Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time

#42: Coco Crisp

Current Athletics outfielder Coco Crisp has had some rough seasons recently, but his early years with the Athletics were memorable ones.

Drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1999 draft, Crisp was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2002. He made his debut that same season, becoming the everyday center fielder for the Tribe. When the Indians called up Grady Sizemore in 2005, Crisp moved to left field, but he continued to perform well offensively. After brief stints in Boston and Kansas City, he signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics in 2009.

Crisp has been injury prone throughout his career, but when he is healthy, he’s typically one of the best offensive players on the roster. He doesn’t throw well, but in all other aspects he’s also an outstanding defender.

His best skill is speed. In 2011, Crisp led the league in stolen bases, and he frequently is in the upper tier for base runners. That said, he’s also got plenty of power – with 117 home runs in his career – and he holds a .268 career average. Crisp is a great all-around player, and he’s been invaluable to the team as a clubhouse leader.

A’s fans can only hope he gets back to being a top player next season, after two very injury-plagued years.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #41