Cactus League Recap

There has been no spring training in recent memory for the Oakland Athletics that has had such significance as the one that has just occured. Amid the contested positional battles, the numerous debuts of freshly acquired talent, and the media frenzy that were the arrivals of Manny Ramirez and Yoenis Cèspedes, Oakland surprisingly excelled in this miniature and, to some, meaningless season that serves as an indicator to baseball's imminent arrival. Whereas to other franchises, who could nonchalantly strut through spring training without a care of their preformance knowing they'll produce in the regular season, Bob Melvin set a precedent with Oakland. He intended to instill a successful attitude with the club, regardless of how meaningful or meaningless the games were, and to prioritize victories. This standard seemed to resonate with the Athletics in Arizona as they posted a 14-5-2 record in 21 games, their most spring victories in over 12 years. And as the regular season beckons for the Athletics they intend to abolish any notion of a last place finish or 100 loss season, a prediction that is widely accepted throughout baseball.
Oakland's annual quests, as they always do, begin in Arizona. March of 2012 was no different as the green and gold reported and prepared for their upcoming season in the desert. Any sort of optimism for 2012 screeched to a halt and stumbled over itself as starting thrid baseman, Scott Sizemore, was diagnosed with an ACL tear in his left knee and would miss the entirety of the season. Rumors swirled of possible thrid base replacements, but hey were inevitably settled with converted catcher, Josh Donaldson, who has been named the starter at the hot corner to begin 2012. And paralleling with this decision he also recieved the most ST at bats (52). He began the spring rather clumsily, not developing any rhythm what so ever. However, he did recover to an extent but still managed to post a mediocre line of .231/.293/.288 appearing in 17 games. Coinciding with Donaldson's multitude of ABs, Sogard and Timmons were both in the top seven on the team in plate appearances. Sogard had an impressive camp, hitting .341/.400 and starting around the infield. He seems to be acquiring power as well, hitting the first homer for Oakland in the spring. The organization seems to have reaffirmed his role as a utility piece, for now. As for Timmons, he'll be traveling to Japan with the club. He earned his spot hitting .278/.372 in the cactus league. But having the 32 year old make his MLB debut still remains in question.
First base was the other area of positional intrigue. Allen and Ka'aihue have displayed their trademark power (5 HRs between the two) this spring. But Allen has separated himself as Oakland's opening day first baseman. Despite Ka'aihue appearing in more contests and may boast a higher SLG%, Allen showcased phoenominal plate discipline, only striking out a mere 5 times. Allen also put together a dominating 7 RBI game earlier in camp as well. Barton, experiencing a hindrance in his injury, will recuse himself from joining the team in Tokyo and recieved minimal ABs during camp.
News circulated around the outfield the entire spring. A recent development was the most intriguing as Bob Melvin announced that Cuban defector, Yoenis Cespedes would start in CF for Oakland, thus displacing Coco to LF. Coco, who infamously stated it would take "a demigod from the heavens to replace me in CF", has for the time being been replaced. His veteran presence was palpable throughout camp and intends on "bringing gold glove defense to CF". Another name to boost their reputation was Collin Cowgill, the utility OF acquired in the Cahill swap. His .419 spring average was not only the greatest average on Oakland's roster, but outstanding enough for 8th in all of spring training. His preformance, which included a streak of 11 consecutive successful attempts to make it on base, earned him the approval of Melvin who stated that he'll be on the 25 man roster to begin the season. Reddick (.333) and Smith (.286; however he had far more ABs Vs Lefties rather than righties) both impressed as well. Cespedes, greeting by a torrent of media, began his career with Oakland by going 2-2 with a walk, single and home run in his debut outing on March 10th Vs Cincinnati. However, the diverse pitching styles dashed all hope of consistency. He hit 3-23 to remainder of camp and continues to gradually adjust to American pitching.
Oakland finished 20th in ERA, 17th in WHIP, and allowed the 2nd most BBs in baseball. That won't exactly result in optimism. The Oakland starters continued to work through their kinks throughout the spring, and seeing as though no pitcher compiled more than 12.2 IP, their performances should be taken lightly. But the rotation and bullpen still remained as chief areas of competition. One of the most notable was Tyson Ross, who despite posting a 1.50 WHIP, recorded a 0.90 ERA in 10.0 IP and created a widening schism between himself and Godfrey, who put up a 1.66 WHIP and a 7.11 ERA in 12.2 IP. Ross seemed to have secured a rotation spot and will start an exhibition bout in Japan. Jarrod Parker threw himself into the mix of potential rotation candidates with a 2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 4 K preformance in Oakland's first victory of the spring. He then proceeded to struggle with his control with culminated in a 7 BB outing in only 3.2 IP in his final start.
The bullpen made headlines as Grant Balfour was named Oakland's 2012 closer. His veteran leadership and firery passion seem to have vaulted him into the position as he expressed a monumental desire to be accepted into the vacant post. Fuentes, De Los Santos, Cook, Carignan, and Blevins all seem to be amongst Oakland's 2012 bullpen as well (With respectively honorable springs from Figueroa and Scribner). Devine has been put on the disabled list and shall be reinstated on April 9th, possibly allowing Jordan Norberto to compete in the majors. Norberto, infamous for his horrendously high walk rates, walked 3 in 8.2 IP contrasting with his 10 strikeouts. He seemed to be the most improved player in camp.
Oakland ultimately hit amongst perennial powers such as Detroit and Anaheim offensively. They were 3rd in average, SLG%, OPS, 2nd in doubles, HRs, OBP, and first in hits. This is unprecedented for Oakland, to witness them atop offensive categories alongside Detroit. I can only hope they may duplicate a fragment of this preformance and translate it to the majors. But if they could capitalize off of their characteristics and strengths, Oakland might shock the collective baseball world...
But enough with the endless speculation. The season begins March 28th... Let 2012 Oakland Athletics baseball comense.