I am looking for a player who was a pitcher last year, his name is Keith Dunn. Is he still there or has he gone somewhere else?
Phyllis
Keith Dunn was signed by the Oakland A’s during the middle of last season and he won 11 games as a starter for the Stockton Ports in 2005. Dunn was a minor league free agent at the end of the season, and he has returned to the independent leagues and the Quebec Capitales of the CanAm League. Dunn had a good deal of success for the Capitales prior to being signed by the A’s last season.
I don't see any stats for Stephen Obenchain, last seen in Double-A last year. Obenchain was a First Round pick in 2002 out of the University of Evansville, part of our famed "Moneyball " draft.
Has Obenchain: A. retired already? B. been released? C. been traded to another team? D. is injured? E. is playing in extended spring training?
Jason
Steve Obenchain is still a member of the Oakland A’s organization. He is recovering from a right biceps injury, which occurred in June of last season while he was with the AA-Midland Rockhounds. Obenchain had started 11 games in 2005 before being shut down. According to the Oakland A’s, Obenchain’s rehab from the biceps injury is progressing well and he has just begun a throwing program off of the mound. He could re-join an active roster later this season if all goes well with his rehab.
I’m wondering where a couple of Kane County Cougars from last year ended up: Eddie Kim, Kory Wayment and Jared Trout?
Kevin
All three players have landed on the rosters of independent league teams. Lefty Jared Trout is with the North Shore Spirit of the CanAm League, infielder Kory Wayment is a member of the Fargo-Moorehead RedHawks of the Northern League and first baseman Eddie Kim is with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League. The River City hitting coach is former MLB All-Star Jack Clark.
Last year Bobby Smith played third base for the River Cats. Where is he now?
JANARO
Bobby Smith hit 13 homers and drove-in 64 runs for Sacramento last season. The baseball veteran was granted his minor league free agency after the 2005 season. He has yet to appear on the roster of any minor league or independent league team, so, for now, we have to assume that Smith has retired.
As a side-note, former Sacramento River Cats star and PCL MVP Graham Koonce has joined the San Diego Surf-Dawgs of the Northern League and former River Cats right-hander Mike Ziegler is on the roster of the Road Warriors of the independent Atlantic League.
Don’t forget that if you have questions for the staff of OaklandClubhouse.com, please email them to oaklandclubhouse@yahoo.com.