The morning kicked off on a high note with some insightful conversations. I sat down with catcher Shea Langeliers, outfielder Henry Bolte, and pitching coach Scott Emerson, and I’m excited to share those interviews soon. There’s also a chance to catch up with Jacob Lopez and Denzel Clarke on Monday.
The afternoon belonged to the A’s, who dominated with 15 of the game’s 17 hits, 12 runs, and scored in six of the eight innings they batted. Langeliers, after our chat, continued his power streak with home runs in each at-bat.
Coincidence? Maybe.
But his form is undeniable.
Now, let's dive into some standout performances:
Jacob Lopez
Lopez had a shaky start, walking the first batter after an 0-2 count. But he quickly found his rhythm, delivering four hitless innings reminiscent of his stellar performances last season.
His breaking balls were dancing, and his fastball, clocking in at 90-91 MPH, was elusive. A healthy Lopez is a game-changer for the A’s rotation, and today’s outing was a promising sign.
Leo De Vries
The buzz around De Vries is real, and for good reason. He went 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs, showcasing patience and power.
His first at-bat was a lesson in discipline, laying off a borderline pitch before singling to center. The second was a display of quick wrists, driving a double into the left-field corner.
De Vries is hitting .400/.442/.625, and his defensive play at shortstop was a glimpse of his potential, despite a minor misstep on a swipe tag.
Tommy White
White’s bat has been on fire, but today it was his glove work at third that caught attention. A tricky grounder near the bag was no match for him as he made a stellar pickup and threw a strike to first. Questions about his defensive capabilities at third are still there, but plays like this make you reconsider.
Colby Thomas
Thomas is proving his worth, especially against left-handed pitchers. His hit today was a laser to left, leaving the shortstop no chance. The power is evident, and while he has areas to improve, his ability to mash lefties is a standout trait.
Wander Suero
Suero’s stuff is intriguing. His fastball, at 90-91 MPH, might not light up the radar gun, but it’s deceptive.
His delivery adds an element of surprise, with late movement that keeps hitters guessing. He’s reminiscent of Justin Sterner, and while opinions may vary, he’s definitely one to watch for a potential call-up.
Other Highlights
Scott Barlow was effective in his outing, with 1.2 innings of scoreless pitching, striking out four. His velocity was down, but his slider was sharp. Cade Marlowe continued to impress, grinding out a walk and smacking a double, maintaining a .333 average as he vies for a spot in the outfield.
Overall, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. The A’s have shaken off a slow start and are finding their groove just in time.
We’ll keep an eye on their progress as they head into the next phase of spring training. Stay tuned from Goodyear!