Elephant Rumblings: Center Field job still up for grabs

As we approach the mid-way part of spring camp, one of the more interesting roster battles for the Oakland Athletics is the one in center field. Esteury Ruiz, JJ Bleday and Cristian Pache have all seen time there during the spring, but it is unlikely that all three will begin the season on the Opening Day roster.

Ruiz was part of the return in the three-team trade that landed Sean Murphy in Atlanta this offseason. He has appeared in nine games so far and is 4-for-22 at the plate with three walks and three stolen bases. Bleday came over from the Marlins in the trade for A.J. Puk and is 6-for-24 with a double and 10 strikeouts. He has also seen some time in the corner outfield spots. Pache was Oakland’s Opening Day centerfielder a year ago, but struggled at the plate and ultimately lost the job. He is 8-for-21 so far this spring and has yet to strikeout.

Pache is also out of options which means he needs to make the club or be exposed to waivers. A’s manager Mark Kotsay hinted Saturday that Pache being out of options will likely figure into the decision.

“There’s going to be factors that go into it … not just performance but roster construction, depth at the position,” Kotsay said.

“Both Ruiz and JJ have options. And it’s a great thing but it’s also a hindrance for them, in terms of they may not get an opportunity to start with this club. But again, that is where you say they’re going to impact this club at some point. We saw it last year.”

There are other questions for the remainder of the outfield make up. Seth Brown and Ramon Laureano figure to see the bulk of the playing time in the corners and Brown has spent the offseason trying to improve against lefties in an effort to become more of an every day player. Connor Capel and Brent Rooker are also in camp and vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

A’s Coverage

• Ken Waldichuk struggles again as A’s fall to Guardians
• (Nico): Observations from an eyeball scout without eyes
• (Kawahara) A’s Ken Waldichuk wrestles with command in Cactus League start
• (Gallegos) Martinez optioned, but still in A’s rotation mix

MLB News

• Top prospect Corbin Carroll signs eight-year extension with Diamondbacks
• Justin Turner could get stitches out, take BP Sunday
• Back tightness sidelines Phillies’ Noah Song
• Kodai Senga scratch Mets’ latest spring pitching setback
• Top international signee makes spring cameo at age 16
• Mitch Haniger suffers Grade 1 oblique strain

Best of Twitter

A’s prospect Ryan Cusick made his spring debut Saturday tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Unfortunately I can’t find any video, but Lawrence Butler was at it again Saturday.