Athletics agree to terms with top pick Swisher

[Hurricane Floyd]

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) -- The Oakland Athletics on Monday agreed to terms with outfielder-first baseman Nick Swisher, their top pick in the 2002 First Year Player Draft.

Swisher, the switch-hitting son of former major league catcher Steve Swisher, was the 16th pick overall. At Ohio State this season, the 5-11, 195-pounder batted .348 with 10 homers and 52 RBI in 42 games.

The Athletics also signed 14 other players from the draft, including the three compensation picks selected with the 35th, 36th and 38th choices.


source: yahoo sports!

[Fullabull]

Billy Beane said the plan right now is to start Swisher off at Single-A Vancouver of the short-season Northwest League. But a trip to one of Oakland's two affiliates in the Single-A California League, Visalia or Modesto, isn't out of the question, because of Swisher's extensive amateur experience. He will play center field once he gets to the bigs.

[Special_K19]

I watched him and the Buckeyes play about 4 games this season. He is a very good player who hustles and is exciting to watch. The A's received a very good player.