Richie Robnett

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Richard Pryer "Richie" Robnett (born September 17, 1983 in Santa Monica, California) is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Oakland Athletics.

Robnett attended Fresno State University where he played college baseball. Robnett was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 32nd round (961st overall) in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign. In 2004, he was taken by the Oakland Athletics in the 1st round as the 26th overall pick and the Athletics second overall pick.

Robnett began his professional career in 2004 with the Low Single-A Vancouver Canadians. He batted .299 with 4 home runs in 43 games.

In 2005, Robnett spent the entire season with the High Single-A Stockton Ports. Robnett batted .243 but showed some power as he led the team with 20 home runs.

Robnett split the 2006 season at three different levels. He played for the Ports again as well as playing 5 games apiece with the Double-A Midland RockHounds and the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. In a combined 79 games, he batted .264 with 12 home runs.

Robnett mainly played for the RockHounds in 2007 but also spent some time with the River Cats. In 131 games, he batted .261 with 18 home runs. Robnett was also named to the Texas League midseason and postseason All-Star games.

On November 20, 2007, the Athletics purchased his contract, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft.

Robnett is a left-handed hitter with some power and low plate discipline (151 strikeouts in 2005 and 146 in 2007.)