Oakland A's

Given all the gushing press Oakland GM Billy Beane receives, I am not sure any player can be considered a sleeper. The first place Roto players go is Oakland to see what scrap heap player he has taken on as his latest reclamation project. The fact everyone knows to looks here makes it less likely anyone slips under the radar though.

The two players that will receive the most scrutiny are Antonio Perez and Esteban Loaiza.

One because he seemed like a typical throw-in player in a Roto trade and the other because of the enormity of the contract he signed.

Beginning with the throw-in, Antonio Perez. I have liked him since his prospect days with the Mariners through his days as part of the Piniella trade to his 2004 season in Las Vegas. I have always thought he would produce if given the chance. Last year, he hit .297 with 11 SB in 250 Abs. My confidence remains unshaken.

With that background, one would think I’d expect big things from him going to an organization that appreciates his ability, and I would if I thought there was anywhere for him to play!

The OF is clogged with Kielty, Payton, Bradley and Kotsay. The infielder is clogged with Chavez and Crosby, and Swisher and Dan Johnson have 1B/DH ABs spoken for. Never mind a torrid start in AAA by Daric Barton that could force the A’s to recall him.

The one place there could be some time is at 2B, but this is the one area I see delivering some value. Mark Ellis had a very good year last year under the guise of a scrappy middle infielder. He hit .316 with 13 HR in 400 or so Abs after missing all of 2004 with injury.

It is that lost season that will serve to keep him under priced. His 2002 and 2003 seasons led to the conclusion that he was nothing more than mediocre-hitting defender. He then missed all of 2004. When he returned, his initial impressions stuck.

That impression will be hard to kick despite last season, and the with AP acquisition, many will guess Ellis will lose time. I don’t believe he will. He has a decent glove and hit well. AP won’t be able to crack through just as Keith Ginter couldn’t last year. (Hey! Wasn’t Ginter in the same situation as AP?)

Loaiza is a strange signing. A tight-fisted organization doling out $21 million over three years for a back-of-the-rotation starter? Did someone notice something in Loaiza’s mechanics that will return him to his performance in his best season, 2003, or even to maintain his RFK-dependent numbers from last season? If so, he will be a good player.

With that possibility, he could be a decent sleeper.