Fewer players means more opportunity
MESA, Ariz. — One year ago, the A’s spring camp was at overflow capacity. With 72 players reporting to Hohokam Stadium, extra lockers were installed in the middle of the clubhouse.
This spring, Oakland’s camp is a more exclusive affair. The team invited 59 players, wanting the big-league staff to get a more focused look at some top minor-leaguers. There will be more innings for up-and-coming relievers such as Nolan Blackwood, Lou Trivino and Kyle Finnegan and more atbats for young infielders such as Sheldon Neuse and Jorge Mateo.
“It allows us to get a better look at some of these guys we haven’t seen, especially early,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We’re trying to condense the camp a little bit so we don’t water down our looks at some guys.”
Camp is also a little shorter than usual, with 39 days of activity in Arizona compared to the usual 43-45 days, thanks to the additional days off the new CBA built into the regular season.
“A smaller number is a good thing,” general manager David Forst said. “We know who the guys are. We have guys coming up through the system who are going to help and who are going to get a real opportunity in camp. We look at this year’s camp compared to last and feel good about it.”
Melvin liked the looks of Blackwood, a sidearm-style right-hander with a funky delivery and said that those in A’s development have raved about him.
Montas a potential starter: Among those in action during the A’s first workout: No. 1 starter Kendall Graveman and rotation hopefuls Andrew Triggs, Jharel Cotton and Chris Bassitt.
Melvin said that Frankie Montas, who made 23 relief appearances with Oakland last year, also will be conditioned to start; Montas, 24, made eight starts with Triple-A Nashville last year. Over his final five starts, he had a 4.05 ERA and struck out 20 and walked three in 20 innings.
The A’s need more starting-pitching depth, and Melvin said that he believes Montas, who was part of the Rich Hill/ Josh Reddick deal with the Dodgers in 2016, has the ability to be a high-level starter.
Briefly: There wasn’t going to be any real doubt about it, but Melvin indicated Wednesday that Blake Treinen will resume the closer role. … He was known as Daniel Coulombe his first two seasons with the team, but the A’s reliever would prefer to go by Danny, which is what most of his friends and, more important, his wife call him, Coulombe said. … For those who’d like to support the fight against ALS, a friend of the Piscotty family is running in two marathons to raise funds for ALS research in honor of outfielder Stephen Piscotty’s mother, Gretchen. For more information, go to www.classy.org/campaign/team-gretchen/c166633.