Can Daric Barton play his way back into Oakland's long-term plans at first base or has opportunity passed him by? (Photo credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

Welcome to Swingin’ A’s Triple Play where we field one subject and turn it into three possible outcomes. My gut feeling on how things may pan out is at the end of the post where you can cast your vote in the monthly poll and sound off in the comments section.

IN PLAY: Daric Barton‘s 2012 season.

At one time Barton was a hyped prospect in the blockbuster Mark Mulder trade.  At this time a year ago he was a promising young player penciled in as Oakland’s everyday first baseman on the strength of a slick glove and a knack for getting on base while hitting for average.  Now he’s coming off a wildly disappointing 2011 campaign cut short by injury.  As Barton tries to salvage his career with the A’s, 2012 serves as a major turning point in determining his future as a big leaguer.

Of course, this whole post works under the major assumption that Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick and Collin Cowgill/Michael Taylor/Jermaine Mitchell/One of those kids in left field waving those big A’s flags run away with all the playing time in the outfield and Barton is left to fight it out with Chris Carter, Brandon Allen and Kila Ka’aihue for at bats at DH and first base.

I know that may be a bit of a stretch, but just play along with me for a moment.  At the rate general manager Billy Beane is trading players we have to talk about the ones who are still here while we have a chance.

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