Erstad? Nope.
The A’s have apparently given up on trying to sign Darin Erstad.
I’ve mentioned how I’m torn on this issue, being an A’s fan from Nebraska, but I’m more relieved than saddened by the news.
The A’s, thought to be a front-runner for Erstad, no longer are bidding for the free agent, FOXSports.com has learned.
The team, after making Erstad a one-year offer to be a backup first baseman and outfielder, is now exploring other options, according to a major-league source.
The Cubs are interested in Erstad as a potential stopgap in center field, but their plans are on hold as they attempt to trade outfielder Jacque Jones.
Erstad is a good guy, but he’s just not a very good major league player any more.
He’ll be a decent defensive player off of the bench for some team, possibly the Cubs, who are still on their quest to collect the lowest on-base-percentage players in the league. Erstad will fit right in with his string of OBP over tha last five years looking like .313 - .309 -. 346 - .325 - .279.
I just hope they have enough room on the DL for him, with Prior, Wood, half their relievers and two or three spare middle infielders all taking up residence there.