Oakland A’s: Three battles to watch in spring training

Oakland A’s have to find a second baseman

One thing has not changed for the Oakland A’s from the start of 2020 to the start of this upcoming season – second base is a major question mark.

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Last year, the A’s headed into the season with the tandem of Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder handling the keystone. However, neither player produced enough to justify a starting role, leading to the A’s trading for Tommy La Stella at the deadline. While they had wanted to bring La Stella back, their inability to spend through much of the offseason ended those efforts.

A year later, the A’s are looking at the same duo. Kemp and Pinder are expected to form a platoon at second once again, provided that either player hits enough to take on the role. Vimael Machin will also be in the mix, especially as his bat began to pick up as the 2020 season progressed.

There is a wild card in this battle as well. The A’s brought Jed Lowrie back for a third term with the team. If Lowrie is healthy, he could be in the mix for the starting role at second base. However, as he had a grand total of eight plate appearances over nine games during his time with the Mets, that is a major if.

The Oakland A’s may not know who their starting second baseman is until Opening Day. However, they have plenty of candidates for the role.