Today's the first time the A's have faced the Royals since the wild-card game. I don't know about y'all, but I'm about ready for some revenge, and I'm hoping extremely hard that Billy Butler hits about five homers.
Unfortunately, there's no way today's game is going to involve beloved comedy icons. Even Stephen Vogt won't be featured. Half the squad is in Vegas to face the Cubs tonight, but, luckily for our entertainment, a majority MLB level lineup has been left behind.
There are a couple of neat spring storylines to watch out for: Ladendorf, Parrino, and Sogard will all be playing today. I know, it's the most uninteresting roster fight ever, but the utility infield slot is important and up for grabs. Ladendorf is currently the leader in terms of stats, hitting .294 in 17 ABs with a triple and a stolen base. Parrino is 2 for 15, with two doubles and four walks. Eric Sogard, perennial Spring Training All-Star, is also at an uncharacteristic 2 for 15.
Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt will take the mound and try to fight his way up the SP depth chart. The 26 year old has started one game so far, pitching a scoreless 2 innings with 2 Ks. He's almost certainly not going to start the year in the rotation, but he's fighting for a spot in the bullpen or a quick callup once the pitcher injuries roll in.
Don't forget that there's another game (and another game thread!) coming up at 5:05 tonight.
Here are the lineups:
SP: Chris Bassitt
- Sam Fuld, CF
- Billy Burns, LF
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Billy Butler, 1B
- Brett Lawrie, 3B
- Bryan Anderson, C
- Josh Phegley, DH
- Andy Parrino, SS
- Eric Sogard, 2B
Kansas City Royals
SP: Edinson Volquez
- Ryan Jackson, 2B
- Alex Rios, RF
- Lorenzo Cain, CF
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Kendrys Morales, DH
- Salvador Perez, C
- Mike Moustakas, 3B
- Brett Eibner, LF
- Gabriel Noriega, SS
Stay tuned late in the game to see the best name in the A's system make his psuedo-big league debut:
First big league game appearance today against Royals! Check it out
— J.P. Sportman (@JSport7) March 13, 2015
And, of course, go A's!
