San Francisco Giants:Key Takeaways From Today’s Game 3/10/16

The San Francisco Giants defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in Cactus League action today. Here are a few key takeaways from today’s game.

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Joe Panik had two doubles and a single, scoring once and driving in a run. That’s great production on its own. But when you factor in that Panik is coming off of back issues, his ability to pull the ball should be the last thing to come together. One of his doubles was pulled over the first baseman and the other two were hit in the right and left-center field gaps. His 3-3 performance follows a 3-4 game on Tuesday.

Chris Stratton threw three hitless innings, giving the Giants another confident young man in the “arms of depth” department. The team continues to produce potential replacements for the major league roster. But when is it a good time to cash in on a prospect or two? When does the lack of room constitute a trade? Stratton is knocking on the door with performances like this, and could force his way into the mix for first pitcher called up when one is needed.

Mac Williamson is now kicking on the door. He seems like he is not one to take an assignment to Sacramento as a foregone conclusion. As a prospect, you have to show that you can do the things you do on an everyday basis, every fifth or sixth day. It’s harder, but if he comes through it the way a player like Matt Duffy did last year (and Panik the year before) he will find himself the starter in left field at some point in the near future.

The Giants bullpen allowed one run and three hits after Stratton departed. Chase Johnson went two innings, giving up the only run and allowing two hits and a walk. He, like Stratton, struck out two. Jean Gregorio worked a hitless inning, as did top-prospect Tyler Beede. Hunter Strickland worked one inning, allowing the other hit, and Mike Broadway came on to record his second save of the spring.

The arms in the bullpen are going to need to stay sharp both in San Francisco and Sacramento for this title run to be legitimate. Bruce Bochy needs to know that he can go to the pen at any time, and he relishes when he can.

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