Overseas addition
The A’s dipped into the international market in signing Yoenis Cespedes last year and hit a home run. They are hoping they can do the same this year with Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, who will get first crack at the starting job this spring.
Outfield platoon
Between Yoenis Cespedes, Josh Reddick, Coco Crisp, Chris Young and Seth Smith, the A’s have more quality outfielders than they have room to play on a daily basis. A trade is always a possibility, but don’t be surprised if one is generally the DH and the other rotates in as manager Bob Melvin rides the hot hand.
Bullpen
Grant Balfour emerged at the end of 2012 as a lights-out closer the A’s desperately needed, but the Aussie will be sidelined with knee surgery for four to six weeks. Setup men Ryan Cook and Sean Doolittle could see some extra work in camp, shutting the door while Balfour is rehabbing.
A's spring training schedule
February
23 at Brewers 12:05 p.m.
24 at Angels 12:05 p.m.
25 vs. Indians 12:05 p.m.
26 at Diamondbacks 12:05 p.m.
27 vs. Padres 12:05 p.m.
28 at Cubs 12:05 p.m.
March
1 vs. Giants 12:05 p.m.
2 vs. Rockies 12:05 p.m.
3 at Rockies 12:05 p.m.
4 vs. Angels 12:05 p.m.
5 at Royals 12:05 p.m.
5 vs. Italy (WBC) 12:05 p.m.
6 No game
7 vs. Mariners 12:05 p.m.
8 at Mariners 12:05 p.m.
9 at Rangers 12:05 p.m.
10 vs. Diamondbacks 1:05 p.m.
11 at Padres 1:05 p.m.
12 vs. Royals 1:05 p.m.
13 No game
14 vs. Rangers 1:05 p.m.
15 at Diamondbacks 1:05 p.m.
16 vs. Angels 1:05 p.m.
16 at White Sox (ss) 1:05 p.m.
17 vs. Cubs 1:05 p.m.
18 vs. Mariners 1:05 p.m.
19 at Dodgers 1:05 p.m.
20 No game
21 at Reds 1:05 p.m.
22 vs. White Sox 7:05 p.m.
23 at Giants 1:05 p.m.
24 vs. Dodgers 1:05 p.m.
25 vs. Brewers 1:05 p.m.
26 at Indians 1:05 p.m.
27 vs. Rockies 1:05 p.m.
28 at Giants* 7:15 p.m.
29 at Giants* 7:15 p.m.
30 vs. Giants** 1:05 p.m.
All home games at Phoenix Municipal Stadium except where indicated
* at AT&T Park ** at Oakland Coliseum
