A's close to deal to acquire Crisp

[December 21, 2009]  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Athletics are close to agreeing with free-agent outfielder Coco Crisp on a one-year contract with a club option for the 2011 season.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed an impending deal on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement had not been made by the club.

The 30-year-old Crisp can play all three outfield positions but is primarily a center fielder.

He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in June and batted .228 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in only 49 games last season for the Kansas City Royals, who last month declined their $8 million option to bring Crisp back in 2010.

ESPN was first to report the sides were nearing completion of a deal.

[Associated Press; By JANIE McCAULEY]

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