FanPost

Spring Game Thread #17: Athletics (ss) vs. White Sox

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We’re a little past halfway through the Cactus League schedule, and there are two things of which I’m certain:

  1. The new Cache Creek radio commercial is already stuck in my head.

  2. Ken Korach’s voice in the spring is as refreshing as the rain.

Unfortunately, because the A’s are playing two split squad games today, you will hear neither Ken Korach calling the game against the Chicago White Sox, nor any Cache Creek commercials therein, as there is no broadcast. Today’s other game against the Giants, however, will air on both TV and radio.

Mengden’s Moment

Despite the lack of a broadcast, today’s game against the Sox is not without intrigue, if for no other reason than the starting pitcher, Daniel Mengden. There is wide consensus among those following the A’s this spring that Mengden and Frankie Montas will be the two starters rounding out the pitching rotation behind FA signees Mike Fiers, Marco Estrada, and Brett Anderson. This is because of the options scenarios of all the different pitchers in the mix for those two spots. (For a full explanation of the status of players’ options, click here.)

A's GM David Forst seemed to echo this sentiment in his both interview during the radio broadcast of Saturday's game against the Brewers. Forst indicated that starting pitching candidates' options will be a significant factor in roster decisions, and that the team puts a high priority on depth at this time of year.

Despite the good chances of Mengden breaking camp as part of the Big League rotation, he certainly wants to show the A’s that he is the right choice at the back of their rotation.

Barreto's Brawn

Franklin Barreto will also be on this end of the split squad, batting in the three hole no less. Barreto has been on a tear the whole spring, and while he likely remains on the outside of the Opening Day roster, he is

doing everything he can to show he belongs.

Murphy's Might

Forst also said yesterday that top catchiing prospect Sean Murphy is "very close" to being ready for The Show. A's fans have to be excited that there is a backstop of his caliber who is hungry to make the jump. Murphy bats 6th in today's game.

Click here are the full lineups for both of today's games.