- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Around the Horn: Catcher
- Updated: December 26, 2016
A multipart Around the Horn series, which features a position-by-position look at Oakland’s projected starters and backup options heading into the 2017 season, begins at catcher.
Who’s behind the plate? The A’s will enter camp with three solid catching options in Stephen Vogt, Josh Phegley and Bruce Maxwell, and all three could be with Oakland on Opening Day, depending on the makeup of the roster.
Considering the dearth of catching talent around baseball, the A’s have to be happy with this crew. Vogt, a two-time All-Star, figures to continue getting the most playing time, but he could also pick up some at-bats at designated hitter and first base if the A’s want to give Maxwell an extended opportunity following his late-season emergence in 2016. Phegley, meanwhile, will look to assume his platoon role against lefties, after being limited to 26 games in an injury-riddled 2016 season.
Offensive outlook Vogt has been one of the best offensive catchers in the American League over the last two …
