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25-Man Roster
2005-03-19 16:55
by Ken Arneson

I was just peeking at the A's roster. Right now, I figure there are 23 spots on the A's roster that are pretty secure:

Pitchers (10):
Zito, Harden, Haren, Blanton, Dotel, Cruz, Calero, Rincon, Duchscherer, Yabu.

Catchers (2):
Kendall, Melhuse.

Infielders (6):
Hatteberg, Ellis, Ginter, Crosby, Chavez, Durazo

Outfielders (5):
Byrnes, Kielty, Kotsay, Swisher, Thomas

 
Yabu's role isn't clear, but I'm figuring the A's didn't spend $1M on him to have him pitch in AAA. Which leaves:

On the bubble (2 slots, 7 players):
Meyer, Etherton, Street, Saarloos, Tyler Johnson, Scutaro, Dan Johnson

Which two of these seven make the team depends on two decisions: who the fifth starter is, and whether they'll use 11 or 12 pitchers.

Assuming there will be 11 pitchers:

There are four guys battling for the fifth rotation spot: Yabu, Etherton, Saarloos, and Meyer. Meyer was "Plan A", but he has struggled this spring, and may get some more seasoning in Sacramento. Saarloos is coming back from injury, and will probably end up in AAA to build his arm strength some more.

So starter #5 is likely either Yabu or Etherton. If it's Yabu, Huston Street probably makes the team in the bullpen. If it's Seth Etherton, Street probably goes to Sacramento, and Yabu ends up in the pen.

Rule 5-er Tyler Johnson hasn't pitched well, and is likely now to be offered back to St. Louis. He has an outside chance if the A's decide on 12 pitchers, I suppose. But really, he doesn't deserve to be on the team ahead of Street or Etherton.

My guess is that Etherton will be the fifth starter, Yabu ends up in the pen, Street, Meyer and Dan Johnson get a little more time in AAA, Tyler Johnson is sent back to St. Louis, and Marco Scutaro ends up with the last roster spot.

Comments
2005-03-20 12:17:28
1.   treble
I really can't see Scutaro starting the year in Oakland. Ellis has been amazing this Spring and Ginter's bat is far more valuable than anything Scutaro can bring.

I'm hoping the final roster spot goes to Huston Street.

2005-03-20 17:00:02
2.   jwolfie70
I agree with you regarding your analysis of the first 24 but think the last roster spot will fall to Street or D Johnson, w/ the most likely outcome being Dan starting the year in Triple A, unfortunately.
2005-03-20 17:17:03
3.   Ken Arneson
The only reason I think Scutaro will make the roster is that I think that Macha won't like having only four people to cover three positions (2B, SS, and 3B), as it will limit the amount of in-game moves he can make.

If he wants to give one of them a day off, for example, the only backup he'll have at those three positions is the guy with the day off.

But you guys may be right. They may decide to live with that limitation, and go with 12 pitchers instead.

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