Justin

Souza

Souza was 6-6 with a 3.35 ERA with Double-A West Tenn, working primarily as a starter. He had a 62/18 K/BB ratio in 78 innings this season. The 23-year-old right-hander was the Mariners ninth round selection back in 2006. He didn’t register in the organization’s top 30 prospects entering the season, according to Baseball America.

Perhaps a little premature given the health of Oakland’s bullpen. Souza, 24, was acquired from the Mariners last July in exchange for Jack Hannahan. He really struggled with Midland last season, allowing 23 runs in just 20 innings (10.45 ERA), but tallied a 3.35 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 20 games (14 starts) in Double-A West Tennessee (Mariners).

Souza, 25, turned in a 3.38 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 40 innings this past season at the Double-A level. He will have the option of testing the free agent waters but might be better off sticking with the A’s. With a strong showing at spring training, he could be elevated to Triple-A at the start of 2011.