It looks like the A’s bullpen just got a little stronger. The A’s have reached an agreement with Chad Gaudin, who was recently released by the New York Yankees. Gaudin was in position to compete for a spot in the Yankees rotation, but after compiling an ERA of 8.68, he was let go. Gaudin adds more depth to the A’s bullpen, especially since RP Michael Wuertz and CL Andrew Bailey are out dealing with various injuries. Bailey, the AL’s Rookie-of-the-Year, has been dealing with some elbow problems, but is expected to be ready come Opening Day in Oakland.
Gaudin, an ex-Atheltic, pitched for Oakland from 2006-08 before getting traded along with Rich Harden in a deal with the Chicago Cubs.
The A’s have just recently sent down Vin Mazzaro, Chris Carter and Michael Taylor.
Mazzaro, who was in the running for a spot in the A’s rotation, was rather ineffective this spring. Mazzaro went 1-0 with a 6.28 ERA in 14.1 innings.
Carter in 17 games hit just .160/.250/.360 with 1 HR and 2 RBIs. Carter is figured to be the A’s future 1B/DH. Despite his struggles, Carter is expected to see some action in the majors later this season.
Taylor, like Carter is figured to be a key component for the A’s future success. Taylor in 19 games, hit just .189/.250/.270 with 2 HR and 4 RBIs. Despite his struggles, Taylor is expected to see some action in the majors later this season.
A’s 1B/3B, Eric Chavez has surpassed his total number of at-bats last season. Chavez has played in 12 games this spring (1 more than last Spring) and is currently hitting .200/.243/.429 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. Chavez hopes that he can return to the A’s as a healthy, productive utility player.
A’s new 3B, Kevin Kouzmanoff is currently hitting .271/.294/.563 with 3 HR and 12 RBIs. Kouzmanoff is expected to hit about 20 HRs this season for the A’s.
A’s 2B, Mark Ellis, has really been on a hot-streak. So far this spring, Ellis is hitting .385/.455/.462 with 7 RBIs. Ellis, perhaps the league’s most undervalued 2B, is figured to have another 10-homerun season for the A’s (he currently has a five-season streak of 10 or more homers).
A’s SP, Justin Duchscherer, was recently hammered by the Royals as he gave up 11 runs. Duchscherer, however, is more concerned with his health rather than his spring numbers. If he’s healthy, he should be effective this year for the A’s.