Roster Notes - AL WEST (March 31, 2010)

posted 3/31/10  3:01 PM PST
by Jason Martinez

LAA - Things have been pretty quiet this spring with the Angels. They are pretty much set except for the bench where minor league free agent Cory Aldridge (13-for-35; 3 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 RBI) is doing everything he can to win a spot on the team. Reggie Willits (5-for-20; 2B, 3 RBI), who is out of options, and IF/OF Robb Quinlan (8-for-44; 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI) are currently projected to make the team but Aldridge's performance could change that. Catcher Bobby Wilson (8-for-25; 3B, 5 RBI) and outfielder Terry Evans (7-for-36; 4 2B, RBI) are two players on the bubble that are out of options. Decision will have to be made. There also could be one bullpen spot up for grabs with Francisco Rodriguez (9.1 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 4 BB, 5 K) pitching well this spring and projected long reliever Matt Palmer (12.79 ERA in 6.1 IP) not.

OAK - The A's might have figured out a way to keep both of their 'out of options' players, Jake Fox and Eric Patterson. Because Fox has experience behind the plate, they can afford to send Landon Powell (6-for-33; 2B, 4 RBI) to the minors and use Fox to spell starter Kurt Suzuki. With Patterson, who can back up 2B and 3B, the team is without a backup shortstop but will use starting second baseman Mark Ellis in that role, if necessary. The other piece of the puzzle that needs to be figured out is the #5 starter, which will go to Trevor Cahill (17.2 IP, 8 ER, 18 H, 4 BB, 14 K) or Gio Gonzalez (19.1 IP, 6 ER, 11 H, 10 BB, 18 K). Too close to call at this point.

SEA - Projected long reliever Lucas French was optioned to the minors today, making it uncertain whether the team plans on carrying six relievers (good news for Ryan Langerhans) or seven relievers (good news for Jesus Colome or David Pauley) to begin the season. Aside from that little twist, things are looking pretty much set.

TEX - Willie Eyre (7.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 8 K) and Doug Mathis (9.1 IP, 4 ER, 12 H, 6 BB, 9 K) are still battling it out for the last bullpen spot. Reserve infielder Joaquin Arias looks like he'll be a Ranger for at least a little bit longer (until Ian Kinsler returns from ia likely stint on the DL). The only other decision to be made: keep minor league free agent Matt Brown as the backup corner infielder or go ahead with that Mike Lowell deal that was nixed earlier this offseason. A trade remains a possibility, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.

NL WEST Roster Notes - March 31, 2010