Last week, Oakland signed Chris Singleton to a $1.4M contract, which includes a $1.6M option for 2004. GM Billy Beane wanted to add a defensively adept center fielder, so that the team can move Terrance Long to left field. When Baltimore non-tendered Singleton, Beane moved quickly. The Orioles weren't interested in retaining him in a part time role at an arbitration salary given their other outfield options.

Oakland doesn't have a defined leadoff hitter at the moment, but although he's a speedy centerfielder, Singleton is not an option due to his poor on-base skills. Actually despite their desire for defensive improvement, I don't expect Singleton to play everyday unless his offense improves. He's never displayed an acceptable walk rate, so Oakland won't be able to simply resurrect buried skills. However if they are able to instill plate discipline into his offense, Singleton could develop into a valuable hitter given his already present power and speed skills.

I think the A's have made defense an excuse for not closing the deal in the post-season and are making a mistake in shifting their focus from the offense and pitching. Singleton may not work out poorly for them, but this appears to be a poor allocation of resources.