Oakland, CA (My Sportsbook) - The Oakland Athletics exercised the $1.75 million option for 2003 on the contract of first baseman Scott Hatteberg, who earned the everyday role at first base this season. Hatteberg signed a free agent contract with the A's on December 29 after spending parts of seven seasons with Boston. A former catcher, the 32-year-old began the 2002 season as Oakland's designated hitter, but moved to first base after rookie Carlos Pena was sent down to Triple-A and later traded. Hatteberg batted .322 over his final 46 games and finished the season with a .280 average, 15 home runs and 61 RBI. He also delivered a pinch-hit, game- winning home run on September 4 against Kansas City that gave the A's their American League-record 20th consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the A's declined to pick up options on the contracts for catcher Greg Myers, infielder/designated hitter Olmedo Saenz and reliever Jeff Tam. The A's still hold exclusive rights to the three players, but they can be contacted by other teams. |
