--2B Mark Ellis began playing in the field on March 25, right on schedule as he returned from September shoulder surgery. He should be in the Opening Night lineup, but it is likely the team will get him regular rest for at least the first several weeks of the season.
--3B Eric Chavez made his Cactus League debut on defense on March 27 and was also cleared to swing a bat that game. Chavez had been the designated hitter earlier in the spring but had a setback at the start of March when he felt pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder while hitting. His status for Opening Night is iffy, but his return to the field 10 days before the opener made the team optimistic. --RHP Justin Duchscherer was unable to go more than one inning in a minor league game on March 26, making it impossible for the two-time All-Star to be ready to start Oakland's home opener on April 10. Duchscherer will be on the disabled list at the beginning of the season and will have exploratory surgery for lingering soreness in his elbow because an MRI exam showed no significant problems.
--LHP Brett Anderson appears to be in line to start the fourth game of the season at Anaheim. The 21-year-old has been the most consistent of the young prospects contending for a rotation spot, and even before Justin Duchscherer had a recurrence of his elbow soreness, Anderson was considered a strong bet to make the team.
--RHP Joey Devine (elbow) pitched in two minor league games in preparation for a March 27 appearance against the Padres. Devine also missed time with an elbow problem last year, so the A's are likely to proceed cautiously with the second-year reliever. Devine is considered the co-closer with Brad Ziegler, but it is considered likely that Devine will get the job outright at some point.
BY THE NUMBERS: 87 -- The run total allowed by Oakland's young pitching staff during a 2-8 skid in mid-March, for an ERA of 9.00.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm always really surprised (Mark) Ellis hasn't won a Gold Glove. I have 100 percent confidence I can throw the ball to him without looking because that guy is going to catch it. That guy is solid." -- A's shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
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