For Stephen Piscotty the Cali life is the only thing he knows. He was born and raised in Pleasanton California, played for the University of Stanford, and is now playing for the Oakland Athletics. Piscotty was traded from the Cardinals for 2 low level prospects. Piscotty will be on the young side of 28 entering 2018 who's ready to have a bounce back year. Stephen struggled last year, being sidelined from the game with multiple injuries and from his mother being diagnosed with ALS in 2017. With his health not at 100% and putting his time and focus towards his mothers health lead to Piscotty only playing in 107 games batting .232 with 9 home runs and 39 rbi's. In 2016 Stephen played in 153 games batting .273 with 22 home runs and 85 rbi's which is the Stephen you can expect to see in 2018. Piscotty's advantages are his hitting and arm. He has above average power with a solid swing that can hit to all parts of the field with a low strikeout rate. For his fielding he has enough speed to cover Oaklands spacious outfield and has an above average arm with solid accuracy always hitting his cut-offs and sometimes gunning some runners at the plate. Piscotty needs to realize that the A's won't be competing in the West until another 2-5 years. Luckily for him the contract that he signed in 2016 with the Cardinals won't end until 2022. This gives Stephen the time to grow with the team, become a leader of the A's, be a valuable piece to there playoff runs in the future, and will definitely be a fan favorite for being a Cali kid. The only problem Stephen might encounter next year is not to on the field but at home. ALS is a terrible disease that takes the ones we love away from us with no way of us helping to make the process easier. One of my favorite coaches mothers had ALS who was a very sweet lady and was grateful enough to help raise money for ALS and to meet her before she passed away. It was hard to watch my coach handle taking care of someone that you knew couldn't be saved, so I can't imagine how hard it is for Stephen Piscotty and his family right now. It does help a lot that he is close to home so he can go see his mother whenever but the worse she get's the harder it will be for Stephen to stay focused on the game but who could blame him. If Stephen can find the perfect middle of balancing his work and family then we can see the Stephen Piscotty from 2016 then the bad Piscotty in 2017. With the Swingin A's having Kris Davis who went back to back 40 homer seasons, a rejuvenated Jonathan Lucroy, and a young core with Dustin Fowler, Matt Olson, Franklin Barreto, and Jorge Mateo on the way. We can project Piscotty batting in the heart of the lineup preferably 3rd playing in 125-155 games batting .270-295 with 18-28 home runs, 80-100 rbi's and a couple outfield assists to watch on Top 10 plays. Stephen's a good player and I hope for the best for him and for his family one day we will strike out ALS for good sooner than later just have faith. Stephen's now in his element and is time for the Cali native to prove what he's got.
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