Sleeper of the Week

How much confidence does Oakland have in 23-year-old shortstop Bobby Crosby? Enough to make no effort to resign 2002 MVP and team leader Miguel Tejada this offseason…

Crosby may have only eleven games major league experience under his belt (in which he went 0-for-12), but the A’s feel he’s ready to step in as their everyday shortstop for the 2004 season. His minor league numbers certainly justify this optimism. At AAA Sacramento, Crosby hit for both average (.308) and power (22 home runs, 90 rbi) this season, and helped lead the team to a 92-52 record and the Pacific Coast League championship. He has speed, too, as his 24 steals in 28 attempts attest.

As always, don’t expect too much too soon from rookies. Even a player as talented as Crosby may need time to adjust to the big leagues. In the long run, however, Oakland’s shortstop of the future looks like one of the game’s most promising infield prospects. He also has one thing going for him that sets him apart from most other members of next season’s rookie class: practically guaranteed playing time.