OAKLAND -- Chad Pinder is a man without a position. And that's OK.
Pinder proved his worth as a budding ultra-utility player during his rookie season, a role he learned not only to accept but embrace. He's a natural middle infielder with the athleticism and arm strength akin to an outfielder, and finding a permanent position isn't so much important to him as being able to play them all -- and play them all well.
His bat got him to the big leagues, but his defense is helping him stay.
"Everyone asks me, 'What's going on, what's your role this year?