Bordick still optimistic about chances > A’s recent acquisition of Randy Ready good sign to Winterport native

Oakland’s recent acquisition of Philadelphia Phillies infielder Randy Ready does not bother Winterport’s Mike Bordick, who will battle Ready and others for the Athletics’ second base job.

The position came open when regular second baseman Mike Gallego signed with the New York Yankees.

Bordick, a former University of Maine standout, was the starting shortstop for the A’s last season after Walt Weiss suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

“I thought the A’s would make some kind of move,” said Bordick, who hit .238 in 90 games with five doubles, a triple, 21 runs batted in, and 21 runs scored. “Randy Ready is a utility type of player who plays second, third, and some outfield. They didn’t go out and get a key, big-money second baseman and that tells me that they’re going to give some guys a shot at second in spring training. I figure they’ll give me a legitimate shot. I think I’m in their plans a little bit.”

The 26-year-old Bordick said he will definitely be a lot more positive going into spring training this season “after proving to myself and to them that I can play up there every day.”

Having established himself as a major leaguer, he said he has been even more motivated in the offseason to report to spring training in as good shape as possible.

“I worked on my strength, like I always do, because you can’t do enough to keep your strength on during the season,” said Bordick at a Sunday press conference at Fleet Bank prior to the University of Maine’s Hot Stove banquet. “So I really push hard in the offseason. I’ve been doing different things this offseason. I’ve worked out with (former Bear player) Billy Reynolds in Auburn and have encorporated swimming into my program. It seems to have helped quite a bit.”

Bordick, who hit .350 over the final week of the season and .295 over the final month, said the fact he can play shortstop and third base as well as second should help his chances of making the A’s roster.

And he added that his hitting could be the determining factor in his aspiration to win the second base job.

“(A’s manager) Tony LaRussa has never really looked to his middle infielders to be offensive forces, but it would just add to my credibility if I can go in and drive the ball a little bit more,” said Bordick. “I feel I can hit at that level. I think they have confidence in me as far as being a situation type of hitter, getting the bunt down, executing the hit and run, and moving runners over. That’s what has basically gotten me to the big leagues, as well as my glove, obviously.”

Bordick, who has good range and a strong arm, made 11 errors last season. And he is confident he can hit in the .250 range as an everyday player.

He also he has heard rumors that the Athletics may consider moving Weiss to second base.

“If they make moves like that, it’ll help me out that much more,” said Bordick. “There hasn’t been anybody else who has proven himself at short since Weiss got there. I’m the only one who has been given a shot there since Weiss has been there.”

Bordick will report to Oakland’s spring training site in Phoenix at the end of this month.