FanPost

Middle Infield Situation

The A's have had a long standing issue at 2B since 2012, when Jemile Weeks couldn't repeat his 2011 season. Since then, the A's have switched back and forth between replacement players and platoons, trying to muster by. So far in 2014 they have deployed a 3-headed platoon, between Eric Sogard, Nick Punto, and Alberto Callaspo. All of which haven't contributed offensively to a club that desperately needs them to. The A's 2B position for the entire 2014 season has put up this stat line so far: .229/.301/.284 with a .585 OPS. To put that in perspective, the A's 2B ranks 25th in the MLB for BA, 20th for OBP, 28th in OPS, and tied dead last in SLG.

We ignored our 2B problem over the past couple years, and continued to do well. One hole in the lineup made a difference, but it wasn't a deal breaker for a team to make the playoffs. One could say it is a deal breaker for a team to advance in the playoffs, but I'm not sure there is any backing to that. There are many factors that affect a team's ability to advance. Although, having a 2B that could have batted in a run here or there wouldn't have hurt.

As of this week, the thin ice the A's have been walking on finally broke from under them. In addition to a 2B hole, a newly forming SS hole appeared when Jed Lowrie was put on the DL. Even though Lowrie hasn't been himself for most of the season, he was still contributing more than all of the 2Bs and was a bit of tape for the A's broken middle infield.

Now that tape has been ripped off, and things are beginning to unravel. This couldn't be worse timing, as the A's are set to face the Angels 10 times, starting next week. With the Angels being only 2 games back, they are posing a huge threat. Maybe having one hole in the lineup wasn't a deal breaker, but having two holes might be.

It is time for Beane and the front office to get the wheels turning to acquire an offensive boost. This is something they haven't done in years, but if they hope to make the playoffs and advance, it is a necessity. Below are possible players that could be a target. We can't wait another week, every win counts starting now.

Homegrown

The A's have just called up Andy Parrino from AAA. This is a good start, as he is hitting well in the 12 AB he has had this season. This is a very small sample size, and his MLB history shows him to be a non-contributor. In his 3 seasons prior, he had 194 AB and hit: .186/.295/.242 with a .537 OPS. This is worse than our 3-headed monster platoon at 2B this season. Unless Parrino has really turned things around this year, it would probably be better to take one of Sogard or Punto (when healthy) and throw them in the SS position. This would still leave a major hole, so that isn't an answer to anything.

There are other options to call up from AAA, but I must note that none of them are a Top 100 prospect, and none of them are even a Top 20 A's prospect according to MLB.com. The options include: Tyler Ladendorf (.305/.387/.429, .817 OPS), Colin Walsh (.288/.382/.378, .760 OPS), Jake Elmore (.282/.374/.365, .739 OPS).

Market

The trade market is a Catch 22. While there is much better talent available compared to the "home growns", acquiring that talent is a difficult task. Since we are in August, each player must clear trade waivers, in order to be traded to any team. Once that is complete, they still have to agree on a fair trade with another team. There is the possibility of the A's claiming a player while they are still in the waiver process, but having the best record in baseball will make that very difficult, as we will be 15th in line for an American League player, and last in line for a National League player.

Regardless of the difficulties, this can still get done. Many teams are out of contention at this point and may want to get rid of some salary. Some players will be Free Agents next year, and teams won't be able to afford them. Some players may be set for a big arbitration raise next year, making their team nervous about financials. Below are some players that fit.

Chase Utley - 2014 Season: .288/.356/.442, .798 OPS

Utley is a proven veteran with 4 Silver Slugger awards, and 6 All-Star game appearances. He is showing no signs of decline, as his season stats are pretty much in line with his career (.287/.372/.492). His power and speed have dipped slightly, but that is to be expected with age, as he is 35. He does have injury history and did not play full seasons in 2011 or 2012. The Phillies are out of contention and know that they may need to move some veteran players to replenish their team.

Utley's contract is excellent. The A's will be on the hook for the remainder of his $15mm contract this year, and he is still signed in 2015 for another $15mm. This is a bargain for a player at his level and position, as long as he stays healthy. He also has 3 option years, 2016-2018, at $15mm each. The options will vest automatically if he has 500 plate appearances in the previous season. This is a very safe clause, because as he ages he may decline, whether it be injuries or skills. If for some reason he is no longer the starter or out for a good part of the season, his contract will end following that season.

