Did you ever think you would see that headline?  The A’s acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff over the weekend from the Padres to become their everyday third baseman, replacing Eric Cahvez.  The perennially injured Chavez is coming off two back surgeries, and may not again be healthy.  All think he will be, but rather than plant him at one of the most difficult defensive positions on the field, the team seems to have decided that they will use him more in a utility role, where he can still hit, but also not rack up as many innings.  He will play at 3rd, DH and perhaps first and short, keeping him in the line-up if he is healthy.  Additionally, the A’s won’t be in too bad a shape if he isn’t, as they aren’t relying solely on back-ups to replace him.

The A’s are building a much more solid team than we have seen from them in  quite a while. The AL West is getting tough, and will be a very fun division next year.  I might have to learn to be a night owl!