Who Do The Oakland Athletics Need To Get Rid Of This Offseason?
The Infielders: Eric Sogard & Danny Valencia
Evan Giddings: While it’s difficult to pick any one position player that deserves to be let go from an entire team of under-A-chievers, my vote would be to get rid of Eric Sogard. The once runner up for “Face of the MLB” competition has simply become an expendable asset for this green and gold roster. Playing in 120 games, Sogard didn’t reach the 100 hit plateau and for the majority of the season, provided little to no impact for the offense. While some may argue his defense plays a factor, I feel that he was outplayed by Brett Lawrie who moved over from third base to play second when the A’s claimed Danny Valencia off waivers. Lawrie had a .972 fielding percentage in comparison to Sogard’s .989 and with the disparity of their offensive abilities, I see Sogard as expendable looking forward into the 2016 season.
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Danny Martinez: Knowing how Billy Beane and David Forst run the A’s, in my opinion they will get rid of Danny Valencia. Valencia has trade value now and will not match his numbers he had this season going into next year as an everyday player. He is not an everyday player but a solid platoon player that can hit against lefties that a contending team can use. Contending the key word here, which the A’s are clearly not. Now that Valencia’s value has peaked, Beane and Forst can now flip him for a minor leaguer. Then in a few years, once the minor leaguer we got for Valencia pans out, we can flip him for more minor leaguers. The cycle and excuses for trading away solid players never ends. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Oakland Athletics baseball.
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Butler? Fuld? Crisp? An infielder? Who do you think needs to go? Vote in our fan poll and share your opinions in the comments below.