"A's manager Bob Geren would love to see a first-inning rally such as Friday's repeat itself come April. Texas Rangers left-hander C.J. Wilson walked Hideki Matsui to put runners on first and second with two outs. Kevin Kouzmanoff(Above) followed with a three-run home run to left field. That accounted for the A's only runs in a 6-3 loss at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, but the scenario was encouraging for Geren. It's conceivable opposing pitchers will walk Matsui -- the A's likely No. 5 hitter -- often with a base open, given he poses the kind of threat that was missing from Oakland's lineup last season. Geren is looking for someone to hit behind Matsui who can take advantage of such situations, and he's mentioned Kouzmanoff, Kurt Suzuki and Mark Ellis as options. "When guys get on base, it's my job to hit them in," Kouzmanoff said. Kouzmanoff tied for the team lead in RBIs last season with 71 but hit just .214 with runners in scoring position." Read more: http://www.contracostatimes.com/athletics/ci_17542931?nclick_check=1
