My spirit was slightly injured this yesterday as the Oakland Athletics acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff from the San Diego Padres. It’s not as bad as it could have been, because they got rid of Scott Hairston. What does this trade mean for the A’s? I’m glad you asked!

First off, the A’s acquired a third baseman in Kouzmanoff. Now, Kouzmanoff is an good every day player, but the A’s already have a great every day third baseman in Eric Chavez. Kouzmanoff is not someone who a team acquires as a back up plan, like a Adam Kennedy. He is the A’s opening day starter at third base.

Unfortunately, this means that Chavez is still too hurt to play every day. I can only assume, from the re-signing of Jack Cust, that if he returns, it will be as a designated hitter. In any case, the Chavez era is over in Oakland. It’s sad really, because he was one of the very best third basemen winning 6 Gold Gloves in a row.

The sweet part of the trade was the giving Hairston back to the Padres. This move opens up a spot in the outfield for Michael Taylor or Travis Buck to start in left. Most likely, we will see Taylor as the everyday starter and who knows, may get the Rookie of the Year.

But, didn’t I guarantee that Tommy Everidge would be ROY? No, but I was leading that way. For who don’t know, Everidge was designated for assignment which left him open to be taken by the Seattle Mariners. I still think he is a good to great player and has a bright future in front of him.

It just didn’t make sense to keep Everidge and Daric Barton. Barton is getting better offensively. The numbers Everidge hit proved that he was ready to come up to the majors. He is too good to be a bench player or a platoon player.

As of January 19, 2010, I can tell you that the team is in a better position then it was last year. Will the A’s win the division this year? Maybe, but the more realistic goal is wild card. That is where I see the Oakland Athletics sitting at the end of the year.