The Athletics got off to a rough start to spring training, going 1-6 through their first seven preseason games. However, a new month means a new start and a sign that the start of the regular season is getting closer. With the calendar moving to March, it’s time for the A’s to start playing better in preparation for Opening Day at the end of this month against the reigning American League champion Toronto Blue Jays.
Right-handed JT Ginn will start for the A’s this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Ginn pitched well against the San Francisco Giants a few days ago in his spring debut, racking up three strikeouts in two perfect innings. The focus will be on Ginn today to see if he can follow up that performance with another solid outing, one that will likely last longer as the A’s evaluate whether the best spot for him is in the starting rotation or the bullpen. Ginn should be on the A’s roster to start the season in some capacity because he is proficient at inducing ground outs, something A’s pitchers need to do more often in the second year of the team’s temporary home at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento.
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The A program this afternoon goes like this:
For the second day in a row, Nick Kurtz is late Jacob Wilson at the top of the lineup, a lineup that should carry over into the regular season. If Kurtz homers Wilson – or another leadoff hitter – on base, that’s two runs on the scoreboard. In general, it’s a good strategy to place a power threat behind a high-contact hitter who consistently reaches base.
Both of the team’s catchers are in this afternoon’s lineup, as is the third baseman. Max Muncywho is having a great start to spring with four hits out of ten at bats. Muncy can put some ground between himself and the other third base competitors with another strong performance today. Finally, today’s starters are all hopefuls. Henri Bolté And Junior Pérez are the subject of an extensive look in early spring, but both have struggled so far.
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The Reds have André Abbotone of the best left-handed pitchers in the National League, lined up for his second spring start this afternoon. Here’s how Cincinnati lines up behind him:
The Reds have several regulars in their starting lineup, so this should be another good test for Ginn and the pitchers lined up to follow him out of the A’s bullpen. JJ Bléday got off to a good start this spring, but will he be able to continue this momentum against his former team?
What better way to start a new month than with an A win. Let’s go for the A’s!
