Giants: How the Gabe Kapler hire impacts five key people

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Brandon Crawford #35 of the San Francisco Giants bobbles the ball but makes the catch of a pop-up off the bat Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the top of the seventh inning at Oracle Park on September 11, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford

Shortstop Brandon Crawford is very much in the same boat as Buster Posey in terms of having something to prove in 2020.

His offensive numbers were dreadful in 2019 and his defense was no longer at the same elite level he showed in his prime. With Mauricio Dubon now in the mix for middle infield playing time, Crawford’s spot in the starting lineup is not secure.

He’s a veteran, so barring injury he will likely begin the season as the team’s starting shortstop, but if those same negative signs from last year start to creep up, he no longer has the Bochy safety net.

First baseman Brandon Belt can be added to that same category. The veterans who have struggled of late should be well aware that Bochy is no longer there to prop them up if they continue to underperform.