Clippard agreed to a one-year contract with the Athletics on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration.Clippard will likely begin the season as the Athletics closer as Sean Doolittle (shoulder) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. It's unclear exactly how long Doolittle will be on the shelf, but Clippard may not have solid footing in the role with both Eric O'Flaherty and Ryan Cook available as well. However, it appears that Clippard remains the frontrunner at this point to hold the position, and if Doolittle suffers a setback or can't return to form, he could have more save opportunities than initially expected.