The A’s have taken over the former Raiders locker room to gain more clubhouse space inside the Coliseum.
The sights in that room are indeed new, but as for the sounds — reigning platinum glover Matt Chapman remains the unofficial team DJ.
“We have a speaker in there still,” Chapman told NBC Sports California via FaceTime on Friday. “Bluetooth, so nobody has to touch it or anything. Everyone is on their own phone.”
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SIGN UP HERE It’s definitely been abnormal scenery during these last three weeks of "Camp Coliseum." Like the rest of the society, teammates have already adjusted to seeing each other wearing masks.
“It took a little getting used to at the beginning seeing guys wear masks,” Chapman said. “A little spooky the first time you’re in there getting adjusted to some of the new normals.”
Practice has already formed proper habits. On Friday, MLB revealed the prior week of 10,548 samples produced only 6 positive tests for COVID-19.
“We’ve got a good system going, everybody seems to feel safe," Chapman said. "We’ve still been having fun, and haven’t really been too bothered by it.”
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Spending less time overall around the ballpark is also an adjustment. Players have specific windows for arrival and departures.
“Just not getting to the field as early,” Chapman said. “For a 7 p.m. game you’d see guys arriving anywhere from noon and after.”
Chapman says he has altered a few longtime personal preparation routines, but is still getting the early work done. Which now includes stretching and a yoga session at home, before even driving to the ballpark.
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“It just makes you focus, and figure out what it really takes to get ready to play,” Chapman said.
When asked about his team’s "good" chances in a shortened season, Chapman responded that he feels “great” about Oakland’s potential in 2020.