Saturday, December 23, 2006

Bugs Bunny changeup...

that is what former University of South Carolina star center fielder Marcus McBeth calls his change up. The Oakland A's just added him to their final 40 man roster---as a releif pitcher. Yes I said pitcher, you may remember him as a 6-foot-2, 195-pound outfielder. McBeth was considered by many as the best defensive center fielder in college baseball as a junior. I am sure McBeth never thought when he was a fourth-round pick of the Oakland A's in the 2001 draft that his pro debut would be as a pitcher but after inconsitent batting things like this happen.

While he's not guaranteed a spot on the A's 25-man regular-season roster, McBeth will get a shot in spring training to make the team. If not, he likely would be sent to the Class AAA Sacramento River Cats. McBeth has a fastball he can throw in the low to mid-90s along with a devastating change-up. He is working on a slider. McBeth had 25 saves and a 3.07 ERA in 70 1/3 innings last year. Baseball America this month ranked him as the No. 8 prospect in the A's organization.
Also did you guys see where USC is ranked number 3 in the Pre-Season College Baseball Poll (Clemson is number 2 and Rice is number 1)....should be a interesting 2007.

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