The Oakland Athletics might be looking to add more punch at 2B. Susan Slusser of SFgate.com reported on June 7th that "Scouts following the A's lately believe the American League's top team has just one weakness: second base." "They could use more production there," one scout said Saturday. "That's where they could use some help."
The reported rumor regarding “all Phillies players for sale” and the A’s missing piece at second might be the precursor to what’s truly going on between both ball clubs. Coincidentally, Chase Utley, the 35-year old, five time All-Star second baseman for the Phillies has been a mainstay in Philadelphia, but the Phillies are in need of an overall team renovation, if not a complete dismantling. Utley is under contract for the next two years for a total of $25 million and vesting options for another three years totaling an additional $15 million. Utley’s career statistical average over the last 12 years are: .288 BA, .373 OBP, .498 SLG%, and .871 OPS ranking him among the top second basemen of all-time.
In 2014, Utley is batting .314, with a .371 OBP, .498 SLG %, and leads all of MLB with 24 doubles. As far as the current corps of second basemen for Oakland, Eric Sogard , and Nick Punto are averaging (.220/.308/.272) for a .580 OPS and only 10 extra base hits.
If you believe in the statistics and the reputation of Chase Utley as a “clutch” performer, this could potentially be an incredible opportunity for the Oakland ball club. Moneyball aside, the question that needs to be answered is whether or not the Oakland A’s are willing to part with money, prospects or a combination of both to catapult the A’s into the World Series.
Do you think the A's will compete in 2015? Before the zobrist trade I said no. But adding ben makes the team more complete. I also think gentry could be a better player than fuld. Beane must see something in ike davis because I thought for sure pittsburg would have been great for him and he couldnt cut it there either. Lawre and riddick better get act together or I think both could be out of a job next year but if they play to their potential with voght (I like a lot....reminds me of brock holt, ) and coco and butler, I think they can contend. Your thoughts?
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