The A's are convinced that veteran Bartolo Colon has maintained the form that helped him win 10 games for them last year.

Playing for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Winter League, Colon has tallied 13 2/3 innings over four starts. He has held opponents scoreless in two starts, while surrendering a combined eight (seven earned) in the other two.

Like vintage Colon, he struck out 13 and allowed just one walk, and A's assistant GM David Forst said Colon "looked good in all four of his starts, based on reports."