Oakland's biggest mystery in 2008 was rookie first baseman Daric Barton, who had hit at every level until last year and who had reached base in every game he played as a September call-up in 2007.
Barton had a dismal season, batting under .220 much of the way before finishing at .226. And while two other youngsters, outfielders Travis Buck and Carlos Gonzalez, were sent down when they struggled, Barton was left to sink or swim at the big-league level all season. So going into 2009, there are questions about how long the A's will stick with Barton, 23. He's projected as a good-average, high on-base-percentage player, but if he gets off to another slow start, it's entirely possible that the team will lose patience despite Barton's high profile. He's the only remaining player from the deal that sent Mark Mulder to St. Louis.
And the team now has a backup plan: slugger Jason Giambi.
The former American League MVP signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with Oakland. The A's also hold a $6.5 million option for 2010 with a $1.25 million buyout.
Giambi made his major league debut with the A's in 1995, and he played with Oakland through the 2001 season before leaving as a free agent for the Yankees.
While Giambi, 38, is no longer a spry first baseman, he can still handle the position if needed, and the A's might take the drop-off on the defensive side should Barton falter offensively.
Giambi's return likely leaves Jack Cust in the outfield, not an ideal role for a player better-suited to being a DH.
