Baseball America
Athletics’ Crumbliss Shows Leadoff Acumen
The Athletics' Conner Crumbliss understands exactly where he fits in a lineup, and the 5-foot-8 second baseman's goal is to excel at the skills that make a leadoff hitter.
Majors
Browse Articles
James Makes The Most Of Second Chance With A’s
The Brewers owe the Athletics an assist for their latest bullpen acquisition. If not for Oakland's diligence in scouting righthander Justin James, whom Milwaukee claimed on waivers in early November, the 29-year-old might be the owner of a sports-nutrition store in Texas right now.
A’s Barely Break Even On Player-Development Front
For every positive development in 2010, the Athletics seemingly faced an equally devastating setback on the player-development front.
Sogard Tidies Second-Base Play After Trade to A’s
When second baseman Eric Sogard joined the Athletics, he had a reputation as an accomplished hitter with defensive limitations. So he went to work to change all that.
Athletics’ Smyth Dominates With Unorthodox Delivery
A 35th-round find by the Athletics, righthander Paul Smyth saved 28 games for high Class A Stockton this season, while notching 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings to pace California League relievers. How does he do it?
Athletics’ Krol Wins Midwest League ERA Title In Debut
Athletics lefty Ian Krol spent most of his debut season with low Class A Kane County, where he led the Midwest League with a 2.65 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. That was more than enough to win best pitcher honors in the system. Correspondent Casey Tefertiller also selects a best player and a player to keep an eye on.
Grant Green Reworks Swing From The Inside-Out
Shortstop Grant Green had been a good, and occasionally great, college hitter at Southern California. But the Athletics wanted him to change just about everything in his swing.
Trade To A’s Provides Wolf With Shot At Redemption
Righthander Ross Wolf earned a late-season callup to the Marlins in 2007, but he allowed 16 runs in 12 innings and did not return to the majors until this July with the Athletics. "I didn't know if I'd ever get another chance or what would happen to me," he said.
Athletics’ Parker Encounters Defense Of The Third Kind
When Steve Parker reported to instructional league last fall, the Athletics' most recent fifth-round pick set out to prove that he could play third base at the professional level. Four months into this season, the Brigham Young product had made a big impression.
Bowers’ Travels Prepare Him For Life In A’s Bullpen
Lefty Cedrick Bowers left a career in the U.S. to pitch in the Far East, where the lessons he learned about pitching prepared him for a second life as a reliever with the Athletics.
Athletics Midseason Report
Correspondent Casey Tefertiller identifies the organization's notables at midseason, selecting a best player, a biggest leap forward and a biggest disappointment.
New Pitch Revitalizes Sam Demel’s Career
For three years, righthander Sam Demel worked his way through the system, making steady but unspectacular progress toward a big league bullpen job. Now, armed with a new pitch and pitching for a new organization, he stands poised to make an impact.
A’s Thrilled To Find Choice At No. 10
The A's were thrilled when Texas-Arlington outfielder Michael Choice survived the first nine picks and fell to them at No. 10.
A’s Catcher Donaldson Works Hard To Refine Craft
From the time Josh Donaldson signed his first contract, evaluators have asked the question: Could he develop into a true major league catcher? When he finally got a chance on the big stage, he made quite an impression.
Athletics’ Kilby Regains Swagger Down On The Farm
After an outstanding September callup a year ago, lefty Brad Kilby entered the season with a real chance to win a job in the Athletics' bullpen. He faltered in spring training but soon rediscovered his swagger with Triple-A Sacramento.
Nothing Seems To Faze Athletics’ Chris Carter
The organization's player of the year for two years running, first baseman Chris Carter had fostered feelings of hopefulness and expectation in the Athletics' front office.
A’s Keep Out-Of-Options Veterans Fox, Patterson
Because they were out of options, both Eric Patterson and Jake Fox either had to make the team or be passed through waivers. The Athletics did not believe either would remain with the organization if waived, so both made the Opening Day roster in backup roles.
Healthy Jemile Weeks Set To Show A’s What He Can Do
Athletics second baseman Jemile Weeks had been sidetracked by a series of leg and lower-body injuries since signing in 2008. He intends to show the organization a new side this season: a healthy one.
Lefty Ian Krol Impresses A’s With Poise, Command
For Athletics lefty Ian Krol, an 18-year-old just out of high school, his instructional league experience was the ultimate adventure. He responded by being one of the most impressive performers in camp.
Corey Brown Changed Physical, Mental Approach In AFL
By the time his season of his discontent had concluded, Athletics outfielder Corey Brown knew he had to make some changes, both in the batter's box, and in his head.
