MESA, Ariz. - Crazy. But this is where the leadership comes from. The sort that is needed for so many talented but young players. The ultimate level of adversity that spurns maturation.
The Athletics last season went through a brutal stretch in May, losing 20 of 21 games. It pretty much snuffed out thoughts of competing in the American League West and for a playoff spot.
They would again turn things around in the second half to win 76 games, the most victories in a season since 2021.
It was all sorts of amazing when you consider that one awful spring showing.
The key now is to avoid such major slippage this season, to limit long losing streaks. The key is for all those young talents to keep developing and heed the advice of more seasoned players.
To count on players such as designated hitter Brent Rooker and catcher Shea Langeliers and others to show the way.
"Well, I think the group is continuing to mature every year," manager Mark Kotsay said. "We talked about it a little when we started (spring training). Shea and Rooker are in their fourth season, and you definitely see a difference in their preparation and their leadership and growth as baseball players. It has been exceptional.
"I think the group is expecting that continued trajectory for themselves. We are all excited about the way we finished (last season) and the opportunity that now lies in front of us."
Kotsay says the A's learned a lot from those May losses, how you need to focus on playing at an elite level every day and go from there. They fell short of their goals and yet internally felt the skill was there to compete at a higher mark. They believed there was far more ability than their record suggested.
Young and talented. Players such as first baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom. All major parts of what the A's see as a way to build a competitive roster as things head toward a relocation to Las Vegas in 2028.
Wilson and Soderstrom have received contract extensions, and Kurtz reportedly has been offered one. These are players Las Vegas fans should get to know.
But there are still two more seasons to play in a temporary Sacramento, California, home. Two more seasons to improve what has been a leaky pitching staff. To land in Southern Nevada as legitimate postseason contenders annually.
"I don't think Las Vegas is in the back of anyone's mind," Kotsay said. "It has to be a thought process that in 2028 it's where we're going to be calling home. But the focus right now is for some young players looking at the roster and the challenges it's going to present them to be on this team then. They're going to have to go out and perform at a high level to crack this roster and get there."
The A's this offseason traded for infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets, adding a 2022 batting champion and two-time All-Star across eight MLB seasons to the lineup.
McNeil has one year and $15.75 million left on his contract with a club option for 2027, so his long-term future with the A's isn't set.
But whether his time with the organization is short or not, his career in the majors can definitely aid in the development of others. There isn't much he hasn't seen.
"I've had a lot of experience in this game, so if someone needs help, they're free to come to me," McNeil said. "I want to help. I'm always open. I was a young guy once and had to lean on others for information. I want to be that guy.
"We have a pretty young core here, but they do things the right way. The (organization) is signing players to extensions and wants to be competitive. I wasn't here last year, but know all about the tough May they had. If we eliminate any stretch like that, we can be a very competitive ballclub. I'm happy to be here and do what I can in any way to help."
The schedule makers didn't do the A's any favors. They play 12 of their first 15 games on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, New York Yankees and Mets.
The A's need to at least compete early. Need their young stars to rise, and their veterans to lead by example.
"I've been on this team for a while now, and going through what we went through as a core group (last season), we learned a lot," Langeliers said. "Whatever the young guys want, we'll be there for them as a helping hand."