Jennings set to pitch soon for A's

Mar 4, 2010 - 10:24 PM PHOENIX(AP) -- Oakland right-hander Jason Jennings, who signed with the Athletics on Sunday, is scheduled to pitch in a game within a week.

Jennings threw live batting practice for the first time on Wednesday and will throw one more time in game-like situations before the A's slot him into their pitching plans.

Jennings said his arm felt great the morning after his latest throwing session. The A's plan to stretch him out as a starter or long relief. He moved to the bullpen with the Texas Rangers last year.

"Hopefully I can get into a game by Sunday," Jennings said. "My arm feels good. I tried to stay on schedule at home with my own program."

A's manager Bob Geren said Thursday that he'd like to see Jennings throw again before deciding when he'll appear in a contest.

"I'd like to give him one more outing this weekend," Geren said. "But he'll get into a real game within a week."

Jennings said some anxiety stirs around inside, even before a spring appearance.

"This is my 12th spring training and I still get nervous," he said. "The fans are out there and you're putting on a uniform. You get a little extra motivation."

Jennings' pitching career started in earnest when he arrived at Baylor. Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a catcher in the 54th round (1,530th overall) of the 1996 draft, he attended college instead and Bears coach Steve Smith made the decision to use him as a pitcher and designated hitter.

"It was easier to pitch and catch in high school because you only played twice a week," Jennings said. "In college you play too many games."

Jennings went on to earn National College Player of the Year honors in 1999, when the Colorado Rockies made him their first round pick.

Notes: RHP Ben Sheets makes his spring debut Friday against his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers. "That's definitely an added feature to it," Geren said. "But it's totally irrelevant. The reason he's going Friday is to set him up for opening day with a one-day wiggle room. It's coincidence it's at home against Milwaukee."