San Francisco Giants Morning Commute: Mark Minicozzi

Feb 23, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Mark Minicozzi (71) poses for a photo during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants infielder Mark Minicozzi is possibly a name you’ve heard over the last week or so. Before that, I doubt you’ve heard much of anything. You may have seen his opposite-field home run against the Milwaukee Brewers this Spring.

Minicozzi is a 31-year-old minor league player. He was drafted by the Giants in the 17th Round of the 2005 draft, and well, he’s been stuck in the minors ever since. He’s in Spring Camp though as a non-roster invite and trying to make a name for himself. If you have a chance to watch a Spring game, live or in-person, keep an eye on him. He has a fascinating, feel-good story and I’ll leave it at that and move on with other news for today. However, take a read at some of the recent articles published about him.

Minicozzi travels improbable road back to Giants – Chris Haft/MLB.com

Minicozzi’s baseball mantra – Chris Haft/MLB.com

Travels with Mark Minicozzi: The Infielder’s Unusual Path to Giants Spring Training – NBC Bay Area / Brittany Johnson

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Gregor Blanco, the white shark, is likely to return to his platoon role in the outfield in 2014, despite his lackluster 2013. However, according to Henry Schulman of the SF Chronicle, he’s feeling “refreshed,” and hopeful for a brighter 2014.

"The 30-year-old revealed all this explaining why he looks more like the Blanco who tore up the Cactus League to win a job with the Giants in 2012 than last year’s version. He sees a clear cause and effect between his physical and mental break and how hard he is hitting the ball.“I feel like a brand-new kid,” he said after singling and scoring twice in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory against the Angels. “I’m feeling confident again. I couldn’t wait to get here. I couldn’t wait to see my teammates. I couldn’t wait for another spring training and facing pitchers.”"

Giants’ Gregor Blanco refreshed after rough 2013

More from Schulman: The Giants pitchers want to improve…their hitting.

"On top of the team’s other offensive struggles, Giants pitchers hit .096, worst in theNational League. Even more embarrassing, five American League teams – the Angels, Astros, Indians, Tigers and Royals – did better, and their pitchers hit only in interleague games."

Wow. I’m not even sure how to respond to that, other than it is entertaining sometimes to watch them hit. I will miss Barry Zito‘s bunts though.

Giants’ pitchers hoping to get into their swings more often

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If you’re heading to Spring Training this weekend and was hoping to see Marco Scutaro‘s Spring debut don’t hold your breath.

I’m feeling very Freddy Sanchez -ish about Scutaro at the moment.

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Oh, and our very own Chris is going to meet Willie Mays tonight. Yes, I hate Chris and he’s fired unless he brings me a signed ball.

Willie Mays Meet and Greet

A bunch of us staffers and friends of Around the Foghorn will be at Spring Training this weekend. Look for us, as we’ll be sporting our new Around the Foghorn logo shirts. Let us know if you’ll be there, we’d love to meet you!