Nick Sogard lifts Red Sox to win over Twins; proves to be early spring impact
For the second day in a row to start off Grapefruit League action, Red Sox utility man Nick Sogard found himself as a mid-game substitution. A spot that any NRI should get comfortable with doing, Sogard decided to take advantage of his situation.
In a tie game in the bottom of the 7th inning, Sogard stepped up to the plate and launched a two-run home run to put the Red Sox on top. While power is not really in his wheelhouse as the switch-hitter has only hit 11 home runs over the last two seasons, it serves as a reminder of just how much Sogard can impact a game on any given day.
Sogard played in 112 games last season for the WooSox. He saw action in right field, left field, third base, shortstop, and second base throughout the season. His calling card is at shortstop, but with the high baseball IQ and instincts he shows, his versatility has given him a chance to get his bat into the lineup last year.
WooSox manager Chad Tracy trusted the California native with the leadoff spot for a portion of the season given his ability to get on base. The 26-year-old sported a .370 on-base percentage last season, which was the highest he has seen in his entire professional career.
It will be interesting to see just how much they work in Sogard over the next month, as the Red Sox major league regulars will start to ramp up and see more action. Sogard serves an important role as a utility depth piece that the Red Sox shouldn’t be afraid to turn to during the season if needed to be called upon.
I will end this with the best quote that Sogard told me about himself last season.
“If you come watch me for a day, you are probably not going to notice that I was on the field. If you come for a month or two, you will probably leave saying I am a pretty good player.”
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