Mark

Ellis

Ellis, who is out for the season, did participate in fielding drills yesterday in Oakland, but still has a way to go before he can play in any games. It remains to be seen if there is a job waiting for Ellis with the A’s when his healthy enough to play next year.

Macha was only somewhat encouraged by what he saw while Ellis was making relay throws from second base. ''He’s made progress,’' Macha said. ''I don’t think he’s back to 100 percent.’' Ellis will compete with Keith Ginter for a starting job this spring.

Ellis, who is competing with Keith Ginter for the starting spot at second base, singled in his only at-bat. ''It felt good to get in a game situation,’' Ellis said. ''I felt really good. Today was a good start. It was good to get that out of the way before the real exhibition games start.’'

Ellis will have another MRI once the swelling goes down. The A’s seem to suspect that the second baseman has a torn labrum, which would force him to sit out the season, but official word won’t come down another week to 10 days.

It doesn’t appear that the A’s really believe that, although they probably won’t confirm anything until Ellis undergoes another MRI. For now, it appears that they are looking into acquiring another second baseman. Orlando Hudson and Junior Spivey could be possibilities.

A labrum tear like Ellis has sometimes can have career-jeopardizing implications, and although Ellis said he is “a little bit” worried about that, he seems confident he will make a full recovery and be ready for next season.

Ellis will have the exam Wednesday. He could be out anywhere from 6-8 weeks to the entire season.

The A’s have used six different hitters in the top spot in their last 12 games. ''It might be one guy today and another guy tomorrow,’' manager Ken Macha said. Ellis went 1-for-4 with a run scored, but his .325 on-base percentage won’t keep him atop the lineup. If the A’s are ever planning on giving 24-year-old Esteban German (.366 OBP, 21 SB, 51 runs, 45/44 K/BB at Triple-A Sacramento) a real chance, this is a good a time as any.

''Mark’s legs were bothering him a little,’' manager Ken Macha said. Frank Menechino replaced him. We’re still waiting for Esteban German to be given a chance to come up from Sacramento and play some second base. Maybe in September. We also wonder if these are really Billy Beane’s A’s, who thrive on on-base percentage. Among Oakland regulars, only Erubiel Durazo (.381) and Billy McMillon (.356) have OBP’s over .350, and Macha usually bats each of them lower in the lineup than he should.

Ellis, who has made a remarkable recovery from a torn labrum in his right shoulder without the benefit of surgery, is still expected to miss the rest of the season.