What’s up with shortstop and second base for the Athletics? A’s people say Hiroyuki Nakajima has been so bad at shortstop they’re no longer guaranteeing him the starting job. Also, as much as Nakajima has been bad, Scott Sizemore has been equally as bad. Since the trade for Jed Lowrie I’ve been saying Lowrie is the starting shortstop for the A’s. I maintain Grant Green will finish the year as the starting second baseman so I’m not surprised Sizemore isn’t looking very good.

Mike Trout tripled today. The significance of that is he ran a 10.90 from home plate to third base. Last year I clocked him (on triples) at 10.64 (6.1.12), 10.58 (5.29.12) and 10.77 (9.28.12) so he’s a slower than last year. Trout may not have 80 speed (on the 20-80 scouting scale), but he has at least 70 based on his time today.

Roy Halladay was rocked yesterday against the Tigers, giving up seven runs in 2.67 innings. What’s most concerning was the velocity of his fastball, which was 84-85 mph. I currently have Halladay ranked 26th among starting pitchers, but I’m going to drop him at least 10-15 spots if he falters again.

Nick Markakis was diagnosed with herniated disk in his neck and his availability for Opening Day is in question. If he was fully health he has a high floor with a low ceiling hitting at least .285 who can hit 10-15 home runs with 70 runs and RBI. I have him ranked as my 64th outfielder, but based on this news he drops down 5-10 spots. Markakis is the perfect compliment if your roster has a few low batting average players.