Chapman collects award, praise from Chavez

OAKLAND -- The word "great" must not be used casually. However, the legacy of A's third basemen is truly great, and it was perpetuated Friday as Eric Chavez presented Matt Chapman with his 2018 Platinum Glove award in a pregame ceremony.

Chavez, who won six consecutive Gold Gloves with Oakland from 2001 to 2006, threw a ceremonial first pitch with Chapman catching. Chavez's delivery was slightly low, but Chapman handled it cleanly, as one might expect.

Chapman won the Platinum Glove honor in a fan vote featuring every Gold Glove award winner from each league. The A’s lineage ranging from Sal Bando to Chapman, with such outstanding third basemen in between as Chavez, Carney Lansford and Josh Donaldson, has remained intact.

"It's been a good run for third basemen here in Oakland, and I hope the fans enjoy it," Chavez said.

Of Chapman, Chavez said: “I got a text from [Frank] Menechino, and he said he looks exactly like me. I told him, ‘I doubt that. I know he’s got a better arm than I do.’ I had to bounce the ball to first base at times. But I’m really excited for him.”

Chavez, 41, served a six-week stint as the Angels' interim manager at Triple-A Salt Lake toward the end of last season. He would welcome another chance to run a ballclub.

"You have to work well with others," said the genial Chavez, who's a special assistant to Angels general manager Billy Eppler. "It's kind of like what life is in general. I'm hoping there's something in the future with it. If the phone rings, I'll be happy to answer it."

Other A's honored in the ceremony were Bob Melvin, American League Manager of the Year; first baseman Matt Olson, Gold Glove; and Khris Davis, who captured the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.