San Francisco Giants: Top 10 Shortstops In Franchise History

By Daniel Sperry

Jan 20, 2017

Aug 15, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) dives for a ground ball single hit by Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman David Freese (not pictured) at AT&T Park the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the San Francisco Giants 8 to 5. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 21, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A baseball and fielder /

8. Chris Speier, 1971-1989, 20.2 WAR

Speier was the only other Giant on this list to have suited up for the San Francisco Giants besides Crawford. At first glance, it looks like a 20.2 WAR over 18 seasons, but that wasn’t the case. Speier spent a total of 9 years in San Francisco.

His first stint was from 1971-1977, where he was named an all-star three times. He returned for the final three seasons of his career, from 1987-1989, after stints with the Expos, Cardinals, Twins and Cubs. He holds a career WAR of 30.6. His numbers weren’t the greatest at the plate, with only a .246 average and less than 2,000 hits in 19 years as a pro. His glove was pretty average as well.

Speier’s career fielding percentage was a .971, and was worth a total of 32 runs saved defensively. For perspective, Crawford was worth 39 total runs in the last two seasons. Crawford does posess a .975 fielding percentage for his career, but that dRS number sure sets the two apart.

Speier had a very good start to his career, but was pretty average for the remainder. His many years in a Giants uniform are really what put him on this list, not necessarily his quality of play. Still, the number can’t necessarily be ignored. Crawford should leapfrog him next season barring injury or a significant dip in level of play.