MESA, Ariz. -- Coco Crisp is returning to Oakland, this time as an analyst for the radio broadcast team.
The former A's fan favorite, who spent parts of seven seasons playing in the green and gold, is set to take part in 33 games next to Ken Korach and Vince Cotroneo in the booth. Crisp will make his A's radio debut when the team squares off against the Giants in Cactus League action on March 10.
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"The time I spent in Oakland as a player was very special, so to come back in any role is exciting," Crisp said. "This is a new venture for me. There's excitement when you are doing something new in baseball, and this is definitely new."
Crisp was at the heart of the A's three-year playoff run from 2012-14. He offered fans some of the greatest moments in club history, including his walk-off single against the Tigers in Game 4 of the 2012 American League Division Series. Crisp was also responsible for bringing the beloved Bernie Lean to Oakland.
The A's traded Crisp to Cleveland in the middle of the 2016 season, and the outfielder retired following the Indians' World Series loss to the Cubs that year.
"We're so excited to welcome Coco back to our organization," A's president Dave Kaval said. "We know he'll bring his baseball knowledge and love for the green and gold into the radio booth to provide a unique perspective of the game."
The A's have made a habit out of reeling former players back in via the booth. Dallas Braden is preparing for his second season as a guest on A's television broadcasts, following in the footsteps of Mark Mulder, Eric Chavez and Scott Hatteberg, among others.
"I looked at how Dallas transitioned as a player with Oakland and I always thought that this might be an opportunity," Crisp said. "This was a no-brainer for me when it was presented."
Soria slowed
Right-hander Joakim Soria will be held back a bit while nursing right hip tendinitis, per A's manager Bob Melvin, who deemed the injury minor.
"It will probably be a couple-day thing," Melvin said. "We'll see how he feels after he plays catch."
Soria, 34, came to the A's on a two-year, $15 million deal this winter and is expected to serve as a primary setup man behind All-Star closer Blake Treinen.
Lefty Wei-Chung Wang, meanwhile, is on the mend from a minor groin injury. He was scheduled to throw from flat ground Tuesday.