Cliff Pennington

2013

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2012

Pennington took a pretty good step backwards in 2011, with his already limited power failing to return following offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum. His slash line and run production was nearly identical to 2010, but he saw a decent dip in K:BB rate and saw his stolen-base totals cut in half from 29 to 14. He showed some signs of life as the season waned, including going 8-for-8 in steal attempts the final two months, but his lifetime .324 OBP doesn't play well if the A's find themselves looking for a new hitter to place in the No. 2 spot in the order following the departure of Coco Crisp.

2011

Pennington struggled with a sore shoulder, eventually requiring surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum, which sapped what little power he had as the season progressed. He's expected to be close to healthy by the time spring training starts, and his 29 steals from the shortstop position give him some value in traditional 4x4 or 5x5 leagues if you can cover for power elsewhere.

2010

Pennington's batting eye took a hit last season after a much better 2008. His power ticked upward with three homers and 20 extra-base hits, after he showed very little power throughout his minor-league career. A strong September (.313/.395/.510) in a full-time role has convinced the A's to not strongly pursue another shortstop via free agency, so the starting gig should be Pennington's to lose when spring opens. There's very little internal competition as well, so things are set up well to get Pennington his first full season in the majors. He's swiped 58 bases total the past two seasons in the minors, so there's a definite 20-plus steals upside if he hangs onto the job as expected.

2009

Pennington continues to show a good eye at the plate, drawing 93 walks in 440 at-bats in the minors, but he doesn't have any power to speak off. With the A's already re-upping Mark Ellis for two more years, it's clear that Pennington's not a lock to become a lineup fixture down the road. He could stick around as the utility infielder with his ability to handle three spots in the infield following the departure of Donnie Murphy.

2006

Pennington made his professional debut at Low-A Kane County after the A's made him their first pick in the June draft. He showed limited power but a good eye at the plate and base-stealing instincts.