The Oakland Athletics are going the old platoon way in terms of managing their middle infield with the acquisition of Stephen Drew and the optioning of Jemile Weeks. Expect to see a lot of shifting with Adam Rosales and Cliff Pennington.
With second base now open, the A's will go with Rosales on Tuesday, then Pennington will go on Wednesday. Pennington will likely have to play there much of the time with Drew likely to spend most of his time at shortstop. Casey Pratt of CSN Bay Area files this report that showcases how confident the As are in Pennington making the adjustment to playing a new position a good chunk of his time on the field.
"Right now his opportunity is at second base," Melvin said. "He understands that, and he is going to work as hard as he can to be a very good second baseman."
Stephen Drew arrived in Oakland earlier today, and he's in the lineup in the two hole. The A's are hoping Drew can regain the form that made him such a solid hitter a few years ago, overcoming the injuries that sidelined him for much of the last year.
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