San Francisco Giants Spring Training Preview: Infielders
There are two spots open, and these players will be competing for those spots.
Conor Gillaspie:
Last October Gillaspie became the postseason hero and was poised to become the next Cody Ross or Marco Scutaro. Unfortunately, the Giants didn’t make it out of the first round and we never know if Gillaspie would have continued his hot streak. What i do know is the Giants are not shy on rewarding their players. That is why they decided to bring Gillaspie back signing him to a 1 year $1.4 million avoiding arbitration. A left-handed bat off the bench with some power is what the Giants need. Gillaspie will be back for 2017.
Kelby Tomlinson:
Tomlinson made the best of his opportunities. He is on the 40-man roster but he might be the odd-man out when it comes to choosing the last backup spot. Tomlinson has shown that he can play some defense but what the Giants need more is a bat to come off the bench in the late innings. in 284 career AB he only has 2 HR. Last October, he was on the postseason roster and struck out three times in six at-bats. What could save him is that he is already on the 40-man roster and the Giants are not keen on dropping people from the 40-man. Tomlinson will have to prove this spring he has what it takes to wear the orange and black again.
Jimmy Rollins:
This was a surprising signing. Rollins is at the tail end of his career and questionable if he has anything left. The Giants are hoping he has something left in that bat to help them as a pinch hitter down the line. Although his offensive numbers have fallen in the last couple of years he can still still provide a veteran presence. The Giants could also use his veteran presence in camp to help and increase the competition between the younger Giants players. You can expect to see a lot of Rollins all spring as he fights for a spot on the team.
Gordon Beckham:
Beckham had five total at-bats with the Giants last season and yet he made such an impact that management wanted him back. Alas, Beckham was signed to a minor league deal just a couple days ago. He has the versatility to play multiple positions in the infield. The former first round pick has made his way around three different organizations. Even though he is a career .240 hitter, he is in the competition for the backup infielder slot.
Kyle Blanks:
Blanks has had a hard time in his career staying healthy. Last spring he had a great shot to make the team for the Giants but he got a foot injury and dealt with it all year long. He didn’t play a game in 2016. In October, Blanks resigned and is looking forward to another shot to play for the Giants. Due to his injured foot he most likely can only play first base and no longer in the outfield at this point in his career. If he can stay healthy he has a chance to make the team as a bat off the bench who can occasionally play first base and give Belt a rest.