San Francisco Giants Final Week of Spring Training, What we Need to See

With the final full week of spring training upon us, we take a look at what we need to see as the San Francisco Giants prepare for Opening Day a week from Thursday.

Let me repeat myself, OPENING DAY IS A WEEK FROM THIS THURSDAY!

In 10 days we will be taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game that counts.

This spring training has flown by to me, and that’s a blessing. Normally it seems like spring training drags on forever, but this one has moved right along.

We have five games left in Arizona, and then we’ll play an exhibition game against the River Cats on Saturday. Then we’ll have a 3-game series with the Oakland Athletics to wrap up spring training.

An off day on Wednesday will be followed by Opening Day … NEXT THURSDAY.

I just love saying that, because it’s true.

So let’s get into what we need to see over this final week. To be honest, just about everything is wrapped up.

Bench Spots — In my book, Mac Williamson, Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval are a lock to break camp with the team.

I think the final battle is for the back-up role on the middle infield. Kelby Tomlinson, Chase d’Arnaud and Josh Rutledge are the finalists.

Tomlinson is probably the leader in the clubhouse, but he can’t let it up in this final week. Both Chase and Josh have looked good as well, which is a good problem to have.

Cueto — We’ve only seen 5 innings from Johnny Cueto against major league bats. I’d love to see him get some more work in against teams with lineups that are just about complete.

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Improvement from Samardzija — Jeff Samardzija has admitted himself that spring hasn’t gone how he would like. With maybe two outings left, I’d like to see the Shark gain some confidence going into the season. Through four starts this spring he has a 10.64 ERA in 11 innings pitched 7 strikeouts and 7 walks.

Bullpen — As far as who will be in the bullpen, that’s pretty much finalized. But a few of those guys could use some good outings going into the season. Sam Dyson, Tony Watson and Mark Melancon haven’t exactly been sharp.

As always, you give veterans the benefit of the doubt in spring training. But in the final week, you hope to see them competing like it’s for real.

My biggest concern is Dyson, who had a rough start to the 2017 season. He could certainly use a strong outing to clear his mind going into the season.

Next: San Francisco Giants: Projected Lineup Show Promise in Loss to Padres

However you feel about this team right now, is probably how you will feel when the season begins. Just about every position battle has been decided, so it’s time to see what these guys can do … A WEEK FROM THIS THURSDAY!

With the final full week of spring training upon us, we take a look at what we need to see as the San Francisco Giants prepare for Opening Day a week from Thursday.

More from Around the Foghorn

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