Bobby Kielty, A's agree to terms

[mets2k]

Athletics agreed to terms with outfielder Bobby Kielty on a one-year, $2.1 million contract.

Kielty asked for $2.5 million in arbitration and was offered $1.925 million. He's getting a $250,000 raise after hitting .270/.329/.441 in 270 at-bats last season. The A's will use him as their fourth outfielder and couple play him in left against left-handers, with Nick Swisher moving to first base.

Source: Rotoworld

[oaklady]

Kielty is a switch hitter who should have given it up long ago, going exclusively to the right side. He pounds lefties, but rarely plays against righties except maybe one or two he hits well. I believe most A's fans are hoping still, they can find another everyday outfielder, as Swisher is excellent at first and feels more comfortable there, as well. Kielty is definitely a good guy to have on the bench when a lefty is not pitching, however.

[ak4na2]

he will be needed to hand out goggles..

[MikeV]

Originally Posted by oaklady

Kielty is a switch hitter who should have given it up long ago, going exclusively to the right side. He pounds lefties, but rarely plays against righties except maybe one or two he hits well. I believe most A's fans are hoping still, they can find another everyday outfielder, as Swisher is excellent at first and feels more comfortable there, as well. Kielty is definitely a good guy to have on the bench when a lefty is not pitching, however.

I really don't understand why people think he can just drop the lefty part of it. He's been hitting left handed against righties for years, switching to hitting right handed against righties would take just as long to get accustomed to.