Could Scott Sizemore solve Oakland's third base problem? (Photo Credit: Dino Vournas/AP)

Houston, the Oakland A’s have a problem. The A’s, as most of you probably already know, are in a bit of a rut when it comes to filling the void left by Eric Chavez at third base. Oakland has been paper thin at the position that once belonged to the six-time Gold Glover Chavez, and filling those shoes hasn’t been an easy task for the green-and-gold.

Chavez didn’t produce much during the latter part of his Oakland career, though, as the veteran third baseman was limited to a total of 154 games from 2007-10. During that time he hit just .233/.290/.399 with 18 HR and 71 RBIs. He didn’t spend much time on the field due to various injuries and served as Oakland’s designated-hitter during his final season with the A’s.

From 1999-2006, however, Chavez was an above average player and a powerful presence in Oakland’s lineup. He appeared in 1150 games during that period and hit .271/.350/.490 with 212 HR and 710 RBIs as well. From 2001-06 he collected six-consecutive Gold Gloves for his work at the hot corner.

His career was derailed, though, by various shoulder and back injuries. After signing a contract extension in 2004 worth $66 million over six seasons, Chavez’s production began to drop due to an unlucky streak of bad injuries. His work ethic and demeanor never fade, though.

Since Chavez’s departure, which in my mind, at least, started back in ’07, the A’s haven’t found a good replacement and successor. The A’s tried to answer their problems by acquiring 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, but Billy Beane didn’t exactly strike gold with Kouzmanoff. (more…)

Where's Our Stadium, Lew? (Photo Credit: AP)

We all know that the Oakland Athletics play in one of dumpiest places in major league baseball, but did you know the team’s Triple-A affiliate plays in an oasis in Northern California?

Well, maybe not an oasis, but Raley Field is sure a heck of a lot better than Oakland’s O.co Coliseum. Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, outshines O.co Coliseum in every facet of the game. From the atmosphere to the Food & Beverage, Raley Field is a much more respectable place to call “home.”

The A’s, meanwhile, can only watch as their Triple-A club basks in all the glory that is Raley Field. Mired in a tough stadium situation, one that has a stranglehold on their long-term planning, the A’s are forced to continue to play in the outdated Coliseum.  (more…)

Oakland has just a few games remaining this season, and Carter may not have enough time to make a good impression this month. Carter, who has moved into the outfield, used to be regarded as Oakland’s biggest hitting prospect, but he certainly hasn’t found much success in the majors.

He was with the team earlier this season, but the A’s young prospect hit just .133/.188/.133 in 10 games. Carter also spent time in Oakland last year, but experienced some trouble against big league pitching and hit just .186/.256/.329 with 3 HR and 7 RBIs in 24 games.

While he’s better suited as a first-baseman or designated-hitter, Carter has been moved into the outfield. The A’s have a few question marks heading into next season, especially regarding their future at the first base position. (more…)