Chris Carter faces tough competition in Oakland Athletics’ roster role
If there’s one thing Chris Carter will expect next season, it’s a tough contest to lead the charge in the Oakland Athletics’ outfield position. The player who has been rising out of the minor leagues for a dominant role in the club is likely to face a return
to the Triple-A club, Sacramento, following a healthy induction of players from the winter break.
The A’s have strengthened their roster with the inclusion of David DeJesus and Josh Willingham. Carter’s role on the left field position now seems to be in serious doubt following his push to the topside. Apart from these two, there are three other players
who will make the outfield look strong with their athletic ability on the field and the plate. Outfielders Ryan Sweeney, Coco Crisp and Conor Jackson will be ready for the challenge.
Carter was slow to start in his stint with the A’s, last year. He faced an upbeat challenge to perform in 24 games where he availed 24 At-bats. The outfielder managed to provide his team with 13 hits during his time on the plate. Of those 13 hits, he smashed
3 home runs, drove in 7 runs and collected 8 runs on his own. The player could feature on the first baseman position but that’s already given to Daric Barton, who is the opening day player for the club.
"Daric has solidified himself at first, and I think Chris is a good enough athlete to make the transition to the outfield," General Manager Billy Beane said earlier in the winter. "He really just went out there a couple weeks before he came up, so I think
we need to give him some time. He does have power. Daric, he showed himself to be, in my opinion, the best first baseman in the league. He's also made significant strides offensively. I was quite pleased with what he did there this year, and I have no intention
of taking him off first base."
For Carter, the situation doesn’t matter a lot. He’s still 24 years old and there are a lot of lessons to be learned.
"I don't know my chances now of making the team with the signing of new players," said the player.
The A’s are looking stronger by the minute. However, if their squad is hit with injury worries, Carter could easily be used in the vacant positions. At the moment nothing is cast in stone.
Tags: