The Athletics have claimed infielder Luke Hughes off waivers from the Twins, according to the A's official Twitter account. Dallas Braden was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move.
Hughes, a native of Australia, signed with the Twins as a free agent back in 2002. Because he was out of options, Minnesota designated the 27-year-old for assignment last week after just 11 plate appearances this season in an attempt to send him to Triple-A Rochester.
Hughes has appearead in parts of three seasons for the Twins, seeing time at third base, second base, and first base. Over his brief Major League career (335 plate appearances), the righty is a .224/.285/.342 hitter. He's fared better in the minor leagues, hitting .257/.319/.440 over parts of four Triple-A seasons. Perhaps Hughes' best asset in the minors was his ability to hit left-handed pitching, but that has yet to show in his Major League career.
The Athletics recently claimed fellow Australian Rich Thompson off waivers from the Angels, and have another Australian, Grant Balfour, currently installed as their closer.
A’s really are trying to go for most aussies on an mlb team…
but really, is this guy any good? or just roster filler?
I’ve always liked him for reason, but I’d definitely say “just a roster filler.” He technically doesn’t have a position though he’s played at 1st, 2nd and 3rd. He’s okay at all three of the spots, but not great.
He has a hard time being consistent with the bat, but he also hasn’t really had consistent playing time in the majors either. I’d say he’s a below average to average player and may only be a bench bat.
I hope he does well though. He’s a good guy.
He can play 3B? I think that immediately makes him a worthy pickup for the A’s, on account of that gaping sinkhole at 3B.
He played it a lot in the minors, but has barely played it at all in the majors. The Twins have tried him out in multiple spots, because like I said…he’s not great defensively. He’s not horrid either though.
If the A’s have a hole at third then I’m sure they’ll definitely give him a shot there. Checking out the A’s depth chart, he can definitely put up better numbers than the other two guys they’ve put there. Of course, small sample sizes too…
Maybe this is the next market inefficiency – not enough Australians?
A’s need to give Ryan Rowland-Smith a call.
Time for Beane to call up Ned about one Mr. Oeltjen.
Good luck in Oakland, Luke.
Best wishes to him. I really liked the guy. He had a few hot streaks at the plate in Minny.
Australians: baseball’s newest market inefficiency.
Decisions by the A’s front office are just plain puzzling.
I think Sogard can be the 3B. The guy has a BABIP of .150 this DESPITE a 35% line drive rate. Give him some consistent playing time and I think he will be adequate. His defense is impressive too.
I really like Sogard as well. He’s solid on defense and has already had a few clutch hits this season. He’s probably more of a utility man off the bench ala a Marco Scutaro (when Crosby wasn’t injured), but for now, I would be happy if he got the majority of at-bats at third. Plus, he was a pretty nice guy when I meet him back at fanfest earlier this year.
I agree, I wanted Sogard to win the job over Donaldson. I think they felt Donaldson had more pop but I don’t really think that’s the case. Seems they’re giving Sogard more at bats so let’s hope that continues
just wached so highlights of him on mlb.com he looks like he has some power will be better then donadson thats for sure