Roster Issues

As the A's start spring training, there are some important issues that need to be tackled with respect to the 25 man roster. As of now, the team is over the 25 man roster...

C - Kendall, Melhuse
1st - Hatteberg
2nd - Ginter, Ellis, Scutaro
SS - Crosby
3rd - Chavez
LF - Byrnes, Thomas, Kielty
CF - Kotsay
RF - Swisher
DH - Durazo

SP - Zito, Harden, Haren, Yabu, Etherton
RP - Bradford, Johnson, Rincon, Cruz, Calero, Dotel, Duchscherer

Total: 14 hitters/12 pitchers

That's 1 player over; not even counting the true utility player we need in the Bobby Smith/Jermaine Clark/Hiram Bocachica mold who are capable of covering every position except catcher.

I am trying to confirm whether Etherton has a major league contract or not because he would have to pass waivers( not likely ) in order to be sent to the minors. And by the looks of what Beane hs said, Etherton is not going to be filler.

UPDATE: Joe Roderick of the Mercury News has informed me that Etherton does have a major league contract; he WILL be a starter IMO. Look for a Zito, Harden, Haren, Yabu, Etherton to start the year.

If Beane isn't careful in trading Byrnes, he may tip his hand. He has to gut this team of four players: Scutaro, Byrnes, Bradford, and Duchscherer. Reasons?

• Scutaro- very low OBP, subpar defensively at SS; great fielding but average range at 2nd
• Byrnes - 29 years old, possibly at peak, strikeout-prone, bad breaks on balls in OF, blocking Kielty and Thomas
• Bradford - expensive for talent, is a clone-copy of Harrikala
• Duchscherer - high risk swings in palatable stats, wore down at the end of season, allowed 5 hrs in last 15 1/3 innings

To have the optimal team possible, you have to make some adjustments...