In the wake of two lackluster performances to open their spring training schedule, the Athletics have another chance today to nab their first preseason win as they travel to Scottsdale to take on the San Francisco Giants.
The A’s starter this afternoon will be JT Ginn, a youngster who bounced between the starting rotation and bullpen last season. This appearance will be the first of many for Ginn in what could be a pivotal spring training for him. Ginn is in a similar situation as Jack Perkins, who started the A’s first spring training game. Both of these pitchers have the ability and experience of being starting pitchers, yet seemed to pitch better in the bullpen last fall. Also given the A’s current roster construction, they may have a better chance of making the team as long relievers or guys who can pitch the sixth inning or later. That may benefit Ginn, who seemed to tire as a starting pitcher last year, especially when facing batters for the third time.
After Ginn, things get exciting on the mound. Today will be the first spring training outings for A’s top pitching prospects Gage Jump and Braden Nett, the latter one of the return pieces in the Mason Miller trade. Both of those highly-regarded pitchers have a chance to impact the A’s pitching staff this season. Get ready to jump around today A’s fans! In addition, relievers Elvis Alvarado and Tyler Ferguson are lined up to pitch today, both hoping to have more success this year.
Here’s how the A’s starting lineup looks today:
It seems that manager Mark Kotsay intends to keep Nick Kurtz first, much to the chagrin of many in this community. The third base competition is front and center today, with all four candidates in the lineup as the A’s starting infield. In the outfield, prospects Henry Bolte and Junior Perez will get more playing time to make an impression. Having only scored two runs in their first two games, the A’s hope that this lineup will put some runs on the scoreboard.
Here’s how the Giants will line up for their game today against the Athletics:
That Giants lineup looks really close to their Opening Day lineup, so it will be a true test for Ginn. Catcher Daniel Susac, who the A’s lost in the Rule 5 draft, will be playing against his former organization in his bid to win the Giants backup catcher job.
Who is ready for more spring baseball? Time to secure that first win. Let’s go A’s!