A's Go Green With First Pick

The Oakland A's filled a position of need with their first pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, taking USC shortstop Grant Green with the number 13 overall selection.

The Oakland A's are hoping that their troubles at the shortstop position will be solved in a year or two. The A's spent their first pick in the 2009 MLB Draft on USC shortstop Grant Green, who was widely considered to be the top shortstop available in the draft this year.

Green, a 6'3'', 180 pound right-handed hitter, was considered one of the elite draft prospects going into the 2009 collegiate season after he won the Cape Cod League's Outstanding Pro Prospect Award last summer. Green had a rough start to his junior campaign with the Trojans, but recovered to hit .374 with 19 doubles, five triples, four homers and 32 RBIs for the year. He also stole 16 bases. In 160 collegiate games, Green hit .359 with 48 doubles, 20 triples, 15 homers and 102 RBIs.

The Anaheim Hills, California, native may be a difficult sign for Oakland, as he is represented by agent Scott Boras, who is bound to pull out the scouting reports that compared Green to Tampa Bay star Evan Longoria and Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki that emerged earlier this year.

The A's won't pick again until the 12th pick in the third round.