A's add to bullpen,bring Foulke back

[TSC25]

02/08/2008 7:45 PM ET
Athletics agree to terms with Keith Foulke on contract for 2008 season



OAKLAND -- The Oakland Athletics announced today the club has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Keith Foulke on a one-year contract for the 2008 season. To make room for Foulke on the club's 40-man roster, the A's have designated first baseman Wes Bankston for assignment.
Foulke, 35, has posted a 41-34 record and a 3.30 ERA to go along with 190 saves in his 11-year Major League career, which has included stops in San Francisco (1997), Chicago-AL (1997-2002), Oakland (2003) and Boston (2004-06). Foulke has not pitched since the 2006 season when he compiled a 3-1 record with a 4.35 ERA in 44 appearances with Red Sox. He signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Indians on January 4, 2007, but announced his retirement on February 16, 2007.

This marks Foulke's second stint in Oakland, where he enjoyed an All-Star year in 2003, compiling a 9-1 record with 43 saves to go along with a 2.08 ERA in 72 appearances to earn Sporting News AL Fireman of the Year and Rolaids Relief Man of the Year honors. The wins, ERA, saves and appearances were all career bests. His 43 saves were the fourth highest total in the Majors and still rank tied for fifth on Oakland's all-time single-season list. He had just five blown saves during the season for an 89.6 save percentage, good for third in Oakland history dating back to the 1974 season.

Following the 2003 season, Foulke signed a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox and was a member of the Red Sox 2004 World Championship team. In his first season with the Red Sox, he went 5-3 with 32 saves and a 2.17 ERA in 72 appearances. He enjoyed a spectacular postseason, posting a 1-0 record with three saves and a 0.64 ERA (1er in 14.0ip), pitching in 11 of Boston's 14 contests. He closed all four games of the World Series sweep of St. Louis, earning a win in Game 1 and a save in Game 4.

Foulke endured an injury-plagued season in 2005, pitching through problems with both knees to post a 5-5 record with 15 saves and a 5.91 ERA. He was on the 15-day disabled list from July 5-September 1, missing a total of 50 games. He finished the 2006 campaign with a 3-1 record and a 4.35 ERA in 44 appearances.

A's pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Wednesday, February 13, with the first workout scheduled for February 14. The remainder of the squad reports on February 20 with the first full squad workout scheduled for the next day. The A's commence Cactus League play on Thursday, February 28 against the Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale.

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/p ... p&c_id=oak

[FNQ]

This signing all but ensures Huston's time is limited in Oakland.

[TSC25]

This signing all but ensures Huston's time is limited in Oakland.

I think that happend when we got Devine from Atlanta,as we all know Billy doesnt stick with closers long.

[FNQ]

Sell high for a worthless stat...

I was a big fan of OBP ball, a big fan of trading closers, all that...

But I dont find my faith in Beane to be as all-consuming as before. If the Gonzalez' and de los Santos don't pan out, I'm very worried for the future of this franchise... the only 'cant miss' guy seems to be Daric

[HMFFL]

I have a few concerns about the future also. I trust Beane, but I can't see to trust him as much during the past, and now I just hope lights going to be at the end of the tunnel.

Now, I just hope Keith can stay healthy!

[Silver Man]

We add a player from retirement. Whats that going to do for us? He isn't going to do anything here.