System overview
Despite significant monetary constraints, the Oakland Athletics have been one of the best teams in baseball for several years. Everyone agrees that the farm system has been the key to this success. The Athletics' roster is built with a combination of homegrown guys, sprinkled in with a few other players acquired in trades for prospects. Although the system looked a bit weak following several trades in '01, it recharged quickly, with the rapid development of a few incumbent prospects, plus a strong 2002 draft class.

One threat comes from a different kind of talent hemorrhage: the departure of several top front-office minds to other teams, notably J.P. Ricciardi to Toronto and Grady Fuson to Texas. But the mastermind is general manager Billy Beane, who turned down a lucrative offer from Boston this winter to remain in Oakland. Beane takes a greater interest in the farm system than many GMs, and the organization bears his stamp from the major league roster down to rookie ball.

Everyone makes mistakes, but the Athletics make fewer than most teams, and have a good track record of taking advantage of the blind spots of their competitors. As long as Billy Beane is around, that will remain true.

2002 amateur draft
The free-agent defections of Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and Jason Isringhausen gave Oakland six additional picks before the second round. Historically, most teams receiving such a windfall end up blowing it on raw players who don't pan out, but Beane and farm director Keith Lieppman would have none of that. Oakland focused entirely on college players, for budgetary reasons partially, but also because college players have better track records.

The first player picked was Ohio State first baseman Nick Swisher, a power/patience guy. He hit just .240 in the Cal League, but that's a big jump from the Big Ten. Next on the docket was University of Kentucky right-hander Joe Blanton, owner of a 94-mph fastball and a power curve. University of Maryland shortstop John McCurdy came next. Although most scouts think he'll hit, a .242 mark in the Northwest League was rather disappointing. Fresno State right-hander Ben Fritz throws almost as hard as Blanton does, but has better command at this point, and could move fast. Most teams thought University of Alabama catcher Jeremy Brown was an overdraft, since he has a "bad body" and looks sloppy in uniform. But Oakland loves his bat, and he hit stunningly well in the Cal League, hitting .310 with 10 homers and 44 walks in just 187 at-bats! He is also a very good defensive catcher. But wait, there is more. University of Evansville right-hander Steve Obenchain posted a 2.85 ERA in the Northwest League, and St. Mary's College third baseman Mark Teahen swings an authoritative stick, although he didn't hit that well in the Cal League. And thus ends Oakland's first-round pick list.

The rest of the draft was heavy on the college guys, too. Particularly interesting are two Notre Dame outfielders, Steve Stanley (second round) and Brian Stavinsky (sixth round). Stanley has excellent speed/patience skills for leadoff, while Stavinsky is a pure hitter with a smooth stroke. Also keep track of University of Florida shortstop Mark Kiger, a fifth-round pick I regard as a major sleeper.

Although some of the first-round guys didn't play up to expectations in their initial debuts, I still like this draft, particularly Brown, Blanton, and Fritz.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Rich Harden, RHP: Won't start the season in the majors, but should be up at some point. Fires consistent 94-95 mph fastballs, with a wicked changeup. Also has a gradually improving slider. Fanned 102 in just 85 innings in Double-A. One of the best prospects that people haven't heard much about.

Chad Harville, RHP: He's been on prospect lists for a long time, but keeps getting hurt. When healthy, he dominates the late innings with a 93-mph sinker.

Joe Valentine, RHP: Acquired in the Billy Koch/Keith Foulke trade. Another hard-thrower with sinking action, Valentine runs in at 93-96 mph. His slider is very good, though his command could use some improvement. Saved 36 with a 1.97 ERA in Double-A.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Freddie Bynum, 2B-SS: Hit .306 with 41 steals and 64 walks at Class A Visalia. Toolsy, but with improving skills and great makeup.

Bobby Crosby, SS: Former Long Beach State star, has been hampered with injuries as a pro. Hit .281 in half a season at Double-A Midland. Expected to improve offensively, and could take over the shortstop job if the Athletics can't retain Miguel Tejada.

John Rheinecker, LHP: Posted 3.38 ERA and 100/24 K/BB ratio at Double-A Midland. Works at 88-90 with a hard slider and a very good curve, obviously throws strikes. Right behind Rich Harden on the "next chance in the rotation" list.

KEY SLEEPER
Adam Morrissey, 2B: Morrissey jumped from low A to Double-A last year and struggled, hitting just .235 at Midland, though he did draw 38 walks in 302 at-bats. A temporary demotion to the Cal League went well (.291, 20 walks in 141 at-bats), and he played well in the Arizona Fall League. Promising Australian who controls the strike zone and has some pop.

Other names to know
Marcus McBeth, OF; Mike Wood, RHP; Jason Grabowski, OF; Dan Johnson, 1B; Mike Frick, RHP; Luke Robertson, RHP; Darvin Withers, RHP; Matt Allegra, OF; Jorge Soto, C; Mike Ziegler, RHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.