First the good news: Eric Chavez says he’ll be ready to go Opening Day in Anaheim. After playing in the field on Sunday and Monday, the 6-time Gold Glove winning 3rd baseman says his timing feels good and he should be good to go. If Chavez does make the start at third base on opening night, it will be his 10th career start in a season lid-lifter, setting a new Oakland record, breaking a tie with Sal Bando and Carney Lansford.
The bad news: Joey Devine did not feel right after throwing in the game Monday vs the Dodgers. Devine felt more discomfort in his elbow, a problem he has had most of the spring. Devine, who posted a 0.59 ERA in 2008 (the lowest in M.L. history, min. 25 IP) missed over two months last season with right elbow inflammation. If Devine is unable to start the season, Brad Ziegler, instead of sharing the closer’s job, becomes the everyday closer. Last season Ziegler was 11 for 13 in save opps. and posted a 1.06 ERA including a Major League record 39-inning scoreless streak to begin his career.
Devine’s injury might also open the door for 24-year old, right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey to make the club. Bailey has been a revelation this spring, allowing no runs in 10 2/3 innings and holding opposing batters to a .152 avg. Bailey was converted from a starter to a reliever last season at AA-Midland. In 15 starts, Bailey went 1-8 with a 6.18 ERA for the RockHounds, but in 22 relief appearances he had a 4-1 record with a 0.92 ERA.
The A’s could start the season with 3 pitchers on their staff who did not pitch above AA last season: Andrew Bailey, Brett Anderson & Trevor Cahill.
Topics: Andrew Bailey, Eric Chavez, Joey Devine
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