After 10 games in the desert, the A's are 4-6. Not terribly impressive, but there are still things to be excited about.
For the most part, they're healthy. This team possibly can't be snakebitten for a third year in a row, right? With small exceptions, everyone is coming along, everyone is playing, and, from the reports I've read from people who actually get to be down their instead of in an office listening to games, everyone is having fun.
The depth is showing. The A's can plug and play a lot of people in the outfield and infield. Matt Carson is doing some nice things to try to earn a spot on the roster, and so is Chris Carter. Jemile Weeks looks better and better, and possibly as early as 2012, he will be the new starting second baseman for the A's, and I'm willing to bet he'll be better than his brother. Andy LaRoche hit a HUGE tater this afternoon, he might get a nod for the roster as well, or he'll be ready to go if Barton or Kouz goes down. An unknown outfielder Jai Miller is going to provide even more of a cushion in the outfield. Finally, Ellis, Suzuki, Crisp, Kouz, and Willingham all look like they're ready to play some ball. In other news, Matsui and Jackson both got their first hits of the spring today.... nothing to worry about, but hopefully they start having better ABs in the next few weeks.
On the mound, things are a little bit slower, but again, DEPTH is helping. Bobby Cramer and Brandon McCarthy, two of the candidates for the fifth starter position have looked pretty fantastic in the early going. Gonzalez and Anderson are ready to pick up where they left off. A few guys who will probably make the team have been knocked around a little bit, but it's nothing to be too worried about early. Pitching always comes along slower than hitting in the spring, and the A's will have enough to get by. Get excited Oakland, the A's will be back soon.
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