The spring days have ticked away uneventfully for the Oakland
A’s, with few compelling story lines interrupting the daily camp
routine. That stands to change, as the A’s still are searching for
answers to a few key roster questions as the final two weeks of
Cactus League play unfold.
PHOENIX
The spring days have ticked away uneventfully for the Oakland A’s, with few compelling story lines interrupting the daily camp routine.
That stands to change, as the A’s still are searching for answers to a few key roster questions as the final two weeks of Cactus League play unfold.
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Sunday’s lineup card was proof that the A’s are creeping closer to their April 1 regular-season opener. Manager Bob Geren penciled in his projected starting nine in a 9-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies, the first time he’s done so this spring.
“I told all the guys, a lot of the regulars haven’t gotten to play together, but you’ll see a lot more of that in the next two weeks,” Geren said.
Along with working their regulars into shape, the A’s will use these final two weeks to get some clarity on a few issues:
The bullpen: It’s an area of quality talent and depth, but some minor injuries leave uncertainty.
The A’s limited left-hander Craig Breslow’s throwing early in camp to keep his arm fresh. But a lingering left hamstring strain has kept Breslow from making a single exhibition appearance.
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I threw six innings last year in spring training. I’m right on track.”
Indeed, Breslow was limited by a sore elbow last spring but wound up appearing in 75 games.
Joey Devine, who’s missed the past two seasons after elbow ligament replacement surgery, had a throwing session cut short Saturday because of tightness in his right biceps. Devine said the issue is unrelated to his elbow, but there’s no date for him or Breslow to get back on the mound.
The A’s can withstand Devine’s absence, and his availability isn’t taken for granted anyway. But Breslow is a bullpen key, as is Michael Wuertz, slowed by a sore shoulder. He’s tentatively set to pitch in his first game Tuesday.
The seven-man bullpen figures to include closer Andrew Bailey, Brian Fuentes, Grant Balfour, Wuertz and Breslow, with Devine, Jerry Blevins and Brad Ziegler among those fighting for the final two spots. But any injury setbacks could open up opportunities for others.
No. 5 starter: Lots of teams still need to identify a fifth starter, and Bobby Cramer, Brandon McCarthy and Tyson Ross are making a strong push for this spot.
Josh Outman, who like Devine is coming off major elbow surgery, appeared to have the inside track, but he’s struggling to find his command. It’s quite possible he’ll need some time in the minors to work out the kinks.
The larger issue regarding the rotation is making sure the top four starters—Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez—round into form. Braden, with a 10.80 ERA in three starts, has yet to impress in any of his outings.
Gonzalez has looked terrific. Cahill, who allowed three runs in four innings Sunday, said he’s still working to find the feel for his changeup.
Backup infielder: Andy LaRoche, the former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect, is the most intriguing candidate. He’s hit .345 with a team-high three homers in 14 games. But Geren said the ability to handle shortstop is the biggest job requirement, and LaRoche—with eight professional seasons under his belt—hasn’t played shortstop since college.
“We’ve got to get him out there more,” Geren said. “So far he’s done nothing to hurt himself.”
Steve Tolleson, hitting .167 in 12 games, and Eric Sogard, who has been slowed by a thumb injury, are other top candidates.
— Story by Joe Stiglich, The Oakland Tribune
