Every March, hope springs eternal for all 30 Major League Baseball teams as each reports to training camps in Florida and right here in the Valley. Today, only 10 have survived past the 162-game gauntlet.
It wasn't until Saturday night that our playoff picture became completely clear, and even then, we're left with a bracket that will be trimmed to eight teams in the blink of an eye, thanks to the Wild Card format introduced in 2012.
Here's what to look for from the Sun Devils participating in the postseason.
Oakland Athletics shortstop Eric Sogard turns a double play over the Kansas City Royals Christian Colon 24 at second base to end the fifth inning on Thursday Aug 14 2014 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 7-3 John Sleezer Kansas City StarMCTOakland Athletics (88-74, 2nd in AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (89-73, 2nd in AL Central)
Second baseman Eric Sogard has typically thrived in a platoon role with the A's, despite hitting just .223 in 329 plate appearances. His defensive value and versatility is essential — Sogard can play either middle infield spot adequately.
As one of the interworking cogs in the Oakland machine looking to finally make a World Series run, Sogard is a critical member of the A's deep bench.
In the sudden-death format of the Wild Card game, Oakland's aspirations of a ring could come down to a stolen base or hustle play, and Sogard has quietly become a reliable utility player, poised to contribute in the biggest spots.
The Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler singles in a run in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington Texas on Thursday June 26 2014 Ron JenkinsFort Worth Star-TelegramMCTDetroit Tigers (90-72, 1st in AL Central) vs. Baltimore Orioles (96-66, 1st in AL East)
Ian Kinsler is one of the most productive position players in baseball, and ASU has produced a surplus of solid middle infielders over the years (looking at you, Dustin Pedroia). Acquired from the Rangers in the deal for Prince Fielder, Kinsler hit a modest .275 but racked up a career-best 92 RBIs in his first season in Detroit.
If you're looking for a playoff team to root for, the boys from Motown might be it, unless you're like me and your hometown team happens to be bitter rivals with the Tigers. They're just a Eugenio Suarez demotion/injury away from being the only MLB team with an all-ASU double play combo. (Andrew) Romine to Kinsler to (Miguel) Cabrera! Not quite as catchy as Tinker to Evers to Chance, but it gets the job done, right?
The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout left is congratulated by teammate Kole Calhoun after his two-run home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Wednesday August 7 2013 in Anaheim California. Rod Veal Orange County Register MCTLos Angeles Angeles of Anaheim (98-64, 1st in AL West) vs. (Oakland/Kansas City)
You'd have to imagine all is well in the world of Kole Calhoun right now. He certainly seems happy about sharing an outfield with Mike Trout, the front-runner for AL MVP. In a loaded lineup even without slugger Josh Hamilton, the 1-2 punch at the top of the order combined for 53 home runs in 2014.
Simply by a measure of proximity, ASU baseball fans without other allegiances are almost obligated to root for Kalhoun and the Angels to advance through the postseason, as Tempe Diablo Stadium is a mere 10-minute drive from campus.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Carl Crawford left and Andre Ethier celebrate at the conclusion of a 4-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles California on Wednesday August 28 2013 Luis Sinco Los Angeles Times MCTLos Angeles Dodgers (94-68, 1st in NL West) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (90-72, 1st in NL Central)
After an injury-plagued regular season, outfielder Andre Ethier will likely retain his role in the centerfield platoon with Scott Van Slyke. Ethier missed 32 games with knee and back ailments but recorded 42 RBIs and a .322 on base percentage, hitting .249. He should be fresh for another Dodger playoff run and is another solid left-handed bat at manager Don Mattingly's disposal.
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ike Davis scores in the bottom of the second inning against the at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 19, 2014. The Brewers defeated the Pirates, 8-7. (Julia Rendleman/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/MCT)Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74, 2nd in NL Central) vs. San Francisco Giants (88-74, 2nd in NL West)
When Pittsburg acquired Ike Davis from the New York Mets in June, the Pirates boosted their playoff roster and added a corner infielder with quintessential power hitting ability. With the durable Davis able to start at first and third, he complements the team's young lineup with his veteran presence.
Reach the assistant sports editor at smodrich@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @StefanJModrich
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