The Athletics currently project for the ninth pick in next year's draft, though that could change by the end of Wednesday. The latest A's info, courtesy of Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle:
- Coco Crisp's agent Steve Comte agreed with Matt Sosnick's comments about the Athletics' offseason spending hinging on MLB's decision on the team's new stadium. Comte hasn't spoken to A's GM Billy Beane recently, but noted the long-term impact of the stadium issue was apparent back in Spring Training. Nonetheless, Crisp and his agent will keep an open mind and "see what the market brings." Crisp, 31, has a .267/.317/.384 line in 575 plate appearances, with 48 steals in 57 tries. It's been Crisp's healthiest year since '07, but he's posted his worst walk rate since '06. UZR suggests his defense was slightly below-average this year, but Crisp's ability to simply play a passable center field regularly makes him valuable. Given the state of the free agent market at the position, I think a two-year deal is probable. Slusser's sources expect the Giants to be interested.
- Signing Brandon McCarthy for a $1MM base salary was one of the best moves of the offseason, and the 28-year-old righty considers his season a successful comeback. For less than $2MM in total, he's provided a 3.32 ERA, 6.5 K/9, 1.3 BB/9, 0.58 HR/9, and 46.7% groundball rate in 170 2/3 innings. His ERA ranks 13th in the American League and his five complete games tie him for second. The cherry on top: McCarthy is arbitration eligible for 2012 and should be affordable again.
- Slusser talked to A's outfielder David DeJesus, who said, "This year wasn't me. I want to break things down and understand what went wrong." DeJesus, 31, slipped to .237/.321/.374 in 502 plate appearances and may have been affected by losing his status as an everyday player. Slusser expects the Padres to be in the mix for the bounceback candidate, who will become a free agent shortly.
- Righty Rich Harden said he'd "definitely be open" to returning to the A's in 2012. The 29-year-old made all his starts since his July 1st season debut, posting a 5.12 ERA, 9.9 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 1.85 HR/9, and 31.5% groundball rate in 82 2/3 innings.
- Hideki Matsui is not really proud of his numbers this year, the designated hitter told Joe Stiglich of the San Jose Mercury News through a translator. Matsui, 37, hit .251/.321/.376 in 576 plate appearances.
- In our latest Elias Rankings projections, Crisp, Harden, and Matsui projected for neither Type A nor B status, while DeJesus projected for Type B.
Forgive me, I’m not entirely fluent in contract matters…but isn’t it more likely the A’s simply non-tender McCarthy? I can’t see him being the A’s highest paid player, which could happen if they go to arbitration with him. I tend to believe he’ll test FA after the season and get a multi-year. Maybe I’m missing something?
Mccarthy projects to around $4 million so he is affordable. With the injuries in their starting pitching Mccarthy will be brought back.
McCarthy is under team control for 2012; he will be offered arbitration. You don’t let one of the most consistent SP’s in baseball walk to save 3-4 million dollars.
The A’s are absolutely keeping McCarthy, they arent the Marlins….speaking of which, Logan Morrison would be an absolutely perfect fit in Oakland. He could combine with McCarthy to form the best Twitter-duo in MLB, along with providing cheap corner OF numbers.
Considering the A’s draw less than the marlins I’d say they wish they were the marlins. Lomo would rather work at a dump than play for the A’s but it’s pretty much the same thing when you think about it except there would be more people at the dump.
Thanks for both of your replies, guys. I agree he’s been great this season, and at $4 mil is a no-brainer. I was presuming he’d get quite a bit more ($6+) considering his performance.
Matsui’s not proud of his numbers because he’s washed up. Does anyone really see him bouncing back at age 38? Hang it up, Godzilla.
Why would the Padres want him? How many outfielders do we need and is he really an upgrade on any of the 7 or so mediocre ones we already have on the 40 man?
She has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about and shouldn’t be covering baseball like a certain player told her long ago.
Is it me…or did Coco Crisp turn into Rajai Davis?