Nick Sogard on waiting for his MLB debut in Worcester: 'I just have to be me'
Nick Sogard on waiting for his MLB debut in Worcester: 'I just have to be me'
The WooSox have gone the majority of the past month with 8 guys on the IL. When you combine that with the number of call-ups needed to fill the MLB roster, that is a ton of guys off the roster throughout the month. Versatility has been the only thing saving Worcester’s chances of putting out a winning lineup, and that starts with Nick Sogard.
Sogard had been thrusted into the leadoff spot when longtime leadoff man David Hamilton hit the IL with an injury. He didn’t give that spot up even when Hamilton came off the IL.
“It’s been fun.” Sogard told Beyond the Monster about his hot stretch. “The key for me is trying to enjoy every day since it’s a long season. I try not to get too caught up with results or the day-to-day stuff that can get in the way. I have been trying to stick with a long-term process and play it out throughout the longevity of the season.”
The switch-hitting Sogard has put up an insane slash line since being moved to the leadoff spot after Hamilton’s departure. He is slashing .369/.417/.477 out of the top spot in the lineup. That is over 65 at-bats as well, which is the second highest AB total for him this season in any spot he has batted in.
“I have hit leadoff for a lot of my life.” Sogard said. “I tell myself I don’t really care where I hit or where I play, but I think a little of that was a bode of confidence as well from Tracy or whoever is in charge of that. Just to be placed in that position for our team obviously felt good. I felt confident that I could do a good job there to find my way on base and let our big dogs come slug me home.”
Another aspect of Hamilton being up in the big club is the hole it has left at shortstop, where Sogard has seen a ton of time at. The former LMU product played at shortstop and earned accolades for his stellar defensive play.
“It’s similar with the leadoff thing.” Sogard added. “I have played there the most of any place in my life. Once again, I am really cool to play wherever and do whatever I can to help our team.”
It is always interesting to hear what players think and feel about their current game. The 25-year-old switch hitter didn’t hold back on letting me know his best and worst part of his game.
“The totality of the product is what makes me different.” Sogard noted on his game. “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. That is something that I take pride in, and I try to bring that consistent good product every day.”
The totality of his game is certainly impressive. He is a switch-hitter, he has played 5 positions this year on defense, his right and left slash lines are both impressive, and he has been a beyond serviceable leadoff hitter.
What is there to even improve upon?
“As far as what they are looking for, I want to try to be the best player I can every day.” Sogard said about what he needs to do to be called up. “I just have to be me. Guys get called up for all sorts of reasons whether it be for an injury or the right place and right time. For my play right now, I just need to be me. As far as the area that isn’t my strength is hitting for power. So, while I am trying to still be me, maybe down the road in the future we will try to figure out how to hit for more power.”
It is worth noting that right after Sogard sat down with me, he went on to hit his longest home run of the season. So, you’re welcome for that.
Plenty of Worcester teammates have gotten their chance at cracking the MLB roster and making a debut with the big league club. The guys still in Worcester love seeing their teammates have that moment.
“It’s awesome.” Sogard noted on his teammate’s success. “You see Murph, both of the Hammys, Walter, Garza, all types of guys getting up there. They are all so deserving, and really good players and it’s been cool to watch see their life long dreams come true.”
Earlier this year, WooSox lefty Joe Jacques told me he had a certain series circled that he would like to make his MLB debut at, which ultimately ended up coming true when he was called up for the Yankees series in the Bronx.
Does Sogard have a similar story?
“Not particularly.” Sogard said. “One that popped in my head was Oakland. A lot of family and friends would be there. It was cool to watch my cousin debut there so I think that would be a crazy full circle moment for me. Obviously, Fenway Park would be just fine too.”
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