There are little to no expectations for the 2023 Oakland Athletics. Last place in the American League West is certain, worst record in Major League Baseball is likely, and 100 or more losses is guaranteed.
Even worse is is manager Mark Kotsay has created controversy days before the season started. Outfielder Cristian Pache who had an excellent spring did not make the opening day roster. Which, meant since he was out of options and he got designated for assignment.
Pache’s defense is supberb yet his offense has been suspect, still at only 24 there are teams who will definitely have interest in trading for him.
Another A’s player who did not make the opening day roster was Kevin Smith. He was stellar this spring hitting .395 with two home runs and 15 rbi, three doubles, and had an OBP of .469. Still it was not enough.
So the Athletics opening day roster will look like this:
Catcher: Shea Langeliers
First Base: Jesus Aguilar
Second Base: Tony Kemp
Short Stop: Nick Allen
Third Base: Jace Peterson
Left field: Seth Brown
Center Field: Esteury Ruiz
Right Field: Ramon Laureano
Designated Hitter: Conner Capel
Bench:
Carlos Perez, catcher
Ryan Noda, first base
Aledmys Díaz, utility
Brent Rooker, outfield
Starting Pitchers:
Kyle Muller
Ken Waldichuk
James Kaprielian
JP Sears
Shintaro Fujinami
Relievers:
Adam Oller
Sam Moll
Chad Smith
Domingo Acevedo
Dany Jimenez
Zach Jackson
Jeurys Familia
Trevor May
Players to watch for the Athletics are: Langeliers, Allen, Ruiz, Muller, and Fujinami.