Eric Chavez's bat may have been quiet but his glove was active. Playing in two consecutive games for the first time since last April, Chavez handled seven chances in the field flawlessly Sunday in Oakland's 10-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Chavez, who was 0-for-3 at the plate, will sit out two days and then play in two consecutive games again. He said that will be his first real test of the spring.
"It was better than I thought and that's a good sign," Chavez said. "Obviously the next time I go back-to-back will be another hurdle. I'll let my body recover and get ready for two more."
The six-time Gold Glove third baseman is changing positions after season-ending back surgery last June. Chavez moved capably around first base Sunday in his fifth appearance there. He had made one regular-season appearance at first in 2001.
"I really try to pick up what I can from anybody," he said. "Even if I don't use them, I like to hear other ideas and how others go about things. I'm listening to (Daric) Barton. I have asked him a question every day I am at first. I try not to be surprised."
PHOENIX, Ariz. —
