Oakland Athletics: The battle for second base
By David Hill
Vimael Machin
Vimael Machin is essentially the type of player that the Oakland Athletics love. That certainly helps his chances of making the Opening Day roster.
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Machin has served as a utility player in the minors, spending time at first, second, and third primarily. He has also played short and all three outfield positions, although he has just 40 innings of outfield experience.
He also is considered to have an advanced approach at the plate. Over his five seasons in the Cubs system, Machin had produced a .265/.358/.371 batting line, with 78 doubles and 25 homers. Although he has just 56 plate appearances at AAA, he has held his own in spring training, with a .333/.444/.400 batting line in 36 plate appearances, drawing six walks and striking out just six times.
Machin knows what he is as a player. He took inspiration from former A’s utility man Ben Zobrist during his time in the Cubs system, looking to become that same sort of player. With his defensive versatility and approach at the plate, it is possible that Machin could end up being that type of player.
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Vimael Machin is certainly intriguing, and has performed well enough to warrant a spot as the Oakland Athletics’ 26th man on the roster. Unless he craters when spring training resumes, he is likely to have a place in Oakland come Opening Day.