A’s Review: Coco Crisp

When A’s GM/VP Billy Beane signed Ben Sheets and Coco Crisp this past off-season, I was particularly excited about what role Crisp would play in the A’s offense. While the Sheets deal was a big $10 million flop, the Crisp deal wasn’t that bad. For just about $5 million, the A’s got 75 games of work out of the oft-injured Crisp. Crisp, 30, did however, put on quite a show when he was healthy enough to make it to the field.

In 290 at-bats, the veteran outfielder hit .279/.342/.438 with 8 home runs and 38 RBIs. When you compare those numbers to his career numbers of .277/.332/.410, you can see what kind of production the A’s got out of Crisp when he was healthy. Last season, while with Kansas City, Crisp ended up playing in just 49 games due to injury. Crisp does have an option for next season, which is worth around $5.5 million. The A’s could certainly pick up the option, but should be cautious before doing so.

If I were the A’s, however, I’d give Crisp another shot next season. Not only did his numbers improve, but he also set a career-high mark in stolen bases with 32 this year. His on-base percentage was also the second-highest total of his career as well (.780). So, when healthy, Crisp is a solid player. However, we will have to sit back and watch as the A’s determine whether or not they want to bring back Crisp next year. Remember, the team does have a ton of young talent waiting in the minors, and while Crisp did do well this season, a 31-year old outfielder (who has dealt with injuries before in his career) might not be the most ideal situation for the A’s next year.