- After he had a career year in 1977, Jim Essian was traded (with Steve Renko) during spring training to the Oakland A's for Pablo Torrealba.
- Jim split time with Jeff Newman behind the plate in 1978. Essian threw out a higher percentage of would-be base stealers, but Newman was slightly better offensively.
- 1978 Stats: .223, 3 HR, 26 RBI in 126 games
- 1978 Highlights:
- April 19: Had four hits in Oakland's 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The attendance in Minnesota was 1,935.
- April 26: Singled in the bottom of the 12th inning to knock in the tying and winning runs as the A's beat the Twins 9-8.
