Spring Training Game #9: A's Hold 3-2 Lead and Other Spring Musings

I arrived in Phoenix on Friday afternoon, just in time for Graveman's first start. He was good, nothing flashy or spectacular, but he pitched well. Coupled with today's start, he becomes an interesting candidate for one of the starting pitching jobs open for the A's. Starting in single A last year, and being promoted through double and triple A, on the way to the Majors, Graveman is no stranger to proving himself in each and every league, having all the makings of a formidable competitor.

The only damage was done by a familiar face; Brandon Moss, who padded his 2 for 3 with a triple and a home run against the A's. I'd be lying if I didn't miss that bat in the lineup. Yet despite Moss' day, the A's still managed to rally enough runs to win in a single inning.

Billy Butler led off the second inning with a home run; his second of Spring Training. I saw his first live, and it was a bomb. Butler is an interesting power addition to the A's lineup; a bounce-back year isn't outside the realm of possibility. Vogt reached on an error and the A's shortstop, Marcus Semien--who is having a fantastic Spring so far, batting .500--drew a walk to move the runner to second. A fly ball by Olson moved the runner to third, and a Parrino walk loaded the bases. A Billy Burns' single scored the A's second run and a sacrifice fly by Gentry scored the A's third--and final--run.

Graveman gave up a run in the third and Abad gave up a run in the fourth to bring the Indians to within a run, but Clippard's two scoreless innings, and one scoreless inning apiece from Verdugo, Castro, Huntzinger, and Rodriguez kept the Indians off the board, and led the A's to another Spring Training win.

Tune in tomorrow at noon (not 1:00!) as the A's take on the Mariners, and Will Ferrell plays shortstop for an inning. We'll be back with all the action!