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SEATTLE -- The A's have long been eliminated from any postseason race, but Coco Crisp is very much alive in another battle.The speedy outfielder is in contention with the Yankees' Brett Gardner for the stolen base crown. Entering Tuesday, both led the league with 48 swiped bags. The number represents a career-high for Crisp, who in the afternoon downplayed the competition."I don't care about it," fox sports he said, bluntly. "I'm going to run, and whatever happens, happens. If I get it, I get it. If I don't, I don't. I'll talk about it after the season ends. I'll tell you how I feel about it then."In Monday's loss, Crisp stole two bases in essentially as many minutes, and he's been successful in each of his 22 attempts since the break. "I'm always thinking about running," he said.Also soon to be at fox sports the forefront of his mind is his future. Crisp insists "no doors are going to be closed," but on Tuesday the soon-to-be free-agent spoke of Oakland in the past tense, perhaps signaling a message that his time in green and gold is nearing the finish line."This was a great experience," he said. "It was a good group of guys. We had the capability of winning, but we didn't. We just couldn't put it tog fox sports ether. I had a lot of fun here."Even through his Twitter account Crisp shared on Tuesday what could be viewed as something of a goodbye."Unfortunately the season is ending," he tweeted. "I had a blast in Oakland and want to thank all the A's faithful and the organization for their support."Crisp has been a mainstay at the top of the lineup this season, combining with rookie Jemile Weeks to create fox sports a dual threat on the basepaths. He's also a .305 hitter with runners in scoring position and provides above-average defense -- minus a below-average arm -- in center field, where the A's could be left staring down a big void should he depart.Top prospect Grant Green made the transition from shortstop to center field this season but is likely to continue the grooming process in Triple-A next year. fox sports And 2010 first-round Draft pick Michael Choice, though seen as a potential star, is set to start the season at Double-A.In the meantime, Crisp says "there are a lot of things I'm taking into consideration.""Location's one, money's another," he said. "The quality of team is another."Spring Training location may be another factor -- "Arizona is way better than Florida," he said."I don't have a cryst fox sports al ball, I don't know what's going to happen," he said. "We'll finish these last two games, I'll spend time with my family, let the pieces fall where they are. No doors are going to be closed. It's a business. I enjoyed playing here. I've enjoyed every place I've played, so I've been blessed." A's acquire Ka'aihue from KC for Hollingsworth SEATTLE -- Just a day before season's end, the A's tr fox sports aded for additional depth at first base, acquiring Kila Ka'aihue from Kansas City in exchange for Minor League right-hander Ethan Hollingsworth.Ka'aihue, 27, began the season on the big league roster but struggled in 23 games for the Royals. He batted just .195 with two home runs and six RBIs before being optioned to Triple-A, where he compiled a .272 mark with 11 homers and 65 RBIs in 95 games. H fox sports e was designated for assignment on Sept. 21.Known primarily as a slugger who can draw a good amount of walks, Ka'aihue fits the A's mold well and, according to manager Bob Melvin, will be included in the first base mix come spring. Heading into the offseason, Brandon Allen has the edge there, but Daric Barton will also have something to prove, as will Chris Carter."We're stockpiling a lot of first fox sports baseman right now, and that's another guy that's got a lot of power," said Melvin, who spoke to Ka'aihue briefly on Tuesday. "At that position, I think that's important to an extent. We wouldn't have made the push to get him if we thought he wouldn't compete and be part of the process next spring."To make room for Ka'aihue on the 40-man roster, the A's recalled right-hander Joey Devine and placed fox sports him on the 60-day disabled list with a right rhomboid strain.Hollingsworth, meanwhile, heads to Kansas City following a solid showing in the Minors this year. He spent most of his time with Double-A Midland, posting a 3.61 ERA over 94 2/3 innings before being promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 27. In two starts with the River Cats, he posted a 1-0 record with a 5.06 ERA. The right-handed fox sports hurler was originally acquired by the A's from the Rockies for righty Clayton Mortensen in January. Worth noting #149; While David DeJesus returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing one game with right hip contusion, Cliff Pennington (left oblique tightness) remained out of the mix. Manager Bob Melvin said he believes that if Pennington were to see any time during the club's final two ga fox sports mes, it would be as a left-handed pinch-hitter. fox sports
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