Choice has also managed four doubles, four home runs, 15 runs and 18 RBI. Choice's fast start was good enough to land him in this week's Down on the Farm column.

In the end, I decided to choose Young over Smith. The real determining factor was how well Smith was hitting left-handed pitchers. He's hitting .714 (5 for 8) against lefties. Why's that significant? Well, because Smith has struggled in his career against left-handed pitchers. He bats just .203 against lefties, which is why he wasn't a full-time player coming into the year. You can certainly subscribe to the theory Smith is turning the corner in his career, but I point out he hit just .167 against lefties this spring, so I'm not buying it.

Aside from the fact I think Smith is due for a market correction in the near future, I feel Young has room to grow. He's batting just .194 and perhaps playing on a regularly basis with Cespedes out of the lineup will allow him to settle into an offensive groove. Let's not forget the torrid start Young had to begin the 2012 season before hurting his shoulder.

The Athletics also reassigned pitcher Brian Gordon, catcher Dave Freitas, first baseman Scott Moore, shortstop Dawrin Perez and outfielder Michael Choice to their minor-league camp.