“He’s big, strong and fast”: Why Lawrence Butler will be worth watching

OAKLAND – At a glance, Lawrence Butler’s first full year with the A’s has been merely okay.

Butler delivered his first career walk-off on April 12, launching a 445-foot home run that same night, but through 30 games, he’s hitting .185 with a .599 OPS. Dig deeper, though, and Butler’s tantalizing potential becomes clear.

He’s smashing the ball. He’s displaying more patience. He’s playing fantastic defense. He’s, in short, flashing glimpses of being a foundational piece.

“I...