A'S REPORT TO SPRING TRAINING

By Dunbar Stevens

February 19, 2002

PHOENIX, A.Z. -- The Oakland A's arrived at Phoenix Municipal Stadium today to begin their Spring Training work-outs eager to start the 2002 campaign.  The A's veterans welcomed new Manager Maty McNeil as well as newcomers David Justice, Randy Verlarde, and Justin Duchscherer.  Notably absent, of course, was slugger Jason Giambi.  He left in the off-season to sign with the Yankees.  Although only pitchers and catchers were required to report today, most everyone arrived, including non-roster invitees.  The weather was a crisp with a light breeze.

The mood inside the Player Development Complex today was light and easy-going.  Barry Zito arrived with noticeably shorter hair and with his usual harem of girls.  He "chilled", jumped rope, lifted a few free weights, and played cards with pitching coach Rick Peterson.  Mark Mulder was describing his rigorous off-season work-out regiment which included a daily three mile run and cross-country training.  David Justice was wearing ice and showing off his new Land Rover.

The team did not do any outdoor work-outs today.  A's athletic trainer Marion Wilson instead suggested the players do some heavy stretching and ride the stationary bike.

"As far as today goes, I just wanted the guys to get used to each other again," McNeil said.  "Our work-outs will steadily pick up over the week.  We'll do a little light batting practice tomorrow and some long toss.  Anyone who doesn't want to work-out tomorrow can opt out if they want.  No hurries."

The A's Spring Training jerseys and other apparel will arrive tomorrow.  No word yet on what jersey numbers the newcomers will wear.  Zito said he'll still keep number 75 because he "loves" the number and likes how the 7 and the 5 "makes a shelf" at the top beneath his name.  Zito is an eccentric guy.  He practiced Eastern religions and played guitar in the off-season.

Spring Training Schedule (All times PACIFIC):

2/22: First work-out

2/24: First full work-out

2/25: On-field practice

2/27: Simulated game

2/28: vs. Milwaukee

3/01: vs. Milwaukee

3/02: vs. Anaheim

3/03: at  Anaheim

3/04: at  Seattle

3/05: at  San Diego

3/06: vs. Arizona

3/07: at  Arizona

3/08: vs. Milwaukee

3/09: at  Seattle (ss), vs. San Franciso (ss)

3/10: vs. Chicago AL (ss), at Anaheim (ss)

3/11: at  Milwaukee

3/12: vs. Anaheim

3/13: vs. San Diego

3/14: -MEDIA DAY-

3/15: vs. Chicago NL

3/16: vs. Anaheim (ss), at Chicago AL (ss)

3/17: vs. Seattle

3/18: at  Anaheim

3/19: at  Colorado

3/20: vs. San Franciso

3/21: vs. Seattle

3/22: at  San Francisco

3/23: at  San Diego

3/24: vs. Milwaukee

3/25: vs. Arizona

3/26: at  Chicago NL

3/27: at  Midland (Exhibition - Midland, TX)

3/28: at  San Francisco (in San Francisco, CA)

3/29: at  San Francisco (in San Francisco, CA)

3/30: vs. San Francisco (in Oakland, CA)

3/31: vs. San Diego (in Oakland, CA)