Tonight marks the first of thirteen contests this season with the division rival A’s. Ken Korach, who’s a staple in the A’s booth serving as lead announcer since 2006, joins The Crawfish Boxes for an in-depth series preview:
Q: What’s the ceiling for Nick Kurtz? How dominant can he be?
A: I think his ceiling is as high as it could be. There are several reasons.
His 36 home runs came in 117 games and his first was in his 17th game. So even if he doesn’t keep up that pace, at least 40 this year seems likely. Now, if you look at the numbers, his walk rate increased significantly after his 4-homer game. He’s going to get that kind of treatment, but there is plenty of protection in the lineup. This is as deep a lineup as the A’s have had since their post-season days.
A couple of other things. Often young power hitters get jumpy with their stride and swing and become too pull conscious. Half of his homers last year were to left center and left. He has a very mature approach.
Even though the ballpark in Sacramento is certainly a hitter’s park, his numbers—barrel rate, exit velocity, bat speed—were elite. He can hit anywhere. And, he’s a hitter, not just a power hitter.
Q: Give our readers an idea, who are the leaders in the clubhouse for the A’s and how and what can we expect this weekend with attendance and overall fan support in the stands?
A; Brent Rooker is the unquestioned leader in the clubhouse. He has a backstory that enables him to relate to everyone. Yes, he’s a two-time all-star who’s hit 99 homers in 3 years with the A’s, but after being a high draft choice, he drifted through 3 organizations before joining the A’s and started to wonder if he’d ever make it. He’s a student of the game and not afraid to speak up.
Regarding fan support, that’s not an easy question to answer since the situation is unique. Leaving Oakland, now entering the 2nd of 3 years in Sacramento, and much of the focus is on Vegas in 2028. I think momentum is building in Vegas, especially with the announcements of two more contract extensions (Wilson and Soderstrom) in the off-season, and the stadium being on schedule. They are starting the process of selling tickets and the response has been good.
They drew about 9,500 per game in Sacramento last season. I thought the attendance was fine. There are around 10,500 permanent seats in the ballpark and another 2,000-2,500 on the lawn areas beyond the outfield fence. It’s a minor league ballpark. That’s the reality for two more years.
Q: From the outside looking in, it feels like the pitching has lots of talent and arms that are in between AAA and the Majors. Perkins & Morales come to mind. What can you tell us about them and maybe some other young players?
A: Yes, Perkins and Morales. Morales has opened the season in the rotation. He had a really nice couple of months last year. Perkins will be in the PCL. He’s probably going to be either a starting or bullpen option this year. He did both in the spring.
A couple of guys to keep an eye on: Gage Jump and Kade Morris. Wouldn’t surprise me if both were with the A’s this year. Morris might be considered more of a sleeper, but he’s gaining a lot of traction in the organization. Has the ceiling to be a legitimate MLB starter. Everybody knows Jump from his time at LSU, His velocity has increased and he has a chance to make an impact this year.
Q: Finally, thoughts on facing the Astros this weekend?
A: I think the Astros will probably be better this year. The A’s certainly know them well. Look at the end of last season’s schedule as an indication that the A’s think they can go toe-to-toe with them. The A’s swept 4 games in Houston in July and took 2 out of 3 in late September in Sac. One thing to keep an eye on. The schedule is challenging to say the least. We started in Toronto, went to Atlanta and after these three games with the Astros, we then turn back around and go to New York for the Yankees and Mets. Crazy. 12 of 15 on the road to start the season in the east, and all 15 contests against contenders.
