SF Giants: Three Takeaways from the Colorado Rockies Series

SF Giants: Three Takeaways From the Rockies Series

3. The defense has been sound

When the 2020 season got underway, the Giants did not look prepared on defense. Part of that was a product of the season in which they played. Spring training is six weeks for a reason and that reason is to get pitchers, hitters, and position players the repetitions that they need.

The 2020 season had a three-week camp leading up to the start of the year, and it looked like that was not enough time for Giants infielders. Interestingly, Giants manager Gabe Kapler took some of the responsibility for this on a recent pregame show on KNBR by saying that he felt he did not get players who play multiple positions the work that they needed.

In Spring Training in 2021, Mauricio Dubón moved around from center field to shortstop to third base. Similarly, LaMonte Wade Jr. saw time at all three outfield positions as well as first base. The Giants look more prepared this season and the proof is in the results.

There were not many spectacular plays against the Rockies, but they made all of the routine plays. In the three-game series, the Giants did not commit an error. Key infielders such as Donovan Solano and Wilmer Flores look more sure-handed than they did a year ago.

On the other hand, the Giants saw first-hand a total breakdown of defense and communication when Brandon Belt was able to steal a bag off of Rockies starter Germán Márquez because the defensive shift left second base exposed. He swiped the bag without a throw.

The Giants were probably better with the glove than what we saw in 2020, but a 60-game did not necessarily allow them to progress to the mean. It seems that they are doing it at the start of 2021.