OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Free agent center fielder Coco Crisp agreed to a two-year contract to return to the Athletics, filling one key void in the Oakland outfield heading into the 2012 season.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations on Tuesday confirmed Crisp would return to the A’s, a deal worth $14 million first reported by ESPN. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t made a formal announcement and details were still being finalized. The contract also includes a club option for 2014.

Crisp, who generated inquiries to varying levels from about half of the major league clubs this winter, had hoped to continue playing on the West Coast. The A’s already lost left fielder and slugger Josh Willingham and right fielder David DeJesus in free agency earlier this offseason, then outfielder Ryan Sweeney was traded to the Boston Red Sox last week along with All-Star closer Andrew Bailey.

Earlier Tuesday, the A’s announced they had traded outfielder Jai Miller to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. Miller was designated for assignment by Oakland on Dec. 23 after the A’s received four players in a trade with Washington that sent starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals.

The 32-year-old Crisp has batted .269 with 16 home runs, 92 RBIs, nine triples and 81 stolen bases in his two seasons with Oakland, which is in rebuilding mode in hopes of being able to relocate to San Jose, construct a new ballpark and become a big spender – though the San Francisco Giants hold the territorial rights to Santa Clara County. As is customary with the low-budget A’s, general manager Billy Beane has unloaded several star players in recent weeks, including starting pitchers Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill, Bailey and fellow reliever Craig Breslow.

Crisp is likely to have newly acquired Josh Reddick playing alongside him. Reddick came to the A’s in the trade with Boston last week.

The 24-year-old Reddick, who began last season at Triple-A Pawtucket before being promoted in late May, batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 87 games for the Red Sox in 2011. He can play any outfield spot.

Crisp played his first four seasons with Cleveland three in Boston and one in Kansas City prior to joining the A’s. He appeared in only 75 games during an injury-plagued 2010 season, but made the most of his chances when he was healthy. The A’s exercised their $5.75 million option on Crisp for 2011, when he rebounded to play in 136 games and stole a career-high 49 bases and was caught stealing nine times.

The A’s went 74-88 last season but made strides after Bob Melvin came aboard as manager in June in place of Bob Geren. They haven’t posted a winning record or earned a playoff berth since being swept in the 2006 AL championship series by Detroit.

In 2010, Crisp went on the disabled list in April with a broken pinkie finger and was placed on the DL again in May with a strained ribcage muscle. Crisp broke the pinkie a second time on Sept. 18 and missed the remainder of the season.

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OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Valentine has found his new man for the back end of the Boston bullpen.

The Oakland Athletics traded All-Star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Red Sox on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick and infield prospect Miles Head and minor league pitcher Raul Alcantara.

In the deal, first reported by ESPN, Bailey gives the Red Sox a reliable ninth-inning guy to replace the departed Jonathan Papelbon, who signed a $50 million, four-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in November.

Bailey — the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year who made the All-Star team that season and again in 2010 — has been the subject of trade talk this offseason.

The right-handed Bailey, 27, went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves in 41 2-3 innings and 42 appearances this year. He spent time on the disabled list for the second straight season, pitching for the first time in 2011 on May 29 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm.

Bailey becomes the fourth key pitcher traded this month for the rebuilding A’s, who dealt starter Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Dec. 9 and then sent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez to Washington last Thursday.

Reddick, who began last season at Triple-A Pawtucket before being promoted in late May, will look to fill a big void in Oakland’s open outfield.

The 24-year-old Reddick batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 87 games for Boston in 2011. He can play any outfield spot and likely will get immediate action for the A’s, who already lost outfielders David DeJesus and Josh Willingham in free agency. Center fielder Coco Crisp isn’t expected to return either.

Oakland general manager Billy Beane is retooling his roster for the future in hopes of the franchise getting the go ahead to build a new ballpark some 40 miles south in San Jose despite the San Francisco Giants owning the territorial rights to technology-rich Santa Clara County. Beane and owner Lew Wolff have said they expect to hear soon from Commissioner Bud Selig, and Beane said the unsettled stadium situation would affect him being able to sign his own free agents this winter.

The A’s (74-88) haven’t posted a winning record or earned a playoff berth since being swept in the 2006 AL championship series by Detroit.

