Nick Sogard showing off defensive versatility in Worcester
Ten years ago today, the Boston Red Sox were employing one of the best defensive second baseman they have had in the team’s long and storied history.
Dustin Pedroia won four Gold Glove awards in his career for his stellar career at second base while being a fan favorite to all in the New England and all around the country.
One of those fans happened to live in Sacramento, California by the name, Nick Sogard.
Sogard’s father grew up in Orange, Massachusetts and made sure to keep the Boston fandom alive and well in the household despite living in California. According to his dad, Nick had two posters of players on his wall. Dustin Pedroia and Derek Jeter (We won’t get into that one).
It all came full circle when the Red Sox acquired Sogard in a trade with the Rays. He has worked his way to AAA Worcester now, one step away from his childhood favorite team.
Baseball runs pretty deep in the family. He is the nephew of former major leaguers Steve and Dave Sax. His cousin, Eric, played eleven seasons and played every single position including pitcher a few times. The position versatility in the family didn’t skip a beat and has made its way to Nick now.
For Worcester this season, Sogard has played second, third, shortstop, left field, and right field. In a combined 138 innings played in the field, the 25-year-old has only committed two errors while playing five different positions. Sogard made his first start this season in right field over the weekend, which only helps his case for a potential call-up this year.
We have seen that exact situation play out this year in AAA with Bobby Dalbec. After primarily playing first and third base coming up in Red Sox system, Dalbec started seeing time at shortstop in Worcester this season, which ultimately led to a promotion due to expanding his versatility.
While Sogard may be in a different position based on not having any MLB experience to this point unlike Dalbec, it won’t hurt his chances to succeed at more positions at the AAA level.
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