Buddy Reed one ... AL MVP Abreu zero
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The Buddy Reed Show continues to be one of the most entertaining in baseball this spring, and the latest episode brought another eye-opening highlight play.
During the fourth inning of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the White Sox at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., Reed -- the A’s No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline -- perfectly timed a leap above the center-field wall just to the left of the 411-foot mark to rob reigning American League Most Valuable Player José Abreu of extra bases. The spectacular play immediately earned a tip of the cap from right-hander Jordan Weems, who had just entered the game in relief of starter Frankie Montas.
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Reed’s impressive Spring Training resumé continues to grow. His first week of Cactus League action featured him gunning down runners on the basepaths with assists from two different outfield spots, two clutch home runs and a steal of third base.
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“He’s done just about everything this camp,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “We saw his arm early on in camp. This is typically a tough field to play in Spring Training with the sun in your face. I don’t know if anybody else makes that play.”
With multiple outfielders getting a late start to camp, Reed, who played in his 14th spring game on Sunday, is receiving much more playing time than was originally expected. Though there still appear to be a couple of players ahead of him on the depth chart, the 25-year-old continues to turn in performances that are capturing the attention of the big league staff as he looks to crack the Opening Day roster.
“He continues to impress and is having a great time with it,” Melvin said. “This is the best we’ve seen him playing and he’ll continue to get an opportunity.”