Elephant Rumblings: Projecting the A’s Opening Day roster

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Spring Training is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers will report for the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues beginning February 15. Aspiring big leaguers will jostle for position in the weeks ahead of this year’s MLB Opening Day on March 30.

So who is going to make the cut for the 2023 Oakland Athletics? Martin Gallegos at MLB projected the A’s opening day roster yesterday. The picks are summarized below and you can check out Gallegos’ notes and rationales at the A’s MLB site.

• Catcher (2): Shea Langeliers, Manny Piña
• First base (2): Jesús Aguilar, Ryan Noda
• Second base (2): Tony Kemp, Jordan Diaz
• Third base (1): Jace Peterson
• Shortstop (1): Nick Allen
• Outfield (4): Seth Brown, Esteury Ruiz, Ramón Laureano, Conner Capel
• Utility (1): Aledmys Díaz
• Starting pitchers (5): Shintaro Fujinami, Paul Blackburn, Ken Waldichuk, Drew Rucinski, James Kaprielian
• Relievers (8): Trevor May, Domingo Acevedo, Dany Jimenez, Zach Jackson, Sam Moll, A.J. Puk, Chad Smith, Deolis Guerra

What do you think of this list? Do we really want to put Conner Capel in the outfield rather than giving Cristian Pache a shot at getting his bat on track out the gate? It’s also interesting to see A.J. Puk slated for the pen, given all the chatter of late about putting him in the rotation. Gallegos acknowledges that Puk is being stretched out for starting duties, but apparently supposes he’ll more likely be edged out and relegated to relief duties to start the season.

Of course, much rides on how players actually perform in preseason play. If you’ve got a take, you know where to put it! Have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Willis: Oakland A’s 2023 Community Prospect List No. 8
• Gallegos: Projecting the A’s Opening Day roster

MLB News & Interest:

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• Franco: Blue Jays, Bo Bichette Agree To Three-Year Deal To Avoid Arbitration
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• Today in Baseball History

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