Athletics Sticking With Daric Barton At First, Likely To Keep Coco Crisp

When approached about the long-term plan for Chris Carter, Beane said "I think it's our intention" to keep him in the outfield. Continued Beane: "Daric Barton has solidified himself at first, and I think Chris is a good enough athlete to make the transition. He really just went out there a couple weeks before he came up, so I think we need to give him some time. He does have power. So getting back to Daric, he showed himself to be, in my opinion, the best first baseman in the league. He's also made significant strides offensively. I was quite pleased with what he did there this year, and I have no intention of taking him off first base." That's quite a bold statement and only proves the club's intent to stick with Barton.

Major Lee-gue