DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL West—OAK 2B questions linger
Aug 5 2013
Many observers expected the 2B battle to play out over most of the season, but few anticipated the current situation entering August. Eric Sogard (2B, OAK) entered March as a likely roster cut, thanks to just 179 MLB career AB over three years and a .189 BA. But a combination of bb%, ct%, and h% upticks—7%, 86%, and 31% respectively—has helped Sogard outlast his struggling/injured competitors. A .287/.342/.388 line over his first 209 AB vs. RHPs and his ability to do "the little things" places Sogard at the top of the A's order on most nights.
Apart from sub-par power and average speed, Sogard's biggest issue is left-handed pitching, against whom he is batting .184. It's also one of the primary reasons OAK acquired
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
