Four things we learned from A’s HQ: Why plate discipline could help determine the second base race

MESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 19: Oakland Athletics’ Jorge Mateo (13) jumps to catch a ball during spring training at Lew Wolff Training Complex in Mesa, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.MESA, Ariz. — Let’s start with a mundane stat that speaks volumes: Franklin Barreto had two walks in the Oakland A’s 12-8 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.

With half the team in Las Vegas to play the other half of the Indians, Barreto and Jorge Mateo paired up together in the middle infield — Mateo at shortstop, Barreto at second. Plate discipline is the most essential work in progress for both middle infielders. The race to second base could come down, in part, to each…