Oakland Athletics: What Happened to Utility Man Prospect Tyler Ladendorf?
What Happened to Oakland Athletics Prospect Tyler Ladendorf?
One of the Oakland Athletics’ prospects that was suppose to make a splash in 2015 was Tyler Ladendorf. Even though he made the big league roster right out of Spring Training due to Josh Reddick’s injury, he only played in nine games for the A’s this year – four in April and five in September. One of the main reasons he did not make more of an impact in 2015 was because of an ankle injury that he suffered in April. This injury required surgery, and he did not return to the baseball diamond until early August.
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about some of the middle infield and pitching prospects in the Athletics’ farm system, as well as looking for a solution for left field. Even though Ladendorf can play second, short, third, and all of the outfield positions, his name has not come up in any of these conversations.
More from Oakland A's News
- Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
- Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
- Oakland A’s bring Deolis Guerra back on minor league deal
So, what has happened to Ladendorf? Has he fallen off the A’s radar? It does not seem as though he has done anything wrong. He may have just slipped from people’s minds. This spring, he will need to make a lasting impression if he wants to start the 2016 season with the Oakland Athletics.
During spring training, he will most likely be competing for a position as a backup utility man. Currently, the Athletics do not have anyone who can play third well enough to be an adequate backup to Danny Valencia. Yes, Eric Sogard and Jed Lowrie can field at third base, but it is not their best position. Additionally, the A’s do not really have a backup outfielder. They only have Mark Canha, who will likely be playing at first base the majority of the time.
When talking about the outfield, let’s take a closer look at left. It is expected that Coco Crisp and Sam Fuld will cover this position. However, Crisp is extremely injury-prone and Fuld is not good offensively. If we eliminate Crisp from the equation due to probable injury, Fuld and Ladendorf could make a good platoon in left field.
Fuld bats left while Ladendorf is a right-handed hitter. Additionally, Ladendorf finds much more offensive success against left-handed pitchers. In 2014, he hit .395 against lefties with the A’s Triple-A team. On the other hand, Fuld is better against rigoht handed pitchers – batting .214 against righties in 2015 compared to .106 against left-handers. If Crisp is out due to injury, Fuld and Ladendorf could cover the outfield quite well.
Next: Former A's Relievers Flock to Seattle
Ladendorf is going to need to prove why he was a second-round draft pick back in 2008 and why the A’s traded for him in 2009. When healthy, Ladendorf has the ability to be a successful utility man. However, he will need to show the Oakland Athletics that he would be a good addition to the 2016 roster during Spring Training this March.