The A's still have numerous questions surrounding the team heading into spring training, and manager Bob Geren addressed those concerns at a media session recently.
One of the most obvious issues pertains to the lineup, where the A's have four players -- Daric Barton, Jason Giambi, Jack Cust and Travis Buck -- for three spots. Giambi and Barton play first base, Cust and Giambi can be designated hitters, and Cust and Buck play in the outfield. Geren said he considers all four of them options.
Cust and Giambi are expected to be two of the team's biggest run producers, however, while Barton and Buck are coming off poor seasons. In addition, Barton had hip surgery in October and also had his tonsils out recently, and he "might be a touch behind" during spring training, according to Geren.
"He'll need to come in and have a nice spring and a good start to the season," Geren told reporters. "The guys who are performing will play."
Geren said it is conceivable that the A's could take one of three highly rated pitching prospects with them at the end of the spring should any of Oakland's other starters incur injuries or fail to impress this spring.
Vin Mazzaro is likely the first consideration, with left-hander Brett Anderson right on his heels and right-hander Trevor Cahill behind him. Anderson and Cahill are Oakland's two most prized prospects.
Geren said that second baseman Mark Ellis, who had September shoulder surgery, will be close to ready by Opening Day and third baseman Eric Chavez, who had August shoulder surgery, is doing all baseball activity and looks great.
Starter Justin Duchscherer, who underwent hip surgery, will not be behind the rest of the starters this spring, Geren said.
