Eric Chavez Still Drawing Some Interest?

According to a recent report published by SF Chronicle writer Susan Slusser, ex-A’s 3B/DH Eric Chavez is set to work out for the Los Angeles Dodgers later this month. Slusser also notes that Chavez is working out with two AL clubs as well. The fact that Chavez appears to be drawing some interest this offseason is somewhat surprising, especially since Chavez’s body has been rattled with injuries over the years.

Chavez, 33, played in just 33 games last season with the A’s, and spent a majority of the year on the DL. Chavez hit .234/.276/.333 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 111 at-bats last season. Chavez was used primarily as a DH last season, but even with the reduced pressure on his throwing shoulder, Chavez was limited due to another year of injuries. This time, however, it wasn’t his back or shoulder. Instead, Chavez missed most of the year due to two-bulging disks in his neck. Chavez did make several attempts at coming back before the end of the season, but in the end he decided to shut-down completely.

Chavez, one of the greatest A’s players of all-time, did not enjoy much success after signing the six-year/$66 million contract in 2004, but he still remains one of the most popular A’s players in recent years. He did, after all, win six-consecutive Gold Glove awards for his work at third base. While most critics will point out his failure to live up to the enormous contract that Billy Beane & Co. awarded him with in ’04, I will say this: Chavez, to me, was a very hard working individual, who seemed to put his team first ahead of himself.

According to reports, Chavez is currently working out five days a week, and is even testing out his throwing shoulder at third. If the Dodgers, do in fact, take a gamble with ‘Chavy,’ they could ultimately use him along with Casey Blake at third-base. I could see Chavez in Dodger blue, and I would definitely continue rooting for him if he decides to keep his career alive.