A’s Roster Takes Shape Before Opening Day

The A’s made their final roster decisions today after their exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at O.co Coliseum was canceled due to rain. Most of the moves were unsurprising with only a couple of the decisions being made official today. It was disappointing to some who believed they had one last shot to prove themselves in the day game today. With that being said here is what the final 25 man roster looks like going into Monday night’s opener against the Cleveland Indians and the players who are currently on the D.L. At the bottom are the players who might see time with the A’s over the course of the season and the players who will be on the move once injured players return (either to Triple-A Sacramento or D.F.A.).

Oct 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher

(54) pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning in game five of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at O.co Coliseum. The Detroit Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitchers: Sonny Gray, Scott Kazmir, Jesse Chavez, Dan Straily, Tommy Milone. (A.J. Griffin is on D.L.)

Relievers: Jim Johnson, Sean Doolittle, Luke Gregerson, Dan Otero, Evan Scribner, Fernando Abad, Drew Pomeranz. (Ryan Cook and Fernando Rodriguez are on the D.L.)

Catchers: John Jaso, Derek Norris.

Infielders: Josh Donaldson, Jed Lowrie, Nick Punto, Eric Sogard, Alberto Callaspo, Brandon Moss, Daric Barton.

Outfielders: Yoenis Céspedes, Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick, Sam Fuld. (Craig Gentry is on the D.L.)

Players who will see time with the A’s this season: Catcher Stephen Vogt, shortstop Addison Russell.

Players who will be on the move soon due to roster crunch from returning D.L. players: Fuld, Milone, Pomeranz.

For a team who lost its’ closer, three starting pitchers, and a solid lefty reliever this roster has a chance to win the A.L. West for the third year in a row. Their offense has improved as well as their bullpen. If the starting rotation can hold up and the defense improves even a little the A’s will be in great shape for the 2014 season.