Oakland Athletics’ Lineup Prediction
7. Craig Gentry, Left Field
Jul 6, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Craig Gentry (3) reacts after scoring a run on a double by catcher Derek Norris (not pictured) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Blue Jays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Craig Gentry has never had a full-time starting gig in the major leagues, but in the 2015 season, left field will be his job to lose for the Oakland Athletics.
After five years with the Texas Rangers, Gentry came over to the Athletics last year and appeared in 94 games as the fourth outfielder. It was Gentry’s least efficient season from the plate as he posted a career-low .319 OBP, but he picked up the slack on the base paths with 20 steals in 22 attempts. In his career, he is 76-for-88 on steal attempts and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
8. Stephen Vogt, Catcher
August 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Stephen Vogt (21) hits a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
In 131 career games for the Oakland Athletics, Stephen Vogt has proved that he is worthy of a full-time starting gig and then some. With Norris out of the picture (traded to the San Diego Padres), Vogt will finally have his opportunity to get consistent at-bats at the catcher position.
In a platoon role the past two seasons with the Athletics, Vogt has hit 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, and holds a slash line of .270/.312/.421. Last year Vogt appeared as a catcher, first baseman, left fielder, right fielder, and designated hitter. In 84 games, he was able to post a WAR of 1.1 and will likely improve that number this season with more opportunities granted to him by Melvin.
9. Marcus Semien, Short Stop
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Marcus Semien hits a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Closing out the Athletics starting lineup will be San Francisco-native and California Golden Bear Marcus Semien. Semien appeared in 85 games the past two years for the Chicago White Sox, and has not performed up to par as of yet.
As a speedy infielder, Semien can cover second base, third base, and shortstop. He has 50 appearances at third base, 29 at second base, and six appearances at shortstop, but will likely be called on to head the troops at the shortstop position for the 2015 season. Expect a platoon situation with Semien, right-handed hitter, facing lefties and Eric Sogard, left-handed hitter, manning the position against righties.
We are nine days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training to begin preparations for the upcoming season. We will have more coverage of the Oakland Athletics during Spring Training here at Golden Gate Sports.