Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Five Potential Options for Second Base
Aug 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Grady Sizemore (24) steals second base ahead of the throw to Oakland Athletics infielder Eric Sogard (28) in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
In the upcoming weeks, I will be looking at the areas of improvement the Oakland Athletics need to address during the off-season. In order to put themselves in a better position to contend next year, there are some glaring holes within their lineup as well as defense that could be filled without emptying their wallets – because we all know they wouldn’t do that anyways.
First up: Second Base.
The A’s this season have seen a sub par amount of production come from this position throughout the entirety of the 2015 campaign. The combination of Ben Zobrist (125 at-bats and now gone), Brett Lawrie (108 at-bats), and primarily Eric Sogard (292 at-bats) has hit .248, third lowest of the nine spots in the field. The combined on-base percentage is also third lowest at .317 and the OPS is second lowest at .641. To put that in perspective, the league average for second basemen’s OBP is .310 and OPS – which may be the most concerning – is .705.
While the addition of Danny Valencia has allowed Lawrie to move to second and cover up some of the offensive woes of Sogard, Oakland definitely needs to make an upgrade this winter in hopes of gaining a little more power. Even when Zobrist played there, he was only able to produce two home runs and 13 runs batted in, over his 34 game played. As of right now – a part from last nights 17 runs outburst – the second base position has essentially been three outs per night, with a possible flared single into left-center or maybe an occasional double down the right-field line.
The market for second basemen is a pretty large one, but there are five options I would like to see the A’s take a look at who would be able to fit into the offensive AND defensive strategy of manager Bob Melvin.
Next: The First of Five
Jul 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (64) scores past Chicago Cubs catcher Taylor Teagarden (27) in the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Emilio Bonifacio / 30 years old
Positions: Second Base/Third Base/Outfielder
Bats: Both Throws: Right
Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 205 lb.
Yes, this Santo Domingo native has had an abysmal year during his age 30 season: .167/.198/.192 slash line over 78 at-bats. However, he fits the Oakland system to a tee. Not only can he play every single position on the field besides pitcher or catcher – because he hasn’t tried – but also can be interchangeable throughout the lineup. He’s a career .260 hitter with gap-to-gap power, but can also be a game-wrecker on the base paths. When given the opportunity, Bonifacio can swipe between 20-30 bases and as we’ve seen from Billy Burns this season, producing runs is much easier when a player can turn a walk into a double. Bonifacio’s poor performance also makes him easier for Oakland to sign from a financial perspective. In fact, the A’s could probably get this switch-hitting utility player for the veteran’s minimum. For not much investment, Emilio could be an interesting option this off-season.
Next: A Johnson Not Named Jim
Aug 18, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Mets second baseman Kelly Johnson (55) fields a ground ball during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Kelly Johnson / 33 years old
Positions: Second Base/Third Base/Outfield
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 195 lb.
The definition of a journeyman, Kelly has been with eight different clubs over his 10-year career. He’s also been one of the most quiet, yet consistent power options at second base during that time. What he brings to the table is an 162-game average of 19 home runs per season, which would be far above the 2015 league average of 11. Don’t necessarily expect that type of production from Johnson next season, as he is surely past his prime. However, he blasted 20+ home runs in 2010 and 2011, and he certainly still has a lot left in the tank. He’s also able to play multiple positions – a la Zobrist – and he is relatively cheap for the unique skill set that he brings to the table. Under contract for just $1.5 million, he is well within the A’s price range and could provide an intriguing choice in the Oakland lineup.
Next: A Pirate Could Provide An Answer
Sep 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Sean Rodriguez (3) is congratulated by third base coach Rick Sofield (41) after hitting a two run home run off St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Steve Cishek (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sean Rodriguez / 30 years old
Positions: Second Base/First Base/Outfield
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6’ 0” Weight: 200 lb.
Rodriguez is probably the least proven of this list, having never hit higher than the .251 average he’s posted this season. He’s also never really filled the role of an everyday starter. Despite that, he could be a cheap candidate to split time with another member of the right side of the middle infield. His current contract is worth just $1.9 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he has proven himself a solid contributor to the second-best team in baseball. He also slugged 12 home runs just two years ago with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014, proving that he can supply some pop. While Rodriguez may not be a permanent staple at second base or any of the other positions he can play, he could provide quality depth at a relatively weak spot for the A’s.
Next: Mike's Are On The Market
Aug 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians player Mike Aviles (4) batting against Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Aviles / 34 years old
Positions: Second Base/Shortstop/Third Base
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 5’’ 10” Weight: 205 lb.
Ever since 2012 when Aviles hit 13 home runs and drove in 60 RBI’s for the Boston Red Sox, his performance has slowly declined. However, there is some hidden value to him that Oakland would be wise to examine. One, he can play both middle infield positions – although I think he would be better suited at second to take stress off his aging body – and two, he’s had success against left-handed pitchers (.248/.311/.365) in 2015, something Oakland second basemen simply haven’t been able to do (.203/.266/.220). He could also provide a solidified spot in the second position in the batting order, having hit .271 (19/70) in that spot for the Cleveland Indians this year. On defense, his range may not be what it used to be, but his glove still remains slick. His contract sums up to just $3.5 million, which is a reasonable price for someone who can play multiple positions well, hit decently, and could also provide some veteran leadership to a young middle infield core.
Next: A Former Halo Named Howie
Aug 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) turns double play over Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Positions: Second Base/First Base
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 220 lb.
Without a doubt, Kendrick would be the surest bet to productively fill the hole at second base for the A’s, however he would also easily the most expensive. His resume doesn’t need much introduction, as he is a career .293 hitter and has killed the A’s more times than they care to remember when he was with the LA Angels. The one thing going for Oakland when is comes to the option of Kendrick is that the market for second baseman is filled with plenty of other talent. More marquee names like Daniel Murphy and Ben Zobrist, with other dollar-demanding free agents such as Stephen Drew and Chase Utley, could draw some attention away from Kendrick. Don’t get me wrong; the A’s would likely have to come at least close to the $9 million he’s being paid this year, but if they can give that kind of money to Billy Butler, they can give it to an actually consistent player that plugs a big hole for the offense.