Hatteberg

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Scott Hatteberg knows he won't replace former American League MVP Jason Giambi, but he's willing to give his former position a chance.

Hatteberg and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms Friday on a one-year deal worth $1 million with the understanding he'll get every opportunity to win the first base job, which became available when Giambi signed a seven-year, $120 million contract with the New York Yankees.

"It's not going to be easy to fill those shoes. I don't know if two guys could do it," Hatteberg, a lifetime .267 hitter with 34 home runs and 159 RBI, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Hatteberg, who spent the last five-plus seasons with the Boston Red Sox, has never played first base in the majors.

"I'm taking groundballs at first and feel comfortable," said the 32-year-old Hatteberg, who has played some third base. "I can't wait to get to Arizona and get started."

Hatteberg, who has never gotten more than 359 at-bats in any one season, is a catcher by trade, but the A's are happy with Ramon Hernandez and Greg Myers at that position.

"We don't see him as a backup catcher," A's general manager Billy Beane said. "He'll probably play first, maybe other positions. He has a lot of potential with his bat."

He joins the mix at first base with Olmedo Saenz, Jeremy Giambi, and Adam Piatt. Hatteberg could also serve as a designated hitter.

Hatteberg was originally traded by the Red Sox to the Colorado Rockies for Pokey Reese on Dec. 19. A day later he became a free agent when the Rockies decided not to offer him a contract.

In coming to terms with Hatteberg, Beane again displayed a prowess for quickly filling a need. When it became clear that closer Jason Isringhausen and outfielder Johnny Damon would sign elsewhere, Beane traded for Billy Koch and David Justice.