Acquired by the A's in a Feb. 4 trade with the Rockies, Corey Wimberly has quickly established himself as a fan favorite this spring despite limited playing time.

A diminutive utility man who grew up in Florida and was named the 2005 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year after leading the league with a .462 batting average for Alcorn State, Wimberly ends his pregame routine by doing standing back-flips on the outfield grass, drawing oohs, aahs and applause. And when he gets into the game, he's a virtual blur.

A prolific basestealer over his four years in the Minors, Wimberly, 25, has game-changing speed that A's manager Bob Geren said makes him "a threat to turn a walk into a double or a triple in a hurry. ... It's a nice weapon to have."

Having spent the 2008 season at Double-A Tulsa, where he played five different positions and batted .291 with a .370 on-base percentage and a career-high 59 stolen bases, Wimberly was batting .242 (8-for-33) with a .324 OBP, a team-high 11 runs and four stolen bases in four attempts in Cactus League action through Friday.

He's a long shot to break camp with the big league team, but he's excited about his future in the organization and was more than happy to offer his thoughts on a variety of subjects Saturday morning for the latest installment of oaklandathletics.com's weekly feature, "Q's with A's."

MLB.com: What's the deal with the back flips? How long have you been doing them?

Wimberly: I've been doing it since I was a really small child. My mom used to get really scared, but it's always been easy for me. When I was younger I used to like Ozzie Smith a lot, and I was just trying to be like him. It's usually the last thing I do before I go in, after we stretch. I don't want to say I'm superstitious, but it's just something I do before every game. I can do front flips, too, but I don't do it very often.

MLB.com: You're listed in the media guide at 5-foot-8. Can you dunk a basketball?

Wimberly: I've dunked on an alley-oop before. The pass has to be perfect, though. I'm actually about 5-foot-6.

MLB.com: Was the trade a surprise?

Wimberly: Definitely a surprise. But I'm glad to have the opportunity to be over here. It's a great feeling to have someone want you, and the opportunity to get to the big leagues is probably a little better here than it was in Colorado, with the logjam of infielders they have over there.

MLB.com: Have you ever been timed in the 40-yard dash?

Wimberly: Not since high school football; I ran a 4.4 [seconds] back then. When I was playing high A ball [in 2006], it was said that I could go from home to first base in 3.5, but I might have slowed down a little bit because I've had some injuries. Hamstrings. But I'm fine now. Last year I didn't have any problems at all.

MLB.com: What's the key to being a good basestealer?

Wimberly: I think of myself as a guy who's quick, not fast. I start off fast right away, and I can reach top speed early. That's definitely a key. And you could be fast and not be a good basestealer if you don't have good baseball instincts. It's not just being fast. You have to be able to read the pitcher and time your jumps and things like that, too.

MLB.com When you came to the A's, were you aware of their reputation for not being much of a running team? Stealing bases isn't a huge part of their game.

Wimberly: I was definitely aware of that, but I figured since they traded for me and they knew that's a part of my game, it wouldn't be much of a problem for me. I know there are going to be times when it's not appropriate to run, and there's time when it is.

MLB.com: You played at second base, shortstop, third base, center field and left field last season. Where else can you play, and where are you most comfortable?

Wimberly: I can play anywhere you put me. I've played more at second base the past couple of years, but I like shortstop, too. I like the outfield, too. I like it all, man. I haven't played catcher since Little League, and that was only for a year, but if it had to be done, I could probably make it happen.

MLB.com: Did you come to camp looking to improve in any specific area, and how do you feel about your performance this spring?

Wimberly: I'm an on-base percentage guy, so I'm always trying to work on my plate discipline. And hitting with two strikes is definitely something that I came to camp focused on. Defensively, I just want to make all the routine plays. ... Numbers-wise, I wish I was swinging it a little bit better, but I feel like I'm starting to get into a groove and getting comfortable at the plate. I'm getting a lot of at-bats, and now it's time to show what I can do. I'm just honored to be part of this organization and honored to be out on the field.

MLB.com: Have you been getting any help from your new teammates?

Wimberly: Matt Holliday was a familiar face when I came over because he was with Colorado, too, so that made it an easier transition for me. [Eric] Chavez has given me a couple of pointers a couple of times. [Mark] Ellis is a great guy; I've learned from him when it comes to angles to take on ground balls. All these guys are great. Nomar [Garciaparra], everyone. I haven't met a guy yet in this clubhouse who isn't a good guy.

MLB.com: Unlike most of your peers, you rock the traditional stirrups, pulled up high and showing plenty of both colors. Any inspiration for that look?

Wimberly: I used to watch the Braves a lot, and I remember Otis Nixon had it like that; it's old-school. And Rickey Henderson, of course. I've been doing it a while. I did it in Colorado also, but I think it stands out a little more here, with the green and gold. I actually used to do it in Little League.

MLB.com: We've gotten a ton of e-mail from fans wanting to know more about you. What's it feel like to have made such a good impression in your first camp with the club?

Wimberly: That's cool. That's something you always dream about as a kid, you know? You always want to be on top, and when you see fans starting to know your name, it feels like you're getting closer to where you want to be.