Sam Fuld among those on bubble for A’s roster spot
By adding a left fielder, Khris Davis, right before spring training and a utility player, Chris Coghlan, the day before the first full-squad workout, the A’s made themselves better, certainly.
The roster situation is far more complicated now, naturally, and backup outfielder Sam Fuld is one potential casualty.
Manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that Fuld, who is out of options, is highly valued by the club because he’s a “plus-plus” defender at all three outfield spots, and he suggested there will still be room for him.
“I want to drive the ball better and if there’s one way to do that it’s to incorporate my lower half, use my legs and hips,” Fuld said.
Fuld’s wife, Sarah, is back home in Florida and expecting their fourth child next month - fourFuld, you could say.
When Lambo was claimed on waivers from Pittsburgh in November, it appeared he might have a decent shot at a roster spot, but now, as Melvin acknowledged, I would say our outfield depth is longer. …
Barreto will continue to mostly play shortstop, but Olson, a first baseman, will see time in right this spring and that could wind up being a potential big-league spot for him.
Melvin noted that with his size - Olson is 6-foot-5 - he’d make a nice big target at first at the Coliseum, with all its foul ground.
Stephen Vogt (arthroscopic elbow surgery) threw at a distance of 90 feet and he’s being allowed to throw back to pitchers in bullpen sessions. …
New starter Rich Hill drew some oohs and ahs around the cage when he dropped down and sizzled a fastball across the plate for a strike while pitching to Josh Reddick.
Non-roster pitcher Patrick Schuster was under the weather and given the option to take the day off but threw live batting practice and looked good, according to Melvin.