Oakland Athletics: Who Should Start at Third Base in 2016?
Final Thoughts
Samantha Riley: The Oakland Athletics are not going to make that many trades this offseason since they do not want to give away their prized prospects. However, the position where the A’s can spare a player is third base. This being the case, Lawrie or Valencia could be on the trading block. Despite his possible attitude problems, Valencia is a talented ballplayer and would probably be valued more in a trade than Lawrie.
Additionally, to echo some of the thoughts of my fellow Swingin’ A’s staff, Beane did not bring Lawrie in as a one-season solution. He is not a free agent till 2018 and it was assumed that the Athletics would likely keep him until then. Beane wants Lawrie to field at third and Beane usually gets his way. I think it would unlikely to not see Lawrie at third base in 2016.
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What do you think? Should the Oakland Athletics stick with Lawrie at third base, let Valencia take over that position, or bring in someone new entirely? Vote in our fan poll and leave your opinion in the comments section below.