Durazo making a case for 1B

Durazo had a breakout season in 2004 and was looking forward to another great year in 2005 before a freak arm injury while preparing to play 1B sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was let go and spent 2006 bouncing around the Minor Leagues for 3 different teams. The A's were wise (and lucky) to pick him up on a minor league contract for 2007 during the off-season, where he absolutely murdered the ball in the Mexican Winter League.

It's doubtful the A's will be carrying Durazo on the 25-man roster come opening day, particularly since, well, they did sign him to a Minor League contract, but the man is certainly making things tough for the A's:

Erubiel Durazo, who is trying to make the team as a non-roster invitee, provided the most impressive swing of the day in a game against the Mariners. He hit the first pitch he saw from left-hander George Sherrill over the right-center-field fence, the deepest part of the stadium, for a three-run home run.

What makes the drive even more impressive is the fact that Sherrill did not allow a home run in 72 appearances for the Mariners last year and left-handers hit .143 against him.

"He's playing like a big-league player," Geren said. "He's the most diligent of anybody in getting his work in this spring. It's going to be tough, and I hope we have a real tough call."

So far, Durazo is certainly making it a tough call. It will be interesting to see how things work out for the big guy and I'll certainly be watching no matter where he ends up.