A's reportedly ink Crisp to two-year contract
Club yet to confirm deal, which has team option for 2014
OAKLAND -- In the midst of a complete roster makeover, the A's retained a familiar face on Tuesday, reportedly re-signing Coco Crisp to a two-year deal worth $14 million.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Crisp's deal will award him $6 million this year and $7 million in 2013. The A's also hold a $7.5 million option for 2014, with a $1 million buyout.
The A's have not confirmed the deal, which is said to be awaiting a physical.
The speedy outfielder's return is refreshing news for A's fans, who in the past month have watched the organization trade a trio of All-Star pitchers -- Gio Gonzalez, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey -- along with lefty Craig Breslow and outfielder Ryan Sweeney as part of a rebuilding effort.
The A's also let former free agents Josh Willingham and David DeJesus go without much fuss, making Crisp's return something of a surprise after they made it clear they were taking the youth route this year.
General manager Billy Beane even hinted at the Winter Meetings in early December that signing Crisp was a long shot, and the switch-hitter proceeded to garner interest from several other clubs, including the Giants, Cubs, Dodgers and Cardinals.
But the 32-year-old Crisp nonetheless lends the A's a veteran presence, a needed asset for such a young clubhouse and -- more specifically -- young outfield. With Crisp in center, the A's are likely to play Josh Reddick in right field and either Michael Taylor or Collin Cowgill in left.
Crisp hit .264 with eight home runs, 54 RBIs and a career-high 49 steals in 136 games last season, his second in Oakland. He'll again pair nicely with Jemile Weeks at the top of a new-look lineup that remains without any proven power hitter. - http://mlb.mlb.com
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