MESA, Ariz. - Adam Rosales has a real simple plan for which infield position he chooses to try to get work at.
"Wherever there's less guys, I go over there," he explained with a smile.
The sun came out and the A's finally got on the field for their first full-squad workout Monday after being rained out Sunday. That meant Rosales, back for his second go-round as an Athletic, got his first chance to prepare for what figures to be a super-utility role, which is how he's carved out a nine-year major league career.
All indications are that he'll be the primary backup infielder, capable of spelling Jed Lowrie at second base, Marcus Semien at shortstop, Trevor Plouffe at third and even fill in at first base or left field in a pinch.
Though Rosales, who spent 2010-12 with Oakland and re-signed in January on a one-year $1.25 million deal, is well-versed in preparing himself all over the diamond, one position in particular is one that he says is most difficult to master in limited time.
"Shortstop," he offered without hesitation. "There's a lot more going on there, a lot less room for error. At shortstop, especially with a guy like Mike Trout running, you've got to be in good rhythm, good timing, get rid of the ball and make an accurate throw."
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Depending on how the A's prioritize their 25-man roster, Rosales could very well be the only backup infielder. That means fellow infielders Joey Wendle and Chad Pinder would start in the minors if the A's were to keep a fifth outfielder or third catcher. But because the A's have some players who can fill in at multiple spots, there's numerous ways they can choose to configure the roster when it comes time to pare it down.
Rosales, 33, said walking back into the A's clubhouse for the first time made him "feel like I'm back home." So much of the support staff - equipment guys, clubhouse guys - are the same as when he was here before. He was also happy to see former infield mate Mark Ellis walk through the door Sunday. He says Ellis, a teammate from 2010-11, instilled in him the importance of being a great defender. Ellis is working as a part-time spring instructor.
"He told me, the No. 1 reason he was in the big leagues was because of this," Rosales said, holding up his glove. "I was such a young player then. I'd always work with him, how to turn double plays. Just to have him around is awesome."
NOTEWORTHY: Sonny Gray and Kendall Graveman were among the pitchers who faced hitters for the first time this season. Bruce Maxwell caught Gray, his first time behind the plate with Gray other than the one inning Gray threw in an abbreviated start at Anaheim toward the end of last season. Maxwell said Gray's changeup in particular looked good.
Manager Bob Melvin has been very impressed early on with Graveman's command. Graveman said he's trying to improve his changeup, in an effort to induce weak contact from righties and get them on the their front foot, which could then make him more effective on the inside corner.
CAMP BATTLE: There could be a good fight for the seventh and final spot in the bullpen, and it would seem being left-handed could give someone an edge. Sean Doolittle is the only lefty currently projected among the A's top six relievers. Melvin had good things to say about Daniel Coulombe, a lefty who made 35 appearances in relief last year and also saw a bit of time with Oakland in 2015. Coulombe posted a 4.53 ERA last season but struck out 54 in 47 2/3 innings.
