in which Taylor predictably demolished inferior competition he had already conquered two seasons prior that included opening the Stockton playoff crusade reaching off his initial six plate appearances. Taylor went 4-15 with 2 XBH and three punchouts for the Canines and thus shall attempt to salvage his career during spring for the Floridean teetering non-prospect status. Opening 0-12, Max Muncy additionally burst forth en route to a probable PCL assignment for the native Texas and disciplinary oriented prospect with two consecutive outings with a HR plus a 4-5 effort during Midland's definitive title series.

Nate Long starred with a 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 13 GB/1 FB to dispatch Tulsa during the first contest of Midland's clinching set in the championship deciding series as the elderly statesman of the Rockhound rotation anchored the staff with his crafty offspeed oriented repetiore. Deryk Hooker turned in a marvelous Game 4 outing as well as the MiLB free agent acquisition the previous December shall undoubtedly latch onto another organization while still being fairly youthful for an arm fluctuating between AA and AAA at 25 years of age during the 2015 MiLB opening day with outstanding movement despite frustrating inconsistency with his control. Marcus Walden, the Fresno native and previous Sacramento rotation member, obliterated Texas League bats with a 8 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K, 9 GB/3 FB result that could bode well for the former Oakland 40 man roster asset exploring free agent opportunities this offseason. Ryan Dull, Jose Flores and Murphy Smith each rose upon the mound with sublime performances that greatly bolstered Midland's chances in the playoffs as the Puppies scrapped together plus production from their pitching contingent following the gutting of their previous outstanding arms midseason. Drew Granier, considerably Midland's lone technical pitching prospect regarding major league upside, was not permitted to participate due to his impending AZFL assignment this Fall and his upcoming Rule 5 eligibility this December despite his control struggles and a strikeout philosophy that has gotten him into precarious situations on the hill. 

Dusty Coleman, Kenny Wilson, D'Arby Myers, Jefry Marte, Ryan Doolittle, Omar Duran, Frank Gailey, Tim Sexton, Jose Flores, Jeremy Barfield, Kent Matthes, Shawn Haviland, Deryk Hooker, and Marcus Walden now all depart outside of the organizations barring any potential re-signs as the hefty majority of the Midland squad shall not present any sort of prospect reward in regards to major league ramifications for the Athletics. Max Muncy, Matt Chapman, Bruce Maxwell and Daniel Robertson still present outstanding positional potentiality heading onward while Chris Jensen, Ryan Dull and Nate Long at the very least shall contend for PCL berths come April. Michael Ynoa, Austin House, Seth Streich, Tanner Peters, Matt Chapman, Boogie Powell, Raul Alcantara, Matt Olson, Kris Hall and Renato Nuñez are each expected to compete and participate upon Midland's 2015 squad either to open or later towards the Fall (In cases of Streich and Alcantara recuperating from surgery) with an unbelievably prospect laden ballclub supplanting the buzz surrounding Stockton's 2014 cast. They figure to present the most intriguing farmhand mix within the Oakland organization on paper at the moment for the 2015 season. 

The Brendan McCurry Novelty

The breakthrough sensation of the 2014 Oakland draft class thus far, Brendan McCurry has shot forth from anonymous 22nd round selection to the cusp of Midland with an absurd amount of deception and vicious offspeed movement. Restrained from the upper reaches of the draft comparatively based upon age, lackluster fastball velocity and an extraordinary uncommon novelty of dueling arm slots, McCurry has fittingly silenced initial skepticism buzzing around him prior to ascending towards the Texas League after abusing Midwest League offenses en route to a pair of successful Stockton appearances for the Sooner (Or rather Oklahoma State Cowboy). Additionally wielding a grasp of a decent changeup with major league average projection, McCurry could potentially be destined for a rapid major league shuttle with pitch movement unparalleled within the Oakland system. While still doubtful as the organization shall likely have the righty commence within Stockton to open 2015 even should he obliterate spring opposition due to Midland bullpen overcapacity and brass will respectfully opt to witness McCurry's progress in a more gradual format, he still possesses the potentially to barrel through the affiliates with his quirky and devastating repetiore. Mixing traits of Tucker Healy and Heath Fillmyer with consistent repetition of combative and vastly seperate low 3/4th and over the top arm slots, McCurry places a firm bid to barge through prior to the 2015 campaign as Oakland's undisputed and quintessential pure relief prospect. 

