Nifty SF Giants infielder may be the odd man out on Opening Day roster

The SF Giants have some roster battles to settle in the last few weeks of spring training, and probably the most interesting question is what their bench will look like. If they only choose to carry only one middle infielder, that could mean Christian Koss will be the odd man out on the Opening Day roster.

Which infielders the Giants decide to carry will have ramifications for the rest of the roster which is why it will be such a tough decision for the front office and new manager Tony Vitello to figure out which infielders to go with.

Christian Koss will still have an impact even if left off Opening Day roster

Assuming the Giants carry four guys on the bench and one of those spots will be reserved for a backup catcher, likely Daniel Susac, that means they have to decide if they want two outfielders or two infielders on the bench while also factoring in the designated hitter spot in the lineup.

For the sake of argument, let's say the Giants do not want to lose Luis Matos or Jerar Encarnacion on waivers so both guys start the year with the team. Then, let's say they believe top prospect Bryce Eldridge is ready for the big leagues and they have him start the year with the club as a first baseman/DH. That means there would be only one roster spot remaining assuming no starters begin the year on the injured list.

If the decision came down to Koss or Casey Schmitt, it seems like Schmitt would probably get the nod. His numbers were better overall compared to Koss last season and he is a bit more versatile since he can play first base although Koss could potentially be put in the outfield in a pinch if needed and he showed last season that he is solid defensively at second base, shortstop, and third base.

Koss has looked good offensively this spring training as he has six hits in 17 at-bats with six runs driven in while drawing five walks and only striking out twice. His contact-first approach is something the Giants seem like they are trying to prioritize so even if he does not make the Opening Day roster he will still factor into the team's plans at some point this year.

Last year he proved that he can be a solid bench bat and slashed a respectable .264/.309/.368 across 74 games in his rookie season.

He still very well could make the Opening Day roster if the Giants decide that Eldridge should begin the year in Triple-A, but Koss is in a vulnerable position since he can be optioned without getting placed on waivers and because he is behind Schmitt on the depth chart.