. . . "Oakland's interest in him is presumably to help the A's balance their lineup: The right-handed-hitting Garciaparra hammered lefties last season, going 19-for-56, with four homers and a 1.067 OPS.The Athletics are heavy in left-handed hitters, with left fielder Jack Cust, designated hitter Jason Giambi, first baseman Daric Barton and third baseman Eric Chavez, among others.A six-time All-Star, Garc" .