Including the postseason, McCurry's exquisite statistical romp produced a 31 IP, 16 H, 1 R (1 HR), 3 BB, 40 K result with a mere three XBH permitted coupled with a GB/FB ratio north of 3.50 as the righty excessively and consistently induced weak contact alongside a definitive control of the strike zone while occasionally demonstrating command as well. Winding up more effective versus righties, McCurry punched out 31 of the 64 RHB he's grappled with professionally thus far with like-handed opposition going 9-59 with.1 XBH (2B) as opposed to LHB with a 6:1 K/BB through 37 encounters with southpaws. While still generating outstanding movement and therefore able to tread water versus lefties in the Midwest League with his sidearm approach far more potent against righties, McCurry may have to be restricted specifically towards ROOGY status should the strikeout percentages not increase as he ascends and takes on more fearsome bats that shall be able to recognize and decode McCurry more effectively. Still, his performance as a 22 year old has been spectacular with two potential plus offerings in that of his curve and slider which correspond with his specific arm slot being utilized. McCurry technically boasts nine pitches if you count offerings utilized with different slots with a split finger, fourseam, twoseam, changeup, slider and curveball while merely opting for his FB, CH and SL with the sidearm approach. His fastball, primarily 87-90 MPH while occasionally touching 91, showcases more velocity when opting for his higher arm slot and is unanimously the least reliable of his four offerings despite demonstrating late life and snap on it. Having to entirely be predicated upon deception, repetition, and command with a significantly minuscule frame, it's easy to recognize how McCurry slid dramatically during this past June as establishing his fastball versus Texas and Pacific Coast League competition may not necessarily bode well. There are specific, albeit extremely seldom seen, examples of inferior fastballs versus a more tangible caliber of competition such as Paul Smyth with Sacramento, a slider specialist having to entirely rely upon his 80-82 MPH predominant secondary with a well subpar 88-89 MPH fastball bolstered through deception who starred as one of Sacramento's more dependable 2014 bullpen assets with a 56:14 K/BB through 59 frames desipite 9 HR permitted. Usually elevating his arsenal, Smyth was ripe for dingers while McCurry pertains to blatantly superior movement and strike zone placement with rivaling deception and command to that of the Kitty Cats' PCL All-Star Game representative in something that presents some optimism for the elderly draftee and former middle infielder who more recently had begun to commit entirely to the mound. Considering McCurry also wields numerous fastball variations to keep bats honest even upon incessantly scouring his reports, the Oklahoma State alumni ought to have an opportunity to overcome his velocity shortcomings.

What is there to make of a 5'10" righty who shifts arm slot on purpose to capitalize and maximize upon matchup and deception while garnering 40 4SFB (45), 45 (50) 2SFB, 45 CH (50), 55 SL (65) and 55 CB (65) grades? Most likely a relief and situational specialist as a realistic major league probable outcome with the ceiling of an All-Star late inning asset. McCurry's outstanding statistical output shall be extraordinary difficult to duplicate heading onward however especially versus advanced offenses, as expectations must be tempered for the Stillwater native and roadbumps shall undoubtedly be encountered and addressed as a natural portion of McCurry's developmental path. Still boasting some of the best movement and arguably a slider to contend with Dillon Overton and Bobby Wahl for the best throughout the A's system, McCurry is still assuredly an intriguing bullpen project to monitor as he steadily climbs upwards towards Oakland. 

Oakland A's MiLB POTM Awards: August

       (Photo Courtesy of: Donn Parris) 

With the final month of the Oakland campaign having reached its conclusion throughout the nation, the last slough of accolades are prepped to be distributed following an eventful July that brought breakthrough stints for Tyler Marincov that ignited his Stockton promotion and Dillon Overton en route to his New York-Penn League dominance. During the fifth month of minor league proceedings througout the organization, once more the majority of outstanding performances originated from the prospect hub of Stockton with Daniel Robertson, Bobby Crocker, Ryon Healy and Jaycob Brugman each having orcastrated phenomenal campaigns offensively with Stockton additionally having tightened a commanding stranglehold upon the Cal League with an astonishing 85-59 record. Ryan Mathews, Conner Crumbliss, Beau Taylor and Nick Buss partook in successful concluding crusades as well, but none of the remaining contenders wound up approaching the Stockton juggernaut for August:

