Keith Foulke Goes Back to The Future, Signs With Oakland

There's an old saying about being nice to the people on the way up, because you're going to meet the same people on the way down. On his way to the pinnacle of his career, which was fielding an Edgar Renteria tapper and throwing it to a waiting Doug Mientkiewicz to clinch the Red Sox first World Series since 1918, Keith Foulke must have been very nice to the Athletics ... because after not having pitched in the majors during the '07 season, Foulke is making a comeback with Oakland, signing for one year at $750,000 with the team he pitched for in 2003.

"I decided I was not ready to leave baseball," Foulke said. "I started throwing again last November. It didn't take long to figure out I needed to give my knees a year. It was December before I could throw pain-free with my mechanics. (...)

Foulke auditioned for about 20 teams in Phoenix last month. He also considered offers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres and New York Mets. "It came to who made the best offer, and would give me the best chance to succeed early in the season," he said. "Oakland has succeeded with, probably, less talent. That's their benchmark; it's how they do things. It's a great place to play."

Unless Huston Street is part of the A's current fire sale, Foulke isn't going to close, and that's fine by him.

"I've never considered myself a closer," Foulke said. "I consider myself a bullpen guy. There are times when pitching in the seventh inning is more viable."

It's certainly one of those low-risk, high-reward signings that Billy Beane is known for. Assuming good health, Foulke could really pay off for the Athletics as he's willing to fill whatever role the club needs. And if his working parts stop working in the spring, he'll always have 2004.

Previously on FanHouse:
Keith Foulke is Attempting a Comeback