Carney Lansford was a great hitter, always there in the clutch. Scott Brosius had a good year is '96, but the most memorable thing I can remember about him was his first hit was a home run that I was there to witness. Well, that and the fact that he was just "okay" until 1998 when he was just outstanding, with, who else but the NY Yankees. Brook Jacoby even pops into my mind when I think of 3rd basemen, and he only played 56 games for Oakland.
There is, however, one 3rd baseman who kept my interest in the hot corner once it began to dwindle. Eric Chavez. Wow. Eric-freakin-Chavez. Now that is one hot man manning the hot corner.
Now before you stick a pink jersey on me and label me a "bro-ho," I must tell you that Chavez' good looks (or the picture on the left, yumm) are not the reason he is my favorite. While I am always a baseball fan, there are times when being an A's fan is painful, this year for instance. During the late-nineties I was going through the nadir of my A's loving cycle. During the 2000 season, Chavez pulled me back in with his enthusiastic play, as well as his baseball charm.
Though Chavez has a penchant for swinging at pitches when he has no business even imagining doing so, he has come through at the plate many times. Give him credit though, he won the Silver Slugger in 2001 when he hit .275 (ya, don't ask me). In 2003 and 2005 he led the team in OPS, so his low average wasn't totally detrimental to the team. The man has hit 20+ home runs each season from 2000-2005, but his BA was never one to splash across your chest and be proud of. With a career BA of .269, it's safe to say I'm not into him for the average.
While I love a great home run, defense is what makes my heart palpitate. Chavvy won the
Golden Glove for 3rd basemen every year from 2001-2006. His quick reactions and strong arm are why he is my favorite 3rd baseman. There isn't a moment when fear enters an A's fan's mind as he guards the left side. Eric Chavez won't let you get on base if you hit the ball his direction.Chavez is a charismatic ballplayer, the kind of ballplayer that I go to the park to see. In today's world where the media dictates so much our lives, he has been accessible enough so that fans have been able to see him outside of an A's uniform by utilizing that outlet. As his career numbers are starting to dwindle, I'm still optimistic and am hoping that he becomes one ballplayer that can hold a title that few current players possess: A Career Oakland Athletic.
