SF Giants will need to address roster redundancy sooner or later

Wilmer Flores and Jerar Encarnación are the favorites to see time at DH this spring. The winner will likely become the primary DH for the SF Giants to start the season whereas the other becomes a redundant spot on the roster.

SF Giants will need to address roster redundancy sooner or later

Having two defensively-limited, right-handed-hitting players competing for playing time at DH is probably one too many. Sure, Flore has plenty of experience around the diamond and Encarnación has seen time at first base and the corner outfield spots as a pro.

Flores has generally graded out favorably at first base. At times, he has been passable at second base and third base as well but that was a long time ago. The veteran bat is on the other side of 30 and coming off of an injury-plagued season. If he is playing any position other than first base or DH, it is probably a sign that something has gone wrong.

On the other hand, Encarnación is a below-average runner. Defense was never a strength in his profile as a prospect but he does have a strong arm. That part profiles just fine in right field but it comes with limited range.

The Giants' outfield defense has been a problem for several seasons due in large part to using too many players who should not be out there. If Encarnación is seeing consistent time in the outfield, then something probably has gone wrong. He does have some playing time at first base but LaMonte Wade Jr. should see the bulk of the playing time there, especially with a right-handed pitcher on the mound.

When you start penciling in the roster, the Giants will carry 13 position players. Realistically, only two spots could be open to address very specific needs. Those needs include a fourth outfielder and a backup infielder. Neither Flores nor Encarnación does much to address these needs, so if they are on the roster, then it means the Giants' bench is likely light on versatility.

Spring training stats do not carry much weight but it could influence who the Giants tab as the primary DH. Flores is a proven bat coming off of a down year due in part to a knee injury. He is under contract for this season, so there could be some motivation from the coaching staff and front office to see if he has anything left. Plus, he is a popular player in the clubhouse.

On the other hand, Encarnación is an unproven hitter against major league pitching but with some impressive underlying numbers. He is also an aggressive hitter with below-average contact skills. When he makes contact, it is generally loud but if his ground ball rate hovers around 50 percent, he is not going to hit for much of an average. The power is very real but it is hard to stick in the lineup with a .277 on-base percentage.

Encarnación will have to hit for a lot of power to stay in the lineup. Given that he is out of minor league options, there will be pressure for him to produce right out of the gates. Otherwise, the Giants will need to move in a different direction.

One way or another, this redundancy will play itself out. Performance will dictate everything. Until then, the Giants' bench might be a tad short with two players filling a similar role on the roster.