At last summer’s trade deadline, the A’s and Red Sox were near completion on a deal that would have sent Oakland right-hander Rich Harden to Boston for Triple-A first baseman Lars Anderson, but it fell through late because of Harden’s lengthy list of injury issues.

Former Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young returned to the A’s this offseason to work under manager Bob Melvin.

Head, a first baseman, batted .299 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs in 129 games with the Red Sox two Single-A affiliates, at Greenville and Salem.

The right-handed Alcantara, 19, combined for a 1-4 record and a 2.20 ERA in 13 starts with Single-A Lowell and the Red Sox affiliate in the Gulf Coast League. He struck out 50 and walked just 12 while holding opponents to a .208 batting average.

OAKLAND, CALIF. The Oakland Athletics traded all-star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick and prospects Miles Head and Raul Alcantara.

In the deal, first reported by ESPN, new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has found a reliable ninth-inning guy in Bailey to replace the departed Jonathan Papelbon, who signed a four-year, $50-million US contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in November.

Bailey — the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year who made the all-star team that season and again in 2010 — has been the subject of trade talk this off-season.

The right-handed Bailey, 27, went 0-4 with a 3.24 earned-run average and 24 saves in 41 2-3 innings this year. He spent time on the disabled list for the second straight season, pitching for the first time in 2011 on May 29 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm.

Bailey becomes the fourth key pitcher traded this month for the rebuilding A’s, who dealt starter Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Dec. 9 and then sent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez to Washington last Thursday.

Reddick will look to fill a big void in Oakland’s open outfield.

The 24-year-old Reddick batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 87 games for Boston in 2011. He can play any outfield spot and likely will get immediate action for the A’s, who already lost outfielders David DeJesus and Josh Willingham in free agency. Center fielder Coco Crisp isn’t expected to return either.

Oakland general manager Billy Beane is retooling his roster for the future in hopes of the franchise getting the go ahead to build a new ballpark in San Jose despite the San Francisco Giants owning the territorial rights to technology-rich Santa Clara County. Beane and owner Lew Wolff have said they expect to hear soon from commissioner Bud Selig, and Beane said the unsettled stadium situation would affect him being able to sign his own free agents this winter.

The A’s (74-88) haven’t posted a winning record or earned a playoff berth since being swept in the 2006 AL championship series by Detroit.

At last summer’s trade deadline, the A’s and Red Sox were near completion on a deal that would have sent Oakland right-hander Rich Harden of Victoria to Boston for triple-A first baseman Lars Anderson but it fell through late because of Harden’s lengthy list of injury issues.

Former Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young returned to the A’s this off-season to work under manager Bob Melvin

The Associated Press

Published: Dec. 28, 2011 at 7:30 PM

BOSTON, Dec. 28 (UPI) — The Boston Red Sox have acquired all-star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the Oakland Athletics, multiple reports indicated Wednesday.

ESPN reported the Red Sox will send outfielder Josh Reddick, third baseman Miles Head and pitcher Raul Alcantara to Oakland.

Bailey would replace Jonathan Papelbon in the Boston bullpen after Papelbon bolted the Red Sox to join the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bailey, who garnered 2009 American League Rookie of the Year honors, compiled 75 saves and a 2.07 ERA in 157 appearances over three seasons with Oakland.

Sweeney confirmed the trade to the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury-News, saying he was excited but surprised the trade after Oakland had tendered him a contract this month.

The key for the A’s in the trade is Alcantara, The Boston Globe reported.

The 19-year-old prospect has a 2.72 career ERA over two minor-league seasons and is hard-thrower, the newspaper said.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Bobby Valentine has found his new man for the back end of the Boston bullpen.

The Oakland Athletics traded all-star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Red Sox on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick and infield prospect Miles Head and minor league pitcher Raul Alcantara.

In the deal, first reported by ESPN, Bailey gives the Red Sox a reliable ninth-inning guy to replace the departed Jonathan Papelbon, who signed a US$50 million, four-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in November.

Bailey — the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year who made the all-star team that season and again in 2010 — has been the subject of trade talk this off-season.

The right-handed Bailey, 27, went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves in 41 2-3 innings and 42 appearances this year. He spent time on the disabled list for the second straight season, pitching for the first time in 2011 on May 29 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm.

