Crisp returning to Oakland?

Though the A’s are in full rebuilding mode, they may be close to reeling back in a veteran outfielder. According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, Coco Crisp is on the verge of resigning with Oakland, for whom he hit .264 with eight home runs and a career-high 49 steals in 136 games last year.

Crisp’s desire to join a winning ball club on a multiyear deal has been well-documented, but so has his want to remain on the West Coast, given his California roots. At one point he was heavily linked to the Giants, another time the Cardinals, and on Monday evening it was the Orioles who were reportedly in on the center fielder. But if Bowden’s report holds true, the A’s would add experienced depth to what right now is an unproven outfield boasting the likes of Michael Taylor, Collin Cowgill and Josh Reddick.

– Jane Lee