San Francisco Giants: 5 Things we Need to See in Spring Training

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Sep 30, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Kelby Tomlinson (37) singles to left field against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Utility Player Resolved

One of the most competitive position battles for the San Francisco Giants this spring will be for the infield utility role.

The Giants brought in some veterans this offseason like Gordon Beckham and Jimmy Rollins to compete with some in-house players like Gillaspie and Kelby Tomlinson.

I think the Giants are hoping one of the veterans has a big spring training to add some experience and leadership to this ball club. Not that the guys on the roster aren’t already experienced, but the more the merrier.

The Giants also need someone that can give Brandon Crawford a break at shortstop, which is why I think Jimmy Rollins was brought into the fold.

Crawford played 155 games at shortstop last year, which is the most in his career. He’s played in at least 139 games for five straight years, and while he’s still young, he’ll play this year at age 30. I’m sure Bruce Bochy wouldn’t mind giving a few more days off every during the season.

All of these guys will have to prove that they can play multiple positions across the infield, as well as produce with the bat.

I think that’s why Tomlinson is so valuable to this team because he can play third, short, second and in the outfield. If he proves that he can handle the bat in spring training, he might be my pick to win the utility job.

Regardless, we need to see one of these players become a versatile player on the infield, as well as a confident bat off the bench this spring.