Here's a Thought: Examining Chris Carter

Lately (before my computer crashed last week, rendering my Internet time scarce; sorry for the recent lack of material), I have been doing comprehensive evaluations of A's players to see where they are in their careers and what to expect from them in 2010 and beyond. The first two evaluations were of pitchers—Dallas Braden and Josh Outman—so this time, I'm switching gears and looking at the player who has seemingly all A's fans excited: Triple-A first baseman Chris Carter.   STATISTICAL EVALUATION Carter sure can hit. He hit .337/.435/.576 (yes, really) at Double-A this season before hitting .259/.293/.519 in a brief Triple-A look in August. Concerned about the dropoff? Don't be. Carter went off during the Triple-A playoffs, homering in four straight games. Those numbers aren't included in his overall line, but do show that he already is a more than competent Triple-A hitter. Carter hit 28 homers (not counting the playoff spree) between the two l...