A’s to use Giants’ San Jose ballpark for alternate site
The A’s have finalized an alternate training camp site: Excite Ballpark in San Jose.
As reported by The Chronicle on Tuesday, the A’s turned their sights to the home of the Giants’ Class A affiliate after plans to use Stockton Ballpark, home of their HighA Ports affiliate, for an alternate site fell through due to concern over coronavirus case rates in San Joaquin County.
“I couldn’t be more excited about getting back out there in the next few days,” said former Cal starter Daulton Jefferies, who is at the top of the depth chart should Oakland need a starter. “It should be a very fun and competitive environment with a great group of guys, and I am definitely thankful to be a part of it and to be able to have the opportunity to contribute in any way I can.”
The alternate site, formerly known as Municipal Stadium, will host players who are not on the A’s active roster or taxi squad. About 18 players will report to San Jose beginning this weekend and another dozen will join the site after the A’s cut their roster to 30 players to open the regular season later this month.
A’s manager Bob Melvin had conceded Thursday he had some concern due to the alternate site not yet being up and running. Testing will be conducted Monday, so workouts at the San Jose site will start Wednesday or Thursday and will be closed to the public and media.
Former Oakland shortstop
Bobby Crosby, who will be among A’s coaches working with the alternate site players, told The Chronicle via text he’s “just excited to get going.”
“With the talented young infielders that are going to be there, I can’t wait to start working with those guys,” Crosby said. “And preparing all the other players to possibly make an impact in the big leagues this year.”
Prospects reporting to San Jose include shortstops Robert Puason, the highly regarded 17yearold from the Dominican Republic; Logan Davidson, the A’s 2019 firstround draft pick; and Nick Allen, a touted defender. Allen and outfielder Greg Deichmann, another alternate site player, were among those at the A’s majorleague camp this spring. There will be a team hotel near the ballpark.
“I’m pumped to get going again,” Deichmann told The Chronicle via text. “It’s definitely going to be a new experience for everyone but just being able to step into a batter’s box again and get the competitive drive and adrenaline rush is what we’ve all been longing for since camp got shut down in March.”
The Chronicle reported last month that 18yearold catcher Tyler Soderstrom, the team’s top pick in the June draft, also will report to the alternate camp.