Comparing the 2015 Athletics with 1989

Third base to third base

Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brandon Moss (37) celebrates his three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) and left fielder Sam Fuld (left) during the sixth inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Carney Lansford was the starting thirdbaseman for the Athletics in game one of the world series. In 1989 he appeared in 148 games with a .336 batting average and 2 home runs. 1989 was tied for Lansford’s best season (by average) but he did have six seasons with a .290 or better average so you can’t say it was a fluke year. Josh Donaldson was in 158 games in 2014 with a batting average of .259 and 29 home runs. He has a respectable batting average, although it is substantially lower than his 2013, .301 average, and an enviable home run total.

As much as I loved Lansford (he was one of my favorite players as a kid), with Donaldson’s power and elite defensive ability, he may be a shade better at the hot corner. If Donaldson can stay healthy and replicate his numbers at the plate in 2015 while maintaining his defensive play, it’ll be exactly what the Athletics need at third base.