We are deep into Spring Training, cuts have been made and decisions are shaping up. It is slowly becoming "practice" time instead of "testing out" time in Phoenix. That being said it looks like the A's roster is taking shape. Here are some notes:

Cespedes hasn't played up to his potential. Unless he really starts showing signs of life in this final full week of ST, he won't be getting the starting job.

1B options. With Carter packing his bags and heading back to Sac town and Barton looking just like a 2011 Barton, it looks like our 1B spot will be the taking for either Allen or Kila, with a UTIL IF in the mix as well.

While the A's keep pushing Donaldson at 3B, I just don't feel like he's ready at this time. Although his ST numbers are AVG, I would rather see someone who is more comfortable with that position at a MLB level and who is hitting even better. I think that the A's might platoon the 3B at the start of the season and see how it plays out before they decide on an everyday starter.

Smith is hitting lefties! It looks like he is in good shape and hitting well against both LHP and RHP, much better than his counterpart Gomes. Thus I feel like he would be a great person to see as a starter in the beginning of the season.

My starting lineup predictions for Mar/April. (not in bat order)

C: Suzuki

1B: Allen

2B: Weeks

3B: Sogard/ Timmons (Donaldson might help out as well in this mix. All 3 players will make the roster.)

SS: Pennington

LF: Smith

CF: Crisp

RF: Reddick

DH: Gomes/ Kila

Bench: Cowgill, Cespedes, Barton (Maybe), Recker (maybe)

Rotation:

1. McCarthy

2. Colon

3. Ross

4. Parker

5. Milone

When Braden comes back:

1. McCarthy

2. Braden

3. Colon

4. Ross

5. Parker

Although this is not a championship team, it is still a likable team. A team with some potential to shut the naysayers up a bit. It seems like this is the best we can do at this time and I'm excited to see what surprises come out of this season.