Major League Baseball

Eric Chavez making smooth transition to 1B for A's

Published Mar. 8, 2010 9:15 a.m. ET

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There were moments in early spring games when A's manager Bob Geren could have been looking at a reflection in a mirror as Eric Chavez made plays at first base.

The six-time Gold Glove third baseman has no problem with grounders, pop ups and feeding the pitcher. Footwork may be a different story, along with handling throws up the line.

Geren wants Chavez to take it easy on his previously injured right shoulder, so those offline throws are a concern. Otherwise, it's been smooth sailing thus far and Chavez said he's feeling more comfortable every day.

``Really, it's being familiar over there,'' Chavez said. ``I'm glad I got a game into the books and to use the old cliche, I'll take it one day at a time. I going to try and enjoy myself while I'm here.''

While Chavez could see plenty of time at first base, he'll also start to see action at third and shortstop as the A's look for ways to keep his bat in the lineup.

Chavez has been working with infield coach Mike Gallego, listening to incumbent first baseman Daric Barton and taking timing tips from Geren.

``I just need to get familiar with everything, Chavez said. ``The first pickoff throw was different for me and there were a couple of wild throws. I have to take it all in - when the ball is hit, go to first.''

Chavez had a tendency to rush himself whenever the ball was hit on the ground, so Geren used a stopwatch to show him that the fastest runners would need four seconds to get down the line while Chavez needed just over two seconds to reach the bag from his deepest position.

``Range has never been an issue with him,'' Geren said. ``I want him to go after anything he thinks he can field. It's the throws up the line and things like it that he has to experience out there.''

The first throw he saw - from third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff - sailed to his left and went for a throwing error.

``That's the one throw I've been worried about since I've been here, the wild throw to the left,'' Chavez said. ``I've talked it over with Barton to see what he would do. Of course that play happened the first play I saw. If I can pick it up a little earlier, I'll go get it instead of waiting on the bag a half-second too long.''

He made a backhand play that reminded Geren of plays Chavez made at third.

``It really was like seeing a mirror image,'' Geren said. ``I told him he could look into a mirror and pretend he's playing third.''

The one thing Chavez can do, when he's healthy, is hit the ball - hard. It's also been his primary focus outside of getting a feel for first base.

He tripled in his first spring at-bat.

``As spring goes on it'll be the way I'm making contact,'' Chavez said. ``I know by the way I hit the ball if the bat speed is there. It's something I'll just know as we get along here; how I'm making my outs and taking swings at some pitches. Only time can tell.''

Chavez has hit over 30 home runs in a season twice and driven in more than 100 four times. If he stays healthy and comes close to those numbers, he adds another element of power that was missing when he sat out most of the last several years. In a lineup build with speed in mind, he would be a welcome addition.

Notes: LHP Brent Anderson will start Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. He was rained out of Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Angels. ... OF-IF Eric Patterson received three stitches for a cut above his left eye, which occurred in Saturday's game against the Angels on a bad-hop grounder. He's listed day-to-day. ... RHP Justin Duchscherer is following a throwing program and is two or three weeks behind the rest of the pitching staff, meaning he may start the season on the disabled list. ... RHP Joey Devine will throw another bullpen session Monday. Geren said Devine, recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw his best session yet on Friday.