By Jim Callis
December 15, 2003

Frank Brooks has been on the move more than most prospects in 2003. He started the year as Phillie before going to the Pirates in a July trade for all-star Mike Williams. On Monday, the Mets made him the fourth overall pick in the major league Rule 5 draft, then immediately shipped him to the Athletics for a player to be named later.

Brooks, a 25-year-old lefthander, signed as a 13th-round pick from St. Peter's (N.J.) in 1999. He had the best season of his five-year pro career in 2003, going 5-4, 2.52 with nine saves in 51 games between Double-A Reading and Altoona and Triple-A Nashville. He had a 97-24 strikeout-walk ratio in 89 innings, and opponents hit just .205 against him (albeit with eight homers). His stuff isn't overwhelming, as his fastball has average velocity and his curveball is nothing more than solid. But hitters have trouble picking up his pitches because he has a deceptive delivery, and he should have a decent chance to stick with Oakland in the majors in 2004. If the A's can't keep him on their 25-man roster, Rule 5 stipulates that he'll have to clear waivers and be offered back to the Pirates for half the $50,000 draft price before he could be sent to the minors.

Update: The A's completed the deal by sending cash considerations to the Mets.