New Faces in Spring Training!

[anna]

There are so many players trying to win a spot on the A's roster that i think it's appropriate to put a thread introducing them! To start with...


Pitcher Chris Gissel, who pitched 3 scoreless, hitless innings against the Giants yesterday! He was signed to a minor league contract by the A's after pitching in the Japanese league! He also pitched briefly with the Rockies! At age 30 it's now or never for Chris!

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_caree...ayer_id=277414

[anna]

Jeff Baisley is really giving Donnie Murphy and Jack Hannahan a fight for the 3B position, which injured Chavy can't fill as of now.. As of today a .667 batting average in spring training! At age 27 it looks like he got a late start in baseball, opting to graduate from college..
http://athletics.scout.com/2/548617.html

[Zito75]

Sweet- I'm thrilled to see that we actually have options at 3B. I think Hannahan will get the nod, but there is a couple weeks left...

[anna]

Sweet- I'm thrilled to see that we actually have options at 3B. I think Hannahan will get the nod, but there is a couple weeks left...

Too my surprise Jeff Baisley was sent to the minors a few days ago! Chavy is expected to return soon.
The former Giant outfielder Todd Linden is looking very sharp in spring training and he may have a chance with Chris Denorfia slumping.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=oak

[Zito75]

Todd Linden is from my hometown in Washington State. (well his parents live there anyway) He did an interview for the local Newspaper website and just a few days ago; he said he was disappointed in the A's and he was expecting to get cut or traded soon. Link: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/m...5vibe-with-as/

[anna]

Todd Linden is from my hometown in Washington State. (well his parents live there anyway) He did an interview for the local Newspaper website and just a few days ago; he said he was disappointed in the A's and he was expecting to get cut or traded soon. Link: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/m...5vibe-with-as/

A lot of players will get cut unjustly. Saarloos and 3 others were just sent down ( http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=oak )! Linden is still looking good going 4 for 5 on Saturday.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=oak
The article below suggests that the spring training injuries that outfielders Carlos Gonzales and Aaron Cunnungham suffered
will put them in the minors.. I'll bet Billy Beane is wondering why he signed Emil Brown because he'll probably have to drop either Linden, Denorfia or Ryan Sweeney now.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=oak

[raiderjohn]

Saarloos is great depth for the inevitable Harden injury.

Linden's situation is a little different. They got Linden before the Haren and Swish trades. He would have been a good 4th OF, and on the A's would have gotten at least 100 games. But after the Health Summitt, Beane made a dramatic decision to rebuild. In came Carlos Gonzalez, Aaron Cunningham, Ryan Sweeney, added to Chris Denorfia, Cust, Buck and now Emil Brown. Still with Herrera, and Robnett, there is no space as the A's are wanting to give their younger cats a taste before a guy like Linden. Linden has earned an MLB job and the A's are doing him a favor by moving him to someone that can use him.

[anna]

Saarloos is great depth for the inevitable Harden injury.

Linden's situation is a little different. They got Linden before the Haren and Swish trades. He would have been a good 4th OF, and on the A's would have gotten at least 100 games. But after the Health Summitt, Beane made a dramatic decision to rebuild. In came Carlos Gonzalez, Aaron Cunningham, Ryan Sweeney, added to Chris Denorfia, Cust, Buck and now Emil Brown. Still with Herrera, and Robnett, there is no space as the A's are wanting to give their younger cats a taste before a guy like Linden. Linden has earned an MLB job and the A's are doing him a favor by moving him to someone that can use him.

I'm sure Kirk Saarloos will be back! I was surprised that Todd Linden didn't make the 25 man roster! The A's chose outfielders Denorfia, Ryan Sweeney and Jeff Fiorentino (!!) http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=72981 instead!