Oakland opened camp with a workout the same day that pitchers and catchers reported, something the team hasn't done in more than a decade.
Manager Bob Geren said that the prompt workout was the result of the extra week of spring training -- he wants to make sure his pitchers get adequate rest during the seven weeks built into this spring in order to accommodate the World Baseball Classic. Geren said that the A's pitchers would throw four days in a row and then get the fifth day off, something they haven't done in previous seasons.
Justin Duchscherer hasn't been named as the Opening Night starter, but he is expected to be if he has a healthy spring. He is not limited in any way following minor hip surgery last fall, and he is scheduled to be on the same throwing program as the rest of the starters.
Oakland's main competition on the pitching side is at the fifth starter spot, because Dallas Braden is penciled in for the No. 4 spot after making strides in the second half last year. Left-handers Gio Gonzalez and Josh Outman, both rookies acquired in trades over the past year and a half (Gonzalez in the Nick Swisher deal and Outman in the Joe Blanton deal), are the top contenders for the fifth spot.
Keep an eye on minor league invitee Vin Mazzaro, however. A super spring could earn him a faster call-up than anticipated.
WHERE, WHEN: Papago Park and Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against Milwaukee in Maryvale, Ariz.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: SS Bobby Crosby has been working on his hitting with former A's slugger Mark McGwire, and Crosby believes he has a lot to prove after Oakland unsuccessfully waived him this winter. Crosby might not even get the chance to surprise, though. The team is still looking for another shortstop heading into the spring.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: RHP Brad Ziegler had a sensational rookie season that included a 39-inning scoreless streak to start his career, but sidearmers' effectiveness sometimes drops off after a time or two around the league. Ziegler's numbers certainly aren't likely to match last year's, no matter how strong a season he puts up.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Bob Geren, 151-172 in his first two seasons with the A's, is still trying to claim his first winning season in the big leagues, but a packed disabled list has hurt his chances so far. Oakland has used the disabled list 47 times over the last two years. For the eighth time in as many years, Oakland has a new bench coach, with Tye Waller moving over from the third-base coaching box. Former A's infielder Mike Gallego gets that third-base spot, and hitting coach Jim Skaalen also is new.
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