SF Giants manager Bob Melvin says young outfielder has been the "star" of camp

The SF Giants are just starting to play actual Spring Training games, but the team's manager Bob Melvin has already singled out young outielder Heliot Ramos as being the "star" of the team's camp thus far.

SF Giants manager Bob Melvin says young outfielder has been the "star" of camp

Melvin made this comment while speaking to reporters earlier in the week at Giants camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Specifically, Melvin singled out how Ramos has fared against live pitching so far in camp.

Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic (subscription required) noted that in Ramos' first swing of live BP against free agent signing Jordan Hicks, he took the hard-throwing pitcher deep.

Even though it is just live batting practice, that is still impressive from Ramos considering that Hicks is a guy capable of throwing a triple-digit sinker with regularity.

Melvin went on to hint that if Ramos keeps it up, he could definitely earn a roster spot. He noted that due to the fact that both Austin Slater and Mike Yastrzemski are a bit behind schedule dealing with injuries, Ramos will see more reps where he can prove himself.

The Giants manager also acknowledged the fact that he is not super familiar with Ramos, which could work to the young outfielder's advantage. Melvin is not coming in with any of the baggage that a previous manager or that many fans have when it comes to Ramos.

We have seen him struggle to produce in limited time at the big league level, but Melvin has not. First impressions could mean a lot to Melvin and Ramos is taking advantage of that.

The 2024 campaign could be something of a make-or-break year for Ramos with the Giants. He is still only 24 years old, but he has only recorded 12 hits in 82 plate appearances thus far in his career. Plus, there is an even younger and arguably more promising young outfielder in Luis Matos. Ramos and Matos are competing for playing time and a chance to crack the Opening Day roster.

However, with an aging Michael Conforto and Yastrzemski, the corner outfield spots could be very much be for the taking this season if either Ramos or Matos dazzles with the bat. It is very early on, but this vote of confidence from the new skipper bodes well for the former first-round pick in Ramos as he tries to finally live up to the expectations that come with that draft pedigree.