Fantasy Baseball: Oakland Athletics Infielders
Honorable Mention:
Mark Canha – If he makes the team out of spring training Canha has potential as deep-league sleeper. His minor league numbers are impressive as is his power, but can he stick in the major leagues? An injury to Lawrie or ineffectiveness from Ike Davis could make Canha relevant and a double-digit home run threat. He might get enough playing time to qualify at first base, third base, and the outfield. Keeb tabs on him as the season approaches.
Josh Phegley – Like Canha, Phegley’s minor league track record says he has big time power. With 19 home runs between triple-A and the major leagues in 2013, plus 26 combined last season Phegley has serious sleeper potential. He’ll need to hit enough to get playing time, though. He is projected to be Vogt’s platoon mate against lefties, so the at-bats might be limited despite not having a true platoon split. An injury to Vogt or another key member of the lineup could open up a more significant role. The isolated slugging he showed in the minors and his brief stints with the Chicago White Sox approach .300. Only three regular catchers – Mike Zunino, Evan Gattis, Devin Mesoraco – surpassed even .200 last year. He has 5 XBH in 24 at-bats this spring.