MESA, Ariz. — There are a lot of things to like about the A’s this year: the young starting pitchers, the solid bullpen and the good young infielders en route at some point this season.
The defense, however, is a potential issue. The A’s don’t have an above-average fielder at any spot besides Yonder Alonso at first base, and only a sprinkling of average defensive players: Trevor Plouffe at third, Rajai Davis in center, Stephen Vogt and Josh Phegley at catcher.
“We’re hoping it’s improved,” vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said.