Eric Martins on A’s ROTY candidates (Wilson, Kurtz); value of Mason Miller

Athletics third base coach Eric Martins joined The Allen Stiles Show to discuss Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson competing for the American League Rookie of the Year, the value of holding onto closer Mason Miller, and plenty more.

With the All-Star break in the rearview, Martins discussed what most players, coaches, and staffers do throughout the break.

Plus, with rookie Nick Kurtz continuing to find a rhythm, could he and All-Star starting SS Jacob Wilson be competing for Rookie of the Year honors?

They discuss how that reality speaks to the talent level on the Athletics’ roster.

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, there have been recent rumors about the team wanting to hold onto closer Mason Miller.

Martins has his perspective on having a top-tier closer, especially considering he believes the team is not far from competing.

“To have an elite closer, like we do right now, and give him up for prospects, you’re basically waiving the white flag,” Martins told Stiles.

“And, honestly, we’re super close with our talent that we have to contend here really soon and when you’ve got somebody like Mason who’s under control for the next few years and being one of, if not the best, closer in the league, it’s hard to give up unless somebody is going to wow you. So, that is out of my pay range… but I can see why we would be skeptical to move him just to move him.”

Other topics discussed include:

• Nick Kurtz continues to look more comfortable in his rookie campaign
• When does a coaching staff realize that a top prospect has worked out?
• 1-3 since the ASB, how can they regain momentum?
• Youth showing in their games, learning to “play solid baseball”
• Not being willing to move on from Mason Miller
• Archetype of player they could use at the trade deadline
• “Our division is on alert with the team that we have right now”
• And PLENTY more!

More Athletics coverage on Sactown Sports

Brent Rooker of the Athletics was the breakout performer at the All-Star Game in Atlanta, belting a three-run homer in the seventh inning and clearing the fence twice in the game-deciding swing-off.

The 30-year-old designated hitter returns to the field Friday, when the Athletics begin a three-game road series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Left-hander JP Sears (7-7, 4.79 ERA) starts for the visitors against Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi (4-4, 3.44) as both squads seek to maintain the momentum they had prior to the break.

Read More:

A’s vow to continue progress in second half, open at Guardians

When is the next Athletics game?

• Monday, July 21st – Wednesday, July 23rd – @ Texas Rangers
• Thursday, July 24th – Sunday, July 27th – @ Houston Astros
• Monday, July 28th – Wednesday, July 30th – vs. Seattle Mariners
• Friday, August 1st – Sunday, August 3rd – vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
• Tuesday, August 5th – Thursday, August 7th – @ Washington Nationals

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