The Athletics have signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney to a one-year contract, reports MLB.com's Evan Drellich. The deal will pay Sweeney $1.4MM in 2011, according to the Associated Press. Sweeney was one of seven players tendered contracts by Oakland yesterday, and the signing means the club avoids arbitration with the 25-year-old. Sweeney is represented by agent Larry Reynolds.
Sweeney hit .294/.342/.383 in 331 plate appearances with the A's in 2010, though he didn't play after July 11 due to a right knee injury that eventually required surgery. Since coming to Oakland as part of the Nick Swisher trade in January 2008, Sweeney has a .740 OPS in 1298 plate appearances and has played all three outfield positions, though he mostly stuck to right field last year. Sweeney made $420K with the A's last season and this would've been his first year of arbitration eligibility.
Ryan Sweeney. Legend.
I’ve generally felt pretty bad about him getting away from the Sox on account of the OBP and defense… but now that I see that OPS, I’m a little more OK with it.
However, if you guys ever get tired of Chris Carter… we’d take him off your hands.
I love Sweeney. He plays some great defense and showed he can hit for average also. If only his power was better, but hey i’ll take it!
Not that it’s an unfair contract, but 1.4mm to a guy with the nickname “Swingles” a day after non-tendering Cust? I understand his defensive value, but it’s still salt in the wound.
Sweeney has power, but he’s stubborn with his approach and settles for opposite field hits. I could see him easily with 15 hr/r .780-800+ ops, plus OF defense but he and the A’s seem content with his lack of in game power
hes not as talented, but i like to compare him to choo. both are 5 tool players but sweeneys about average with all 5 tools…. does that make sense
I like his contact and he has a great piece of leather. But I need much much more power out of a 6’5” 240 lefty outfielder.
Well if the a’s would actually sign someone to hit runners in then Sweeney would be fantastic for us. The guy gets on base, now we just need someone to actually hit him in. He seems to keep getting better so hopefully the power will come with time.
DeJesus-Crisp-Sweeney is a pretty solid OF.
They just need a 3B and a DH now.
Gotta throw conor Jackson in there also. And maybe chris Carter. Not too sure about him and his outfield abilities. He is still pretty fresh out there. But at least they have depth out there in case of injury
Ryan is a good number two bat in the lineup. With coco leading off and getting on base. Ryan is perfect for hit and run or moving runners over. He is a great contact hitter. Always puts the ball in play. That’s why his BA is always hovering around .300 his glove is the cherry on top. Great outfielder. Although I doubt he will be the everyday outfielder with all the options the A’s have