Oakland A's Free-Agency Options: 5 Bargain Vets the A's Should Pursue

After a very disappointing 2011 season, the A’s will have to make some offensive improvements in 2012 through value veterans.

The A’s could have a completely new outfield as Coco Crisp, David DeJesus and Josh Willingham are all slated to be free agents in 2012.

Offensive firepower should be the main focus for the A’s as they have the pitching to win in 2012. 

5. Miguel Tejada

The list of free-agent third basemen is very slim in 2012 and that's why Miguel Tejada makes sense. Casey Blake could end up in free agency if the Dodgers allow, but his price tag isn’t likely going to be cheap.

Tejada had a very poor 2011 season for the San Francisco Giants, hitting .239 with four home runs and 26 RBI.

Tejada will be a bargain and has a track record with the Athletics. He obviously would be placed at third or DH because he has lost more than a few steps.

Scott Sizemore should be in the future plans for the A’s and could split time with the 37-year-old Tejada. 

4. Xavier Nady

Xavier Nady is 32 and would be a great candidate for a bargain vet who can play first base for the A’s in 2012.

Nady hit .248 with four home runs and 35 RBI for the D-Backs in 2011 and would be a nice first baseman for the A’s to get for cheap.

The downfall with Nady is the fact he is very injury prone. He hasn’t played in more than 120 games since 2008.

With Brandon Allen showing big time potential for the A’s, Nady wouldn’t be a bad fit as a DH. 

3. Mike Cameron

Mike Cameron at 38 is near the end of his career but would be a cheap fix for the A’s in either left or right field.

So far this year, Cameron has hit .203 with nine home runs and 25 RBI. Cameron is nowhere near his prime, but still can play a decent outfield.

The A’s could be left with no outfielders as I stated in the opening slide, and Cameron would be a cheap veteran replacement. 

2. Derrek Lee

Derrek Lee was a big disappointment for the Pirates as he has only played in eight games with the team due to injury.

Overall in 2011, Lee has hit .258 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI. If the A’s are indeed set with Brandon Allen starting at first base, Lee would be a solid DH.

Lee will not likely be signed to a huge contract in 2012 and still has solid power the A’s could use.

The 36-year-old would be a great candidate for a bargain vet who can play first base or DH for the A’s in 2012. 

1. Juan Pierre

Juan Pierre is one of the most underrated outfielders in the MLB.

At the age of  34, Pierre has put up a .285 average with two home runs and 42 RBI in 2011 with the White Sox. His speed is still there, as he has stolen 25 bases.

Pierre would be a solid replacement for Crisp if he indeed does leave in free agency and likely will carry a smaller price tag, which could be more enticing for the A’s.

Either way, the A’s will have to figure out what they want to do with their outfield in 2012.