Three River Cats to keep an eye on

Here are three River Cats who could have significant impact on the team and bear scrutiny this season.

PLAYER TO WATCH

OF Grant Green

• Bats/throws: R/R

• Height: 6-foot-3

• Weight: 185 pounds

• Age: 25

• MLB experience: None

• Last season (with River Cats): .296, 28 doubles, six triples, 15 HRs, 75 RBIs, 13 steals, .338 on-base percentage, .458 slugging percentage in 125 games

• Comment: The A's first-round pick in 2009 (13th overall) is an everyday player because he seemingly can play every position. He played two outfield spots last season and had starts at second base, third base and shortstop. In four minor-league seasons, Green has played 212 games at shortstop, 77 in center field, 49 in left field, 20 at second base and 11 at third base. He said he has a "special relationship" with manager Steve Scarsone - both graduated from Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills, albeit "quite a few seasons apart." Said Green, "I know Scar is counting on me."

PITCHER TO WATCH

RHP Sonny Gray

• Bats/throws: R/R

• Height: 5-11

• Weight: 180

• Age: 23

• MLB experience: None

• Last season (with Double-A Midland): 6-9, 4.14 ERA in 26 starts and 148 innings, 97 strikeouts, 57 walks.

• Comment: Gray is the youngest player on the River Cats but says he's as seasoned as any of the "old guys here." He was the A's first-round pick in 2011 (18th overall) and spent the 2012 season under Scarsone at Double-A Midland. He started one game with the River Cats in September after a call-up, allowing 10 hits and four runs in four innings. He said he returns "a lot more comfortable and confident."

HITTER TO WATCH

OF Michael Choice

• Bats/throws: R/R

• Height: 6 feet

• Weight: 215

• Age: 23

• MLB experience: None

• Last season (with Double-A Midland): .287, 10 HRs, 15 doubles, 58 RBIs, .356 on-base percentage, .423 slugging percentage in 91 games

• Comment: Choice, a home run hitter during his All-America career at Texas-Arlington and the A's 2010 first-round pick (10th overall), was a fan favorite at Class-A Stockton because of his power. He hit 30 home runs for the Ports in 2011 and 10 for Midland. He also crushed one in an exhibition game Monday night against the Ports. "It's pretty special to be here," Choice said, "but don't want to be here long."

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