Jack Cust: a big hit in Oakland

[Auggie]

Eight home runs in 14 games, leading all players in the month of May as of Sunday, the 20th.

He had only 4 major-league-at-bats in the last three years until joining the Athletics on May 6th. He's bounced around four teams in the minors until multiple injuries to Oakland starters (Mike Piazza, notably) led to his acquisition from the San Diego Padres.

He's very selective at the plate and doesn't swing at pitches even slightly out of the strike zone. He's drawn a lot of walks too.

[Mojambo]

1. He can't hit anything that isn't straight

The reason he takes pitches so much is that he simply won't swing at breaking balls.

As soon as pitchers begin tossing bendy stuff over the plate it'll only be a matter of time until he's back in the minors, or Japan.

Looks like it has started already. 2 for his last 28.

I think he's a fun player to root for, but there's a reason he hasn't stuck anywhere.

[Auggie]

2. Fourteen home runs at mid-season

Batting .288 with 38 RBIs. That's with only 156 at bats in 48 games.