Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
A's position-by-position breakdown: First base
Share This Post
Comments
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 - 9:30am
Follow @joestiglich

For years the first-base position epitomized the dysfunction of the A’s offensively.

Three times over a four-season stretch from 2008-11, Oakland’s first basemen finished last or second-to-last in the American League in home runs, RBI and OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

[RELATED: Position-by-position breakdown: Catcher]

At a position traditionally looked upon for run production, the A’s were getting woefully little. But that changed with the 2012 season. The A’s have gotten more homers from their first basemen over the past two years (58) than they got in the previous four combined (46). They finished in the top half of the A.L. in homers, RBI and OPS for the position in each of the past two seasons.

It’s no coincidence that Oakland’s run production in general has increased, which has helped vault the A’s to the top of the American League West.

Here’s a closer look at how things shape up for Oakland at first base heading into 2014:

STARRING CAST: Credit the late-blooming Brandon Moss for providing an offensive jolt. Moss, 30, converted from the outfield to first base and joined the big league club in June 2012 . Since then, he’s hit 51 homers and driven in 139 runs and helped anchor the middle of the order.

Moss, who bounced between three different organizations before landing with the A’s, hit a team-high 30 homers with 87 RBI last season. Amazingly, he posted those numbers without being the everyday first baseman. The left-handed hitting Moss started against right-handers and hit .268 with 26 of his 30 homers. He collected just 80 at-bats against lefties and hit .200, striking out in nearly half of those at-bats.

That’s a small sample size on which to judge Moss against lefties. Could he produce bigger overall numbers were he in the lineup every day? Or are the A’s maximizing Moss’ effectiveness by platooning him with a right-handed hitter?

A’s manager Bob Melvin was asked in October if he envisioned Moss as an everyday player moving forward.

“I think he has the ability to play every day,” Melvin said. “Some days he struggled some against left-handers and Nate Freiman did great in the role we had for him. He gave Brandon some time off. It just depends who we have to match up with him.”

As a rookie last season, Freiman hit .274 with four homers and 24 RBI before he suffered a strained abdomen muscle that limited his playing time in September. Freiman hit .304 (45-for-148) against lefties, complementing Moss in a similar way that Chris Carter did in 2012.

CAMP COMPETITION: Moss obviously will start at first base against right-handers, and how much he plays against lefties remains to be seen. But given the rest of the infield composition, there may not be room for a true backup first baseman such as Freiman or Daric Barton.

Five infielders seem assured of breaking spring training with the club – third baseman Josh Donaldson, shortstop Jed Lowrie, second baseman Alberto Callaspo, Moss and switch-hitting utility infielder Nick Punto, who was signed to a one-year contract in November. If the A’s also want to carry Eric Sogard, a part-time starter at second base last season, it seems they won’t have room for another pure first baseman besides Moss.

Melvin mentioned during the winter meetings that the switch-hitting Callaspo could also see some time at first base, presumably against left-handers. If that’s the case, it seems unlikely that Freiman would land a roster spot.

[RELATED: Position-by-position breakdown: Bullpen]

PAY ATTENTION TO: How much time, if any, that Moss gets in the outfield during spring training. He shifted to the outfield on occasion last season, notably during a late-season stretch when right fielder Josh Reddick was hurt. That allowed Barton, who hits left-handed like Moss, to play first base as he was swinging a hot bat at the time.

But if Reddick bounces back offensively after a down season in 2013, there would seem little need to play Moss in the outfield. That would limit the opportunity to crack the roster for a player such as Barton, who seems to have nine lives when it comes to sticking with the A’s.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
Kap weighs in on play clock woes, Crabtree's hands, Gore's blocking
Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
Kap talks Panthers defense, using his legs, first meeting with Carolina

Giants

NL West: Dodgers give Mattingly new three-year deal
Complete Hall of Fame voting results
Bonds' HOF support dips slightly; Kent survives ballot cutoff
Puig asked Florida trooper to let him go after speeding
Read More

Athletics

Thomas' return to glory with A's fuels Hall of Fame bid
Thomas, Maddux, Glavine elected to Hall of Fame
A's agree to terms on one-year deal with RHP Jesse Chavez
A's schedule FanFest for Feb. 8
Read More

Sharks

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (1.8.14)
Sharks in the middle of controversial goal ruling ... again
Instant Replay: Second period dooms Sharks in Nashville
Groin injury sidelines ex-Sharks goalie Nabokov
Read More

49ers

Dunk Cam: Alex Boone posterizes Colin Kaepernick
49ers injury report: Rogers sits out another practice
Report: 49ers assistant to become college coordinator
Kaepernick: 'It's not something I'll forget'
Read More

