A's notebook: Sizemore, allergies, the Oscars

Scene Setter: There are a lot of red, swollen eyes this morning at Papago Park. No, this isn't a result of Moneyball being shut out at the Oscars, but rather the aftermath of one of the worst allergy days in Arizona. From Bob Melvin, to media members and positions players, folks in the desert are combating running noses and itchy eyes, but it didn't stop the A's from smiling pretty.Say Cheese: Players arrived at Phoenix Municipal at 7 a.m. for their team photo. The newest and youngest to the Green and Gold, also had individual shots taken, in hopes they'll make the cut and that these pics will find their way to the Coliseum JumboTron for Opening Week.
Missing in Action: Scott Sizemore
Scott Sizemore reported to the hospital Monday morning for an MRI on his knee. Right now, the team has labeled it a 'left knee sprain' pending results. Sizemore went down Saturday, in the team's first full squad workout during fielding drills. He had to be helped off the field, as he could put no weight on the knee. I saw him later that day at the facility on crutches.The Aftermath: With the A's projected third baseman shelved at the moment, Melvin has some thinking to do when it comes to the hot corner. Adam Rosales and Eric Sogard will still be used as utilities, while getting looks at thir4d base. And backup catcher Josh Donaldson will exclusively get time behind the plate and at 3rd. I talked with Melvin early last week about Donaldson when I observed him taking grounders the first few days of camp, and Melvin explained how versatile Donaldson is, saying it makes him very valuable in this evaluation process.Melvin expanded on Donaldson this morning, commenting on how impressed he is with his bat, and noting that the 26-year-old has a little extra 'bounce in his step' the past couple of days, recognizing the opportunity at-hand. Donaldson spent extra time at the ballpark yesterday, and was one of the first in the cages this morning. 0 for 6: Not the results the A's had hoped for, as their historic win-streak played out on the big screen in front of a national audience. Up for six Academy Awards, Brad Pitt's Moneyball and portrayal of Billy Beane's underdog ways, struck out at the Oscars last night. Melvin admitted he was disappointed. Perhaps even more upsetting was the fact that for the first time ever, Melvin watched the entire awards show all the way through, in hopes of seeing a cameo of his boss and good friend, but to no avail. Beane was spotted though, during the best actor introductions of the broadcast. Beane attended the ceremony with his wife and eldest daughter, and will return to the team in the next 24 hours.