25-year old switch hitting Cliff Pennington will be the starting shortstop for the A’s in 2010. Pennington played in 60 games for the A’s last season and he was 58 for 208 (.279 avg, .760 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 4 homers, 21 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. The A’s are hoping that Pennington is another version of Mark Ellis with more speed. Pennington made 8 errors in 60 games at SS last season for the A’s while showing good range.

32-year old lefty swinging Eric Chavez and 26-year old righty swinging Adam Rosales will compete this spring for the right to backup Pennington at SS in 2010. Chavez didn’t play any shortstop last season for the A’s but they are confident that he can handle the job if healthy. Rosales played in 6 games for the Reds at SS last season without making an error and showing average range.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SS IN 2010: C-