San Francisco Giants: Middle Infield Preview For 2019

The Long Shots

Levi Michael 

Levi Michael hit .306 with ten home runs in 2018. He also had a .858 OPS. Michael has shown the ability to be an above average base runner in his years in the minors, thas a good thing considering it is a significant emphasis as the Giants like to rebuild there roster.

Michael has primarily been a second baseman in the minors and played some shortstop and all three outfield positions. So he is another guy that has the versatility the Giants are looking for.

I feel Michael should be considered to make the roster because he is versatile and can handle the bat pretty well. Also, his base running ability is a plus. In the end, i think he will bounce back and for between double and triple-A ball, to get at-bats. He will need to continue to fine tune his hitting.

Donovan Solano 

Donovan Solano has some major league experience; he played in 370 games getting 1068 at-bats. In those at-bats, he hit .257 with nine home runs. In 2018 he spent all of his time in the minor leagues where he batted. 327 with a .434 slugging percentage. He is another guy that can play all over the field.

Given that Solano has some significant league experience could give him the upper hand on the non-roster players. In camp, I’m looking to see him improve on his hitting and playing solid defense. Solano probably will start the season with the River Cats. If he can major league pitching, i could see him getting a shot with the Giants.

Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard hit 32 doubles last season in double-A ball. Hopefully, that double power can turn into more as he gets stronger and matures. Howard makes contact and does not strike out much. If Howard continues to improve and grow as a hitter, he could be Crawford’s back up at short.

In spring training I’m looking for Crawford to improve on power, turning some of the doubles into home runs. Howard will probably start the season in triple-A.

As you can see the Giants have a lot of guys in there middle infield that can play multiple positions. Versatility was a key attribute that Farhan Zaidi was looking for in the players he signed or acquired in the offseason.  When the season begins, you will have Brandon Crawford at short, Joe Panik at second. Behind those two guys, i think Alen Hanson, Yangervis Solarte, and Abiatal Avelino will make the team. I am not counting out Ryan Howard with a strong camp he could squeeze in on the opening day roster also.