Team moves on without popular Vogt
Overhauling a veteran roster brings with it some sadness and some youthful excitement, often in equal measure.
Thursday, the A’s parted with one of the most popular players in recent club history, designating two-time All-Star Stephen Vogt for assignment and bringing up heir apparent Bruce Maxwell to stay. “I’m going to run with it,” said Maxwell, who had three hits, including an RBI double, in Oakland’s 12-9 loss to Houston at the Coliseum.
Even so, Maxwell was as unhappy as everyone else to see Vogt go.
“It leaves a sour taste for me. I’ve never been in this clubhouse without him,” Maxwell said. “It’s one of those things that will take time to get used to, but it is my job now, especially against righthanders we face . ... I hope to line up against him one day here in the big leagues and reflect on the things he’s taught me.”
Vogt, 32, was a terrific story, a late bloomer claimed by Oakland in 2013 who wound up a
postseason hero that season.
“When he came to this organization in 2013, the first game he caught was me,” starter Sonny Gray said. “I feel like we kind of took that journey together from (Triple-A) Sacramento all the way to the playoffs. And we got close. Our families are close. It’s tough to see.”
Vogt was a favorite of teammates, fans and media, a standup guy always accountable after tough losses as well as a born entertainer with a gift for mimicry and sketch comedy. His NBA referee routine and his performances in A’s commercials are classics.
“He’s a great guy, that’s not a secret,” Gray said. “That’s part of the game that’s unfortunate and flat-out sucks, but you understand it. Talking to Vogt, he understands. You move on to the next phase with whatever team it is. But it could be good for him in the long run.”
Vogt had struggled at the plate and defensively this season, but his value went far beyond his numbers. One member of the organization said recently that had he been anyone else, Vogt might have been cut in April, but given his impact on the team, the A’s tried to give him every opportunity to turn things around. With Maxwell healthy after an oblique strain, however, it was time to make the change.
“This was really hard — and entirely because of who Stephen is,” general manager David Forst said. “No one exemplifies the spirit of those playoff teams more than Stephen, and it’s hard to think of anyone who’s been a better member of our community.”
In an unusual move, Forst let Vogt know before Wednesday’s game that it probably would be his last with Oakland. “That’s what he deserved,” Forst said.
Manager Bob Melvin then gave Vogt the option of not playing, but Vogt said he wanted to get into the game — so he entered the game in left field. “I gave him the option and he wanted to do it and he had fun with it,” Melvin said. “Then he thanked me for it afterward.”
Vogt was batting .217 with four homers in 54 games, and opponents had been successful in 25 consecutive stolen base attempts against him. He’d thrown out 2 of 41 baserunners this year, the worst percentage in the majors, and his six errors were one shy of his career high.
“It’s very frustrating,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anyone who works harder than I do. I’ve worked hard on my mechanics throwing and hitting, but I just couldn’t get out of my own way.”
The A’s have seven days to waive, trade or release Vogt. Should he clear waivers, the team could offer him a minorleague job, but Vogt was uncertain if that would happen. “I’m a baseball player,” he said. “I’m really good. The person I’ve shown the last couple of months is not who I am.”
“He’ll end up somewhere,” Melvin said. “I hope he’s in a pennant race. He can help a club.”
Vogt’s impact will continue to linger long in Oakland. Melvin said he’d already received a text from Vogt on Thursday with last-second advice for Maxwell, and pitcher Kendall Graveman said, “Vogt never let a day go by he wasn’t trying to make someone else better. Right now, he’s gone but a lot of people have leaned on what he’s taught them. He’s bettered so many people’s careers. He’ll have a job inside of baseball as long as he wants because of that.”
Melvin agreed, saying that whenever he’s asked about current players who’d make good managers, he always names Vogt.
“It’s a tough day for everybody seeing someone like that go,” Melvin said. “Having said that, it really is Bruce Maxwell’s time. I think even Stephen understood that.”
Now the A’s will have to find a new clubhouse leader.
“There’s a void now,” reliever Sean Doolittle said. “He was the unquestioned captain of the team. I’m still processing it. It’s really tough.
“It’s a reminder you’re just renting this uniform and you’ve got to make the most of it. Vogt in his time here made the most of it: He was claimed on waivers and made two All-Star teams, was really one of the faces of the organization, a fan favorite, involved in the community. I hope young guys here recognize that. I know I appreciated what he brought to the field every day, his attitude. He was a professional. He’s going to be missed.”