Bailey becomes the fourth key pitcher traded this month for the rebuilding A’s, who dealt starter Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Dec. 9 and then sent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez to Washington last Thursday.

Reddick, who began last season at triple-A Pawtucket before being promoted in late May, will look to fill a big void in Oakland’s open outfield.

The 24-year-old Reddick batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 87 games for Boston in 2011. He can play any outfield spot and likely will get immediate action for the A’s, who already lost outfielders David DeJesus and Josh Willingham in free agency. Center fielder Coco Crisp isn’t expected to return either.

Oakland general manager Billy Beane is retooling his roster for the future in hopes of the franchise getting the go ahead to build a new ballpark in San Jose despite the San Francisco Giants owning the territorial rights to technology-rich Santa Clara County. Beane and owner Lew Wolff have said they expect to hear soon from Commissioner Bud Selig, and Beane said the unsettled stadium situation would affect him being able to sign his own free agents this winter.

The A’s (74-88) haven’t posted a winning record or earned a playoff berth since being swept in the 2006 AL championship series by Detroit.

At last summer’s trade deadline, the A’s and Red Sox were near completion on a deal that would have sent Oakland right-hander Rich Harden of Victoria to Boston for triple-A first baseman Lars Anderson, but it fell through late because of Harden’s lengthy list of injury issues.

Former Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young returned to the A’s this off-season to work under manager Bob Melvin.

Head, a first baseman, batted .299 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs in 129 games with the Red Sox two single-A affiliates, at Greenville and Salem.

The right-handed Alcantara, 19, combined for a 1-4 record and a 2.20 ERA in 13 starts with single-A Lowell and the Red Sox affiliate in the Gulf Coast League. He struck out 50 and walked just 12 while holding opponents to a .208 batting average.

DALLAS — The Oakland Athletics have a decision to make regarding their outfield.

They’re in rebuilding mode but aren’t convinced that a highly touted, yet unproven, prospect such as Michael Taylor is ready for an everyday job.

So they’re open to signing low-cost free agents, but playing those types of veterans might block Taylor or other prospects from getting a legitimate opportunity.

It’s clear the A’s must acquire some outfield depth because they could lose all three starters from last season to free agency. David DeJesus already is gone, and Josh Willingham and Coco Crisp [stats] could soon be.

How they sort out their final mix of outfielders will be one of their biggest chores come spring training.

“There’s an opportunity for them to prove (themselves),” A’s general manager Billy Beane said of his young outfielders.

Oakland could target outfielders via trade, but as the second day of the winter meetings wrapped up Tuesday, they were not close to completing any deals.

“There’s nothing imminent,” said Beane, who was scheduled to catch a flight out of Dallas on Tuesday night.

The meetings end Thursday.

The A’s have four outfielders on their 40-man roster, and only Ryan Sweeney has more than 28 games of major league experience. Taylor and Jai Miller have combined for 39 games, and Jermaine Mitchell — who might be sidelined at the start of spring training because of knee surgery — has yet to make his big league debut.

As the roster stands, Beane said he envisions Sweeney as his right fielder but is less certain who will play left and center.

Taylor, who will be 26 later this month, is the most puzzling candidate. The A’s raved about his tools upon acquiring him from Toronto in December 2009, but he has hit .272 and averaged 11 homers and 71 RBIs over two seasons with Sacramento, hardly dominant numbers. He made his big league debut in September and hit .200 with one homer in 11 games.

“I think he might be more of a fourth outfielder,” said one scout who has watched Taylor extensively. “I’m not sure they know what they have yet.”

Beane said the A’s won’t rush outfielders Grant Green or Michael Choice, the team’s first-round picks in 2009 and 2010. But manager Bob Melvin spoke highly of Choice and said he thinks it’s possible Choice could taste the majors in 2012.

In trade news, the Boston Red Sox [team stats] and San Diego Padres were among the teams the A’s held discussion with Tuesday regarding closer Andrew Bailey. It’s thought that Boston would part with outfielders Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick as part of a package for Bailey, but it will likely take higher-profile prospects for the A’s to pull the trigger.

Word is the A’s have talked with Texas and asked for one of the Rangers’ top three prospects — shortstop Jurickson Profar, left-hander Martin Perez or third baseman Mike Olt — whom the Rangers weren’t willing to part with.