After posting so-so numbers in 2011, Oakland’s Grant Green may need to have himself a stellar 2012 campaign in order to win back some of the support from fans. Aside from his power leaving him last season, Green struggled with the strike zone in 2011, posting a 119/39 K/BB. Those are not encouraging numbers from a former first round draft pick.

Once viewed as a cornerstone type of guy, Green has been reduced down to more of a super-utility guy in Oakland’s system. The organization had Green playing in Center Field last July with the Rock Hounds, suggesting that the team isn’t entirely sold on his status as an everyday short stop.

Some see Green as more of a second baseman than anything, but given the arrival of Jemile Weeks, Green’s future at second doesn’t look promising. Barring any serious injuries, Weeks is Oakland’s second baseman. Period.

Consequently, Green will need to perform well this season in order to reestablish himself as a top prospect. Still, I think its quite a stretch to have Green playing in the outfield, let alone in center field. Unfortunately, though, Green has placed himself in this predicament. … [visit site to read more]

A’s 2012 Top 10 Prospects, #10: Grant Green - Swingin' A's - Swingin' A's - An Oakland Athletics Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

LOOKING BACK

• The rebuild/youth movement made an abrupt shift toward veterans when general manager Billy Beane added Coco Crisp, Bartolo Colon, Seth Smith and Jonny Gomes to the roster which left me scratching my head. If the A’s had a strong team gearing up for a playoff run I’d love these acquisitions but for a team with its sights set a contending around 2015 I’m not exactly sold on each move.

… [visit site to read more]

Enough of the hot stove, bring on spring training - Swingin' A's - Swingin' A's - An Oakland Athletics Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Sep 26, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (32) pitches to the Seattle Mariners in the 1st inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Well, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, A’s manager Bob Melvin already knows who will be his Opening Day starter in Tokyo. It may only be January, but according to Oakland’s skipper, pitcher Brandon McCarthy will get the nod to open the season for the A’s in their Tokyo series against the Mariners.

Melvin also noted that the recently acquired Bartolo Colon will get the nod in the second game of the opening series, which starts on March 28th. The remainder of Oakland’s rotation remains one big mystery.

Dallas Braden is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, but could be ready by the start of the season. Beyond McCarthy, Colon, and Braden, though, Melvin faces some uncertainty with the remainder of the starting rotation.

The team has plenty of options, though. The A’s could opt to go “young” with this year’s rotation, with Brad Peacock, Tom Milone, and a few others acquired this winter in Billy Beane’s massive overhaul potentially filling out Oakland’s rotation. Despite the uncertainty with the back end of the rotation, the A’s primary strength this year should again be their pitching. … [visit site to read more]

Who’s Your Opening Day Starter? - Swingin' A's - Swingin' A's - An Oakland Athletics Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More