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San Francisco Giants: Filling The Void in Left Field

By Taylor Corbin
Sep 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits a single in front of Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits a single in front of Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) reacts after a double against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) reacts after a double against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Ian Desmond is a left field option that would come significantly cheaper for the San Francisco Giants. He may be the move they settle for if indeed they sign one or two of the elite closer options. Desmond stuck around unsigned last offseason due to reasons outside of his production. Losing a draft pick was enough for teams to say no to a player who in 2015 hit 19 HRs.

Now the Giants can say yes while locking him up for multiple years. During 2016’s campaign, Desmond hit .285, with 22 homeruns, and 86 RBIs. Desmond offers speed to a lineup lacking it, and he stole 21 bases.

This would give the San Francisco Giants three legit leadoff men with Span, Nunez, and Desmond.  Bruce Bochy could bat Nunez and Desmond at the top, and put Span in the nine spot as he did similarly with Pagan last season.

Additionally, he posted a stellar slash line, posting an OBP of .335, slugged .446, and posted an OPS of .782.

Although Desmond provides a steady bat, his defense may be a concern for the San Francisco Giants as he led all AL outfielders in errors with 12.  Defense is a primary value of the Giants, but this signing could also provide a platoon option should San Francisco wish to give Mac Williamson a shot to prove himself.  Williamson showed he has the arm to make a difference in the outfield, so at minimum if the bat fails to come around, he could be a late-inning defensive replacement Bochy uses.

Desmond also provides versatility though, and can play in the infield should any player be injured or require a day off.  He provided far superior defensive numbers there, which gives Bochy the option of late-inning double switches.  This would eliminate losing Desmond’s bat if Williamson is put in LF for defense, as Desmond can be used at third, second and shortstop.

Like Cespedes, he too mashes left-handed pitching, posting a .338 average against LHP, and his slugging is almost 100 points higher.

This may be the move San Francisco Giants make if an elite closer requires what is expected. Expect his price range and production to be what the Giants are looking for, especially with promising outfielders Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker seeking a shot.

Finally, one of the biggest bats of this generation is set to hit the market.

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