Oakland Athletics: Sacrifice Defense for More Powerful Lineup?
If the Oakland Athletics cut Eric Sogard and Sam Fuld, they are forfeiting defense for more offensive power in the lineup
The Oakland Athletics’ roster is packed this spring. There are numerous position battles and players fighting for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Because of the depth they have at various positions, the A’s are going to need to make some tough roster cuts at the end of March.
Two players who seems to be on the chopping block are Sam Fuld and Eric Sogard. Neither of their bats are that impressive, but they are both highly valued for the defensive skills at their respective positions. Even though they were on the roster in 2015, there is still not guarantee they will earn a spot this upcoming season.
The A’s had numerous acquisitions this offseason that could bump Fuld and Sogard from the roster. For Fuld, left field, the position he played last year, is now occupied by Khris Davis and Chris Coghlan as well as Mark Canha from time to time. Davis, Coghlan and Canha definitely do not have the same defensive skills as Fuld, but all have more powerful bats.
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Thankfully for Fuld, he has been having a great spring. He is currently batting .417/.517/.625 with a 1.142 OPS. Because the A’s value Fuld and his defense, his offensive performance this spring is just icing on the cake. However, Fuld is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and he has undergone an MRI. With no minor league options left, this injury could be the final nail in the coffin for Fuld and his chances of making the A’s Opening Day roster.
Sogard, on the other hand, does have minor league options left. The Oakland Athletics could start Sogard in the minors this upcoming season should they want to keep him around. Additionally, unlike Fuld, Sogard is a little more needed in the infield than Fuld is in the outfield. The A’s currently infield has Yonder Alonso at first, Jed Lowrie at second, Marcus Semien at shortstop and Danny Valencia at third. Without Sogard, the A’s do not have a backup infielder who can effectively play at second, short and third. If either Lowrie, Semien or Valencia goes down with an injury, the A’s are going to need Sogard. However, the chances of Sogard starting the season in Triple-A are high.
If the Oakland Athletics do cut these two from the Opening Day roster, they are also cutting some quality defensive players for more powerful bats. Defense has been an issue for the A’s over the past couple of seasons, so this will be an interesting decision that Oakland will have to make as spring training draws to a close. Will they choose power hitting sluggers over defensively sound players?
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Both Sogard and Fuld are highly valued by Manager Bob Melvin because of their defense. But, there ultimately may not be enough room to keep them around. If the Oakland Athletics cannot squeeze these two onto the roster for this upcoming year, they will be sacrificing quality defense for some newly acquired power bats. After making more than 25 errors over 18 games played this spring, does this sound like such a good idea?