April: Tyler Ladendorf/Seth Streich

May: Stephen Vogt/Michael Ynoa

June: Renato Nuñez/Seth Streich 

July: Tyler Marincov/Dillon Overton

August Player of The Month: Jaycob Brugman - 

Despite anticipated regression to close his mindblogging effort within California, Jaycob Brugman's absurd power demonstration with a stretch of 10 HRs blasted through 10 days coupled with his 11 HR milestone for August, the first player in the Oakland organization to achieve an 11 HR month since Chris Carter with Stockton in August of 2008, easily stamps him as another Stockton monthly award representative with the southpaw furthermore having placed himself within contention for a 2015 Midland berth to commence his second MiLB full season. The evenly graded 6'0"/195 pounder had astounded with his arm strength while presenting a projectable swing and athleticism that plopped the BYU alumni into the clutches of Oakland within the 17th round of the 2013 Draft prior to his debut Vermont assignment. Brugman struggled while acclimating to professional repetiores amongst his fellow NYPL competitors with a lackluster .261/.301/.382 statistical output along with a 7:48 BB/K through 176 plate appearances prior to the offseason and a full season task following his preliminary Arizona spring warm-ups. Brugman burst forth in Wisconsin during an otherwise abysmal campaign for Beloit as their most consistent and reliable offensive contributor with minimal down stretches to produce a .278/.371/.484 slash and 35:65 BB/K (12.6% BB%) that saw the 22 year old corner outfield farmhand shipped westward to Stockton to assist with the Ports' postseason hopes. Having already established himself profoundly within the Central Valley thanks to the favorable dimensions of Banner Island for lefties, Brugman has firmly entrenched himself within Stockton legend for his dinger exploits in one of the more memorable offensive weeks in A's organizational history. Brugman's demonstrated power displays have been largely attributable to the California League atmosphere with the projectable right field prospect figuring to amass more modest totals in that regard. Still with zero glaring deficiencies throughout the entirety of his cumulative tool package outside of some strike zone/offspeed pitch recognition refinement still to be focused upon, Brugman profiles as a reserve outfield asset upon reaching a major league plateau with his ceiling residing in that of a starting right fielder. Offering a glimpse of his potentiality and probable ceiling through Mid-August, Brugman easily absconds with the prize following his fellow Beliot and current Stockton outfield companion in that of Tyler Marincov. 

Runner-Up: Beau Taylor -

Another Stockton representative, Beau Taylor had floundered through three seperate stints within Midland offensively as the organization opted to displace Taylor back towards California in favor of Bruce Maxwell to better acquire starting duties consistently and hopefully tweak issues present amongst the often difficult Texas League transition. The more-so offensively oriented asset, Taylor's plus attribute present at the plate resided within his disciplinary capabilities, a trait not observed throughout the majority of his Texas tenure while still failing to consistently recognize and evaluate major league average potential offspeed offerings on his current assignment with the Ports. Regardless, Taylor has demonstrated an improved ability to turn off of fastballs for Stockton as he has since obliterated inferior California League arsenals predicated upon the fastball with a mindboggling .333/.435/.533 result through 138 PAs within his second Stockton go-around with an even .200 ISO (15 XBH/5 HR) after thwacking a mere 6 HRs through his entire Midland duration between 2012-2014. Specifically through August, Taylor obliterated competition as he gave Stockton a crucial outlet offensively to lean upon as they steadily rose towards the postseason with a .333/.436/.542 month coupled with a 19:26 BB/K. Taylor's catching abilities alone won't be able to provide him with further opportunities such as Iolana Akau and Santiago Chavez and thus shall have to hit his way upwards to the PCL and the majors. This demotion and corresponding success could ignite the since forgotten farmhand however as he shall have to challenge Bruce Maxwell upon the Oakland MiLB catching depth chart come March to retain his prospect status going forward. 

Honorable Mentions: 

Conner Crumbliss - .323/.404/.525, 115 PAs, 12 XBH (4 HR), 11 BB, 11 K, 3 HBP, 3 SB (0 CS)

Daniel Robertson - .368/.429/.504, 133 PAs, 13 XBH (1 HR), 13 BB, 17 K, 2 SB (1 CS)

Max Kuhn - .333/.400/.456, 101 PAs, 8 XBH (1 HR), 9 BB, 24 K, 3 SB (1 CS) 

Sandber Pimentel - .341/.434/.523, 53 PAs, 15-44 (4 XBH/1 HR), 7 BB, 6 K

Bobby Crocker - .319/.407/.489, 108 PAs, 10 XBH (2 HR), 14 BB, 35 K, 9 SB (0 CS)

