Fremont Bound

1)  Jarrod Parker  RHP
2)  Brad Peacock  RHP
3)  Sonny Gray  RHP
4)  A.J. Cole  RHP
5)  Michael Choice  OF
6)  Grant Green  OF
7)  Derek Norris  C
8)  Jermaine Mitchell  OF
9)  Michael Taylor  OF
10)  Tom Milone  LHP

The Athletics odd offseason continued as they signed oft injured Bartolo Colon to a one year deal pending a physical.  Colon was oddly effective last year after some time out of the league and while he got off to a nice start for the Yankees, he tapered off pretty quick as his first half ERA was 3.20 versus a second ERA of 4.96.

The one time Cy Young winner has 161 career wins and he’ll turn 39 in May.  He was good for 164 1/3 innings last year and for a one year deal, if they can get that out of him, I’d be happy.  His 3.38 Strikeout to walk ratio last year was the best of his career and his strikeout rate was the best he’s had since 2001 when he was still with Cleveland.

The Athletics’ big league club isn’t looking too hot, but the farm system looks great.  Kevin Goldstein gives seven players at least a four star rating in his Top Eleven Athletics’ prospects. Topping the list is the lone five star guy, MIchael Choice.  The outfielder raked at High-A and with a promotion to Double-A, he’s a small step away from making his big league debut.

Number two is right handed pitcher Jarrod Parker.  He made his big league debut last year after a really nice season at Double-A.  Goldstein anticipates he starts the season at Triple-A but he could be with the club in the second half of 2012.

A.J. Cole was the main guy the Athletics got from the Nationals in the Gio Gonzalez trade and he’s number three.  He’s a few years away but he had a nice showing at Low-A despite being just 19 the entire season.  Brad Peacock (RHP and also part of the Gio Gonzalez trade) and Sonny Gray (RHP) round out the top five.