Raiders

Warrant links Aaron Hernandez to 2012 Boston shooting
Davis confirms Allen will remain Raiders' head coach in 2014
Allen leaves Raiders facility, refuses to comment on job status
Colts sign former Patriots wide receiver Branch
Read More

Warriors

Fast Forward: Warriors chase history vs. Kidd, Nets
Rodman sings happy birthday to N. Korea's Kim Jong Un
Road to history? Warriors even with NBA road trip record
Deron Williams out for Nets against Warriors
Read More

NCAA

Johnny Manziel leaving Texas A&M for NFL Draft
Saint Mary's blasts William Jessup 84-46
Seminoles take BCS title in back-and-forth classic with Auburn
Auburn looks to claim second BCS title in four years
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

NL West: Dodgers give Mattingly new three-year deal
Associated Press

More Stories

Complete Hall of Fame voting results
(1)
Bonds' HOF support dips slightly; Kent survives ballot cutoff
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Jeff Passan previews Wednesday's Hall of Fame vote
YSTL: Jeff Passan previews Wednesday's Hall of Fame vote
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Puig asked Florida trooper to let him go after speeding
Maddux, Glavine, Thomas, Biggio could gain Hall

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Judge rejects San Jose antitrust claims against MLB
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Thomas' return to glory with A's fuels Hall of Fame bid
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Thomas, Maddux, Glavine elected to Hall of Fame
A's agree to terms on one-year deal with RHP Jesse Chavez
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

A's STAY mural near Jack London Square
A's STAY mural near Jack London Square
See more >

A's TALK

A's schedule FanFest for Feb. 8
Are A's preparing to make a run at Tanaka?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (1.8.14)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Sharks in the middle of controversial goal ruling ... again
(11)
Instant Replay: Second period dooms Sharks in Nashville
(2)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Sharks return home for showdown with Red Wings
Sharks return home for showdown with Red Wings
See more >

Features

Groin injury sidelines ex-Sharks goalie Nabokov
NHL postpones 'Canes at Sabres due to blizzard

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Tigers ride Verlander to shutout win, avoid ALDS collapse
  • Leyland 'slept great' after Game 4 loss
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Fast Forward: Warriors chase history vs. Kidd, Nets
(1)
Monte Poole

More Stories

Rodman sings happy birthday to N. Korea's Kim Jong Un
(1)
Road to history? Warriors even with NBA road trip record
(1)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Warriors eye NBA history against Williams-less Nets
Warriors eye NBA history against Williams-less Nets
See more >

Features

Deron Williams out for Nets against Warriors
Durant drops 48 on Jazz, but OKC falls 112-101

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Vlade Divac's father dies in car crash
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Kings hold off late rally from Lillard, Blazers in 123-119 win
(1)
Sacramento Mayor helps Cousins’ All-Star campaign
(7)
See more >

Watch

Malone's pregame message: 'Make a play for a teammate tonight'
Malone's pregame message: 'Make a play for a teammate tonight'
See more >

Features

Kings seek first win this year against upstart Trail Blazers
Mavs' Dalembert suspended after oversleeping again

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Dunk Cam: Alex Boone posterizes Colin Kaepernick
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

49ers injury report: Rogers sits out another practice
(11)
Report: 49ers assistant to become college coordinator
(3)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Rewind: Kap's arm, legs propel 49ers past Packers
(13)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Warrant links Aaron Hernandez to 2012 Boston shooting
Associated Press

More Stories

Davis confirms Allen will remain Raiders' head coach in 2014
(57)
Allen leaves Raiders facility, refuses to comment on job status
(24)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Allen slated to meet with Davis Tuesday night, job looks safe
Allen slated to meet with Davis Tuesday night, job looks safe
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Raiders Rewind: Overmatched vs. Broncos
(29)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes sign French midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Wondolowski, Goodson join United States camp
(1)
Who got off easy in the World Cup draw?
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Bonds' HOF support dips slightly; Kent survives ballot cutoff
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Fast Forward: Warriors chase history vs. Kidd, Nets
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers injury report: Rogers sits out another practice
(11)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Allen leaves Raiders facility, refuses to comment on job status
(24)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks in the middle of controversial goal ruling ... again
(11)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Texas billionaire babbles about Strong, bails out bad Hall voter

TOP STORIES

  • Thomas' return to glory with A's fuels Hall of Fame bid
  • Thomas, Maddux, Glavine elected to Hall of Fame
  • A's agree to terms on one-year deal with RHP Jesse Chavez

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!

NCAA

Auburn looks to claim second BCS title in four years
Levesque leads Saint Mary's over Portland 72-63

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
Three and Out: Rogers' status, Kap 'won't forget,' 49ers focused
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live
  • CSN Talent

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California