Jimmy Rollins - 2014 Season: .239/.315/.387, .702 OPS

For the same reasons as Utley, the Phillies may look to move a Veteran player. Although Rollins' hitting has declined dramatically over the years with age, he is still a huge asset on the bases. He has 24 SB this season at age 35, which is in line with his career average of 30 SB/season.

The A's would be on the hook for the remainder of his $11mm contract this season, as well as his $11mm salary for next season. Rollins is a free agent after the 2015 season. More information on him in this Fanpost: http://www.athleticsnation.com/2014/8/13/6000073/athletics-trade-rumors-phillies-jimmy-rollins

Ben Zobrist - 2014 Season: .280/.365/.424, .789 OPS

Zobrist is a tricky player for the A's to acquire. He is very versatile and has played OF, SS, and 2B for the Rays this season. His contract is only $7mm this season, with a $7.5mm option for 2015. Even though the Rays may be out of contention, they may believe they have a chance next season, and keeping Zobrist around could be very beneficial, especially with his affordable contract.

Zobrist would be a great talent to add for the price. With age, his power and speed has dipped a little, but he still offers above average offensive upside, even in his age 34 season next year.

DJ LeMahieu - 2014 Season: .262/.317/.336, .653 OPS

Colorado has too much of a good thing, and that is their middle infield. LeMahieu is a part of great combination of Troy Tulowitzki, Josh Rutledge, and newcomer Cristhian Adames (who is hitting .330 in AAA). Even though LeMahieu is young and under team control, he does hit his first year of arbitration next year, and Colorado may not be interested in giving a player a raise, when they have a healthy Tulowitzki and other replacements the following year.

LeMahieu is a hit for average guy, with some speed. He doesn't offer much power at all, but he is still young and it could develop. He is an excellent defender with a 2.0 bRef defensive WAR for this season.

Aaron Hill - 2014 Season: .247/.286/.373, .659 OPS

Hill is proven veteran with two Silver Slugger awards under his belt. He is also having a very down season this year. Is it a fluke, or is it age? He is 32 years old, but has a career average line of .271/.325/.429 with a .754 OPS. He offers decent power with an average of 14 HR/season, which is great for a middle infield position.

Arizona has a major surplus of good, team controlled, cheap middle infield with Chris Owings, Martin Prado, Didi Gregorius, and Cliff Pennington in the mix along with Hill. Hill is the most expensive out of all of those players, making $11mm this year, and $12mm over the next 2 seasons. Completely out of contention, Arizona may wish to move some money and open up more slots for their younger, cheaper players.

Rickie Weeks - 2014 Season: .256/.336/.412, .748 OPS

Weeks is 31 years old this season, and has $11mm salary, only playing part time. He also has an $11.5mm option for 2015. He has a history of terrible defense, but often makes up for it offensively. He has been delegated to a part time role on a Brewers team that has Jean Segura, Scooter Gennett, and Elian Herrera. All of which are getting paid league minimum and are team controlled for many years to come. It seems like the Brewers are not going to pick up Weeks' option for next season, as there is no room for him or his $11.5mm salary next year. They can however move him now to free up some salary and get something in return.

Weeks has three 20+ HR seasons (2010-2012) and five 15+ SB seasons (2005-2008, 2012). He has only had 199 AB this season, but has hit 5 HR and stole 3 bases. It is hard to tell if he is declining with such a small sample. Last year in 350 AB he had 10 HR and 7 SB. So it seems like he is on par for his normal career. He won't offer much in the batting average department, but offers premium power for a middle infield position and some speed to go along with it.

Conclusion

The Oakland A's should be viewing all options to fix their middle infield situation. It seems that their minor leagues won't provide much, if any, help. They may need to look actively at acquiring one of the players above, or another one not mentioned. They should not be targeting another Sogard, Punto, or Callaspo. Instead they should be looking for a real starting middle infielder who can make a difference. After all, theycould mean the difference between the playoffs or not, as 2 holes in the lineup is detrimental. If we can fill one of those holes now, we should be able to stay afloat, and even advance through the playoffs.