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Oakland A's spring training: Pat Venditte throwing two side sessions

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte will throw two side sessions, injury updates on Stephen Vogt and Sean Nolin from Bob Melvin, the Athletics formally open Hohokam Park, and today's "best shape of their lives."

By Jeremy F. Koo
Hohokam Stadium in 2009.
Hohokam Stadium in 2009.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte will throw two side sessions today at the Lew Wolff Training Complex in Fitch Park, one for each arm:

The Bay Area News Group's John Hickey caught up with Pat Venditte, and asked him about his eponymous rule that establishes that the switch-pitcher must choose which hand he is throwing before the switch-hitter decides which way he intends to bat. Venditte says, "I hope that's not all I'll be known for."

Hickey's full story on Venditte is worth a read. The switch-pitcher is throwing with both arms this morning, but I suppose half as much as he needs to:

Tommy John surgery recoverers Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, and Raul Alcantara are all throwing today as well:

Other news from Mesa:

Hohokam Stadium ribbon cutting

The Athletics are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hohokam Stadium that was scheduled to start around 9:30 am Pacific Time.

A's managing owner Lew Wolff and President Mike Crowley will be answering media questions following the ceremony. The renovations of Hohokam and the nearby Lew Wolff Training Complex at Fitch Park were a $26.9 million undertaking using a combination of Mesa tourism taxes and A's investment.

Injury updates from Bob Melvin: Sean Nolin and Stephen Vogt

Starting pitcher Sean Nolin is dealing with a groin issue that will keep him from throwing off the mound the first few days of camp, Bob Melvin says (Susan Slusser's tweet). It does not appear to be a serious issue, however, and Nolin is feeling better already (Jane Lee's tweet).

As noted at Fanfest, Stephen Vogt is not expected to catch in early spring games as he completes his recovery from the foot surgery, but he is catching bullpens (Joe Stiglich's tweet). Vogt will DH at the beginning, then move onto catching, and then he'll get into first base and the outfield during the regular season (Jane Lee's tweet).

Bob Melvin also sent his best wishes to San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who is recovering from an operation to insert stents into his heart:

Best shapes of their lives

Entering his first full season since returning from Tommy John surgery, Eric O'Flaherty tells John Hickey, "My arm feels like it did at 18. The Rest of me still feels 30."

Fernando Rodriguez, now in his second season removed from Tommy John surgery, is reminding himself to take it easy even though he feels great, telling Hickey, "I tell myself there's no reason on Feb. 19 to throw 1,000 mph."

I believe Brett Lawrie has arrived at the Wolff, as the carpet in his instagram photo appears to match the carpet in John Hickey's tour of the weight room yesterday:

firmm

A photo posted by brett lawrie (@blawrie1313) on

Finally, more like Eric Studgard am I right?

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Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte makes MLB debut for Oakland A's

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