When the A's traded Tim Hudson to the Braves, general manager Billy Beane insisted on getting Meyer, the top lefthanded pitching prospect in Triple-A last season. A supplemental first-round pick in 2002, he was the highest-drafted college player by the Braves since they took Mike Kelly second overall in 1991. Meyer does a fine job of throwing strikes and keeping the ball down in the zone, and though he's usually around the plate he's not easy to hit. He has two plus pitches in his 91-93 mph fastball and his tight slider, and his changeup is also effective. After using it mainly for show in the past, Meyer began relying on his changeup more often in 2004. He still could use some more depth on his changeup and more consistency with his slider. He made his major league debut with two scoreless innings in September, and Oakland will give him every opportunity to win a rotation job in spring training. If he doesn't make the cut, he shouldn't need too much more time in Triple-A.