Outfield outlook

I’d like to talk a little bit about he A’s outfield today, as it’s the area of the roster that has had the most action since spring training began.

The biggest news, of course, is that Mark Kotsay is out of action until at least June. A blessing in disguise? Maybe. It’s hard to say losing our Gold Glove caliber center fielder for several weeks is a good thing. But, this is what we have the depth for. It’ll make some roster decisions a little easier for now, and when he comes back, he might truly be over the back problems that have plagued him the last few seasons.

But how easy will those roster decisions be? My first thought at this news was, “Ryan Goleski is ensured a spot on the team now.” But the man for whom the A’s paid $100,000 for the first pick in the Rule 5 draft isn’t exactly tearing it up in Phoenix this spring. But so far he is 3-for-27 (.111) with one walk and 11 strikeouts. Yikes. That won’t put a smile on Billy’s face.

So the next thought is, “Dan Johnson is the starting first baseman now, with Nick Swisher moving to right field.” Well, half of that equation is right. Swisher will most likely be spending the bulk of his time in right field, with Milton Bradley sliding over to center and Shannon Stewart in left.

But what are D.J.’s chances at a starting job when Erubiel “Holy Grail” Durazo is in camp, posting gaudy numbers? Durazo is 9-for26 (.345) with a home run, nine RBI, and only three strikeouts. He just might force his way on the team. Lucky for D.J., Durazo is not the only first baseman putting up good numbers. Johnson is having a nice spring for himself as well, and we might be looking at a platoon situation at first, and carrying one less outfielder or one less bullpen pitcher.

It’s all a small sample size, I know. But you can’t help but wonder what this roster will look like when forced to be cut down to 25.