Swingin' A's » A’s spring training

Spring Training Update: A’s Looking To Move To Mesa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:20:15 +0000

The A’s are in negotiations to move their Spring Training back to Mesa, Arizona. I say the word “back” because during the 60′s and 70′s, Mesa was their Spring Training locale, at a place called, Rendezvous Park. The move is scheduled to be in 2015,when the contract at their current home will expire after the 2014 season.

The news of the possible move is apparently a” hotbed” issue due to the fact that the Chicago Cubs are currently using the park as their training facility and the residents of Mesa voted for an approval of a new stadium for the Cubs last year. However, it also leaves the voters wondering what will happen with the other baseball venues in the area after the Cubs make their move.

This also poses a problem for the A’s because if they make the move to Mesa what will happen to Phoenix Municipal Stadium where the A’s have been training for almost 30 years.

What’s Wrong With Josh Outman & Joey Devine?

Joseph Lopez — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:56:28 +0000

With March now almost half-over, the Athletics are setting their sights on Opening Night, when they’ll host the visiting Mariners. The team, for the most part, has managed to stay healthy so far this spring, and that is definitely good news for a team that has battled injuries the past four seasons.

The A’s are counting on the strength of their pitching staff to carry them through most of the upcoming season, but some pitchers like Josh Outman and Joey Devine, are having a difficult time finding success this spring.

Outman, 26, was part of Oakland’s rotation in 2009 before getting shut down due to Tommy John surgery. Outman made 12 starts that season, going 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA.

This spring, Outman has been in the running for Oakland’s No.5 starter spot, but he hasn’t impressed much. In four appearances this spring (7.2 innings), Outman has allowed 18 hits, 10 runs, and 7 walks. Opposing hitters are hitting .474 off Outman this spring. (more…)

A’s Have Plenty Of Options

Joseph Lopez — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:28:12 +0000

The Athletics have a lot of options this season, and from the looks of it, there’s still a lot of competition left this spring. The A’s have a few candidates vying for the No.5 starter job in the rotation, and the A’s also seem to have plenty of capable back-up/versatility-type players to choose from as well.

Pitching, without a doubt, will be Oakland’s primary strength this season, so choosing the right No.5 starter is a big decision for manager Bob Geren. The A’s currently have Josh Outman, Bobby Cramer, Brandon McCarthy, and Tyson Ross in the running for the vacant spot. Rich Harden, who was figured to be a strong candidate for the job this spring, will likely start the season in the bullpen.

Outman, 26, was a part of Oakland’s rotation in 2009, and he’s a likely candidate to land the job. His spring training stats are not too appealing, however, so that certainly opens to the door to a guy like Cramer. (more…)