Nick Buss - .342/.435/.410, 138 PAs, 6 XBH (1 HR), 18 BB, 18 K, 5 SB (1 CS)

Argenis Raga - .417/.463/.583, 41 PAs, 15-36, 4 XBH (2 2B/2 3B), 3 BB, 3 K

Jeremy Barfield - .275/.400/.478, 85 PAs, 8 XBH (2 HR), 15 BB, 19 K

Santiago Chavez - .098/.156/.098, 46 PAs, 4-41 (0 XBH), 2 BB, 13 K, 69% CS% (9 of 13 basestealers thrown out) 

August Pitcher of The Month: Dillon Overton - 

Claiming the accolade for the second consecutive month, Dillon Overton eviscerated short season caliber positional foes to an even more extreme extent through his concluding month prior to the offseason as the lanky southpaw neutralized NYPL offenses with a 15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 22 K line while with the Monsters. Resulting in an encompassing and statically exquisite 0.91 FIP, Overton has additionally increased his velocity to 87-90 MPH recently from his initial 83-86 fluctuation to commence his campaign alongside a plus potential slider flashed in bursts accompanied by a solid changeup seldom witnessed within the NYPL. Demonstrating a present semblance of command, Overton has frightening potential to streak through the organization upon his Beloit/Stockton debut and arrive within Texas towards the latter portion of the upcoming summer. The lefty amassed a cumulative 37 IP, 30 H, 8 ER (0 HR), 4 BB, 53 K, 1.25 GB/FB short season result through his induction into the Oakland organization with additional promises of slight velocity increases to follow Overton as he ascends. Possibly having achieved even more comical statistical outputs and the probability of a 50 strikeout month should Overton been permitted to exceed his three inning limitation, the Oklahoma native strolls towards another monthly pitching excellence award for the A's. 

Runner-Up: Chris Lamb -

Essentially recognized for his resounding performance in Rancho Cucamonga in which the southpaw amassed a 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 17 K line, Lamb joins Nate Long (July) as the second individual within the A's organization to accumulate a 40 strikeout month with a 35 IP, 28 H, 11 R (3 HR), 9 BB, 41 K result. Having broken through to establish himself for Texas residency for the upcoming spring, Lamb's outing versus the Quakes propels him towards the cusp of the POTM honors narrowly being bested by Dillon Overton's consistency and precision: 

"Having already had a successful California League induction, Chris Lamb's breakthrough 2014 rampage through Beloit and Stockton culminated in a historic and awe inspiring outing in which Lamb abused an unsuspecting Rancho Cucamonga lineup for an unprecedented 17 strikeout performance. Additionally, Lamb tied the California League record for consecutive punchouts with 10 amassed straight including a mindboggling duration of fourteen struck out of a cumulative fifteen batters faced, with the lone exception occurring upon an infield single. Concluding with a final 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 17 K result, Lamb shattered the previous placeholder of Arnold Leon's 13 strikeout outing for Sacramento during July that knotted Sean Murphy's start in Burlington during the 2012 campaign for the single most punchouts having been accumulated through a lone appearance over the past three seasons. More so reminiscent of Pedro Martinez than the 11th round acquisition from the 2011 draft proceeding that embarked on his third consecutive Midwest League assignment to open his 2014, Chris Lamb suddenly has since amassed three seperate double digit strikeout performances for Stockton with the remainder of the organization having only produced six during this season (Tim Atherton, Arnold Leon, Zach Neal, Matt Buschmann, Jake Sanchez, Nate Long). The Berkley native has burst forth from the cusp of non-prospect status forth towards a probable Midland assignment to commence the 2015 campaign in a remarkable sequence for the southpaw in one of Oakland's most prominent storylines to have emerged from the previous few months"

Honorable Mentions: 

Jesus Zambrano - 29 IP, 26 H, 8 ER (1 HR), 7 BB, 25 K, 27 GB/20 FB

Mike Fagan - 7 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 10 K, 9 GB/2 FB

Daniel Gossett - 10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 15 K, 6 GB/4 FB

Matt Stalcup - 34 1/3 IP, 32 H, 9 ER (3 HR), 7 BB, 30 K, 31 GB/30 FB

Brendan McCurry - 12 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 15 K, 14 GB/5 FB

Zach Neal - 39 2/3 IP, 41 H, 13 ER (3 HR), 4 BB, 27 K, 38 GB/35 FB

Austin House - 10 2/3 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 14 K, 14 GB/0 FB

Ruber Aquino - 7 1/3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 4 GB/5 FB