Feb 15, 2008

Veteran Sweeney could give A's a boost

Former Royals star hopes to earn roster spot, help youngsters

By Joe Stiglich / MediaNews

PHOENIX - At last count there were 21 non-roster players taking up residence in the Oakland A's clubhouse.

Many of them are young prospects. They wear uniform numbers more suited for offensive linemen and are likely still in awe of their big-league surroundings.

Then there's Mike Sweeney, who was invited to his first major-league spring camp before some of them were in middle school.

Sweeney, a 13-year veteran whose entire career until now was spent with the Kansas City Royals, is eager to spread his wisdom among the youth.

Trouble is, he feels like a kid himself.

"It's an exciting time,'' Sweeney said Thursday as the A's hit the field for the first workout of 2008.

"To me it feels like the first day of school. It feels like my first big-league camp back in '94.''

Not many players come off a five-year, $55 million contract and suddenly have to scramble to make a 25-man roster. But that's the situation Sweeney, 34, finds himself in after signing a minor-league deal with the A's on Monday.

Sweeney arrives with one of the most sterling reputations in the game, so when he looks you in the eye and says he's pretty jazzed about his situation, you believe him.

"I was the face of that franchise, and with that came expectations,'' Sweeney said of his time in Kansas City. "Here in Oakland, I'm just a guy flying under the radar that (general manager) Billy (Beane) and the staff is trying to find lightning in a bottle (with). It's exciting because I know if I'm healthy I can do that.''

There's little doubt about Sweeney's credentials. He swatted 197 homers with the Royals, splitting time mostly between first base and designated hitter, and made five All-Star teams. But a right knee injury limited him to 74 games last season, and back problems also have hindered him in recent years.

When it was clear the Royals weren't going to re-sign him, he scanned his options. He received a couple of offers from National League teams to come off the bench and pinch-hit. But he preferred the familiarity of the American League, which offers the opportunity to DH, and thought the A's were the best fit. "Even though on paper (the A's are in) a rebuilding phase, if I can be healthy and help this team do what no one's expecting it to do, it will be a joy,'' Sweeney said.

His signing guarantees a scrappy roster battle, as the A's have four players vying for time at first base and DH. Daric Barton is slated to start at first base and Jack Cust should see ample time at designated hitter.

That leaves Sweeney and Dan Johnson to fight for a spot as a backup in both spots. Sweeney is the only right-handed hitter of the four, which would seem to work in his favor.

Manager Bob Geren said he's confident he can find enough at-bats in exhibition play for everyone to state their case.

"I would say there's more competition (than past springs),'' Geren said. "There's going to be a greater need for performance for some guys this spring to earn a spot.''

Though A's position players aren't required to report until Wednesday, Sweeney arrived early with pitchers and catchers. He's eager to get to know his new teammates, particularly the younger ones. Sweeney is known for helping his team as much with his leadership as with his bat.

"I want to mold these young guys into major-league players and good men, and teach them not only how to play the game but how to carry yourself off the field,'' he said. "That's why I came early. Before you can make an impact on someone's life, you have to have a relationship with them.''