With the Winter Meetings now over, Billy Beane and the rest of the A’s front office have their work cut out for them. The A’s, who finished the season with an 81-81 record, are still looking for an impact hitter who can make a difference in their punch-less offensive attack.
The A’s saw their DH of the past four seasons or so, Jack Cust, sign with the Seattle Mariners this week, which probably means the A’s are going to be more aggressive in their pursuit for an impact hitter.
Possible targets include DH Hideki Matsui, 1B Derek Lee, 1B Nick Johnson, among other second-tier hitters. Matsui, who had 21 homers this year with the Angels, remains the A’s best bet, as Matsui would fit nicely in a DH spot with Oakland. The A’s can still get power elsewhere (via trade), but with some of the bigger names off the board already, Beane & Co. must act soon…