Melvin praises Laureano's five-tool ability after A's win

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Ramon Laureano continues to shine night in, and night out. The Athletics center fielder seems to be making a jaw-dropping catch or hitting a big home run every game now. 

That was no different in the A's 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at the Coliseum Monday night, as Laureano came up big one again. 

Laureano homered for the third game in a row, just one night after he homered and also made one of the best defensive plays all season.

After Monday's win, A's manager Bob Melvin was asked if he's seen Laureano playing with a lot of confidence during his hot stretch.

“Seems to be," Melvin said. "I’d be playing with a lot of confidence too with all he’s got going on here lately. What is that, his third [game with a home run in a row]? Yeah, he’s doing well.”

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With Laureano's defensive, power hitting, throwing and fielding abilities being a huge part of his game, the outfielder has improved on his base running ability. If he were to master all five, he would be considered a five-tool player. 

Melvin has noticed Laureano's work on the bases and believes he has five-tool ability with a chance to add another tool to his belt. 

“He’s got tremendous power, the running game he takes to a different level," Melvin said. "He’s worked hard on it, he’s worked hard on his jumps, he’s studied pitchers and getting good jumps and so forth. That was kind of the last tool in his bag as far as getting to this level right now. The next thing will be [hitting for] a consistent average and hitting close to .300. I wouldn’t put anything past him right now.”

A's starting pitcher Frankie Montas was cruising Monday night before surrendering three runs to the Blue Jays that tied the game in the fifth inning. Laureano saved the day in the bottom of the fifth, and Montas was certainly grateful. 

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“Nothing but good things [to say] about Ramon," Montas said. "He’s been the guy that’s been putting us back in the game. He did it yesterday and he did it again today. He gave us the lead today, and that’s been huge for us. He’s been showing up pretty good for the team.”

Nationally, Laureano isn't getting as much attention as some of the other multi-tooled stars in baseball. One of the A's other outfielders, Stephen Piscotty, is not surprised that Laureano is playing out of his mind right now.

“It’s not that big of a surprise to us, knowing what kind of player he is," Piscotty said. "He goes out and consistently delivers game-winning performances. He plays at 100 mph, he’s a cannonball and he fires us up. He’s been carrying us these last few games, but it’s no surprise.”

Behind Laureano's defense and clutch home runs, the A's cruised to an MLB-leading 18 wins this season.

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