In most ballparks, you can’t tell the players without a scorecard. At O.co Coliseum, you can’t tell them with one at times, so often do the names change. Since the A’s were last seen a year ago, Albert Callaspo, Josh Donaldson, Jonny Gomes, Luke Gregerson, Jason Hammel, Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, Brandon Moss, Derek Norris, Nick Punto and Geovany Soto left the building. So have your pencils ready — definitely pencils — here are some of the new A’s you’re likely to see on Opening Day if not later this season.
Chris Bassitt
Age: 26
Birthplace: Curtice, Ohio
College: Akron
How he got here: Acquired from the Chicago White Sox
The skinny: The right-hander made five starts for the White Sox last season. After a particularly strong performance against the A’s, a close friend said he performed more like one of them. Weeks later, he became one as part of the Jeff Samardzija trade. This spring, the former 16th-round draft pick was erratic in his bid for a spot in the rotation, although he would rather come out of the bullpen.
Billy Butler
Age: Turns 29 this month.
Birthplace: Orange Park, Fla.
College: Rejected an offer from Florida to turn pro
How he got here: Signed as free agent
The skinny: Uh, there’s no skinny here. The man called Country Breakfast weighs 240 pounds, give or take one. Giants fans got to know him well last fall, when the Kansas City Royals designated hitter hit .333 in the World Series. His home run total dropped from a career-high 29 to 15 to nine in the last three seasons. Will move to first base against left-handers, but he’s another guy who should rent, not sell.
Tyler Clippard
Age: 30
Birthplace: Lexington, Ky.
College: Rejected an offer from South Florida to turn pro
How he got here: Acquired from the Washington Nationals
The skinny: Since 2010, no reliever has appeared in more games (371), pitched more innings (393¹/³) and won more games (29) in the major leagues. The goggle-wearing righty relies heavily on fastballs upstairs, which should translate well at O.co Coliseum. The locals should take a close look at him, though, because he’ll become a free agent after the season.
Ike Davis
Age: Turned 28 last month
Birthplace: Edina, Minn.
College: Arizona State
How he got here: Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates
The skinny: The former first-rounder comes off a forgettable season at the plate and in the field. He’s still not over his bout with valley fever, which he contracted three years ago. Will split time with Billy
Butler at first base. His father, Ron, pitched for the Giants among five major-league teams. He is a recipient of the Thurman Munson Award for his charitable work.
Kendall Graveman
Age: 24
Birthplace: Alexander City, Ala.
College: Mississippi State
How he got here: Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
The skinny: He could turn out to be the gem in the Josh Donaldson trade. Last season, the right-hander pitched five games for the Blue Jays after he led their farm system in wins and earned run average. Death to right-handers, he has a low-90s sinker that produces groundball after groundball. Will open the season in the rotation after a solid performance in spring training.
Jesse Hahn
Age: 25
Birthplace: Norwich, Conn.
College: Virginia Tech
How he got here: Acquired from the San Diego Padres
The skinny: The tall right-hander had an impressive rookie campaign with the San Diego Padres last season, when he posted a 7-4 record and 3.07 ERA. His pro debut was delayed two years because of arm problems. His sister Melissa is afflicted with cerebral palsy and serves as a strong source of motivation for him. Will start the season in the rotation.
Brett Lawrie
Age: 25
Birthplace: Langley, British Columbia
College: None
How he got here: Acquired from Blue Jays
The skinny: Don’t mistake him for Jed Lowrie, the former A’s infielder. He has hit far better in Canada and against National League teams in his career, which makes him a great fit for the Montreal Expos if they make a comeback. His batting average and on-base percentage declined each year since 2010, when he made his major-league debut. Will take over for Josh Donaldson at third base.
Josh Phegley
Age: 27
Birthplace: Terre Haute, Ind.
College: Indiana
How he got here: Acquired from the White Sox
The skinny: The White Sox weren’t convinced of his potential, and now the catcher can prove them wrong. General manager Billy Beane likes guys who get on base, which is not his game. But the right-handed hitter has power, as his 23 homers in Triple-A last season indicate, and he’s a plus player behind the plate. A rare blood disorder threatened his career five years ago. Will assume the role that Derek Norris filled against lefties last season.
Marcus Semien
Age: 24
Birthplace: San Francisco
College: Cal
How he got here: Acquired from the White Sox
The skinny: No introduction is required here. A prized White Sox prospect not long ago, he hit .234 in spot duty last season and was deemed expendable. Now the shortstop will open the season with an expanded role for the first time at this level. Can also play second base and third base. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley before he led Cal to the College World Series four years ago.
Ben Zobrist
Age: Turns 34 next month
Birthplace: Eureka, Ill.
College: Dallas Baptist
How he got here: Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays
The skinny: Bert Campaneris, meet your match. The veteran has played all positions except pitcher in his career. He hit .272 or better in at least 146 games in each of the last three seasons. It’s his career .354 on-base percentage Beane likes as much. Probably will start the season in right field or at second base. Could be trade bait before the deadline.