A’s Update: Chavez, Sheets, Rosales and More!

I recently took a trip to Arizona to see the A’s in some Spring Training action. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw.

When I went to Phoenix last weekend, I seen Eric Chavez in person, for the first time in a long time. He went 0-for-3 in the game against the Reds, but the fact that he’s healthy and taking trips to the batter’s box is good enough for me. Chavez is hitting .192/.192/.500 this spring, with 2 HR and 5 RBIs. If Chavez can rebound from numerous surgeries that have taken place over the last three years or so, the A’s chances at making some noise in the AL West increases. Chavez may not be a regular player anymore, but he’s making some strides this spring at returning as a healthy and productive utility player.

Defensively, Chavez looked exceptional at first. Chavvy made a nice play over at first and he seemed totally comfortable over at first. It was pretty awesome hearing the A’s fans in attendance cheering for our beloved Gold Glover. If Chavez can continue to take his share of swings, he should be able to contribute nicely to an A’s team in a desperate search for some power.

Finally! Ben Sheets showed up for once. Sheets, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason with the A’s, hasn’t pitched well in spring training. But on Saturday, he impressed the A’s and their fans with his four inning performance against the Chicago Cubs. He allowed one earned run, three hits and struck out four in his best performance this spring. Sheets, who is coming off an injury, is looking to remain healthy all season long for the A’s. If he can remain healthy, Sheets will lead an impressive staff that includes the likes of Dallas Braden, Justin Duchscherer, Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill.

During Sunday’s game, one player who stuck out a great deal was IF Adam Rosales. Rosales, who is vying for a spot on the roster, is playing exceptionally well this spring. He plays the game with a high intensity, and I really admire that. When he launched a solo-homer in Sunday’s game against the Reds, he sprinted across the bases faster than ex-Athletic, Milton Bradley.

Rosales is really giving it his all out there, and I’m impressed. This spring, Rosales is hitting .364/.475/.606 with 2 HR and 3 RBIs. Compare those numbers to the numbers of the A’s current short-stop, Cliff Pennington (.320/.469/.520, 2 RBIs) and you have yourself a stiff-competition brewing. It’s unlikely that the A’s would just hand over the job to Rosales, but he deserves a shot nonetheless.

During my time in Arizona, I also had the opportunity to see prospects Chris Carter and Michael Taylor in action for the first time. I was impressed with Carter and Taylor’s play, and I’m excited to see how they’ll contribute to the A’s in the future. They’re big guys, with some big time power—so it shouldn’t be to long before they get called up to the “Show.”

**It should be noted that Dallas Braden is quietly having a nice spring training campaign.

Sorry for the lack of posts these few days, but I’ve been extremely busy with college. My goal is to reach the 30-post plateau this month. I’m currently sitting on #20, so I’m almost there.

UP NEXT: A’s Previews: Vin Mazzaro & Gio Gonzalez, A’s Analysis: Bullpen, & Much More!!!