Tony Vitello may not have any Tennessee players on SF Giants Opening Day roster

We are around the midway point of spring training for the SF Giants and camp battles are slowly getting sorted out. Things can change in these final two weeks, but it is beginning to look like new manager Tony Vitello will not have any of his former University of Tennessee players on the Opening Day roster.

Coming into camp, the only two ex-Vols who really had a chance to make the team were outfielder Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell. Given Gilbert's injury and Tidwell's recent struggles, it seems unlikely either player will make the big league team.

Gilbert and Tidwell still important pieces for SF Giants even if they don't make Opening Day roster

Gilbert seemed like a definite possibility to make the team given the fact that he is strong defensively in the outfield and was one of Vitello's favorite players at Tennessee, but his shoulder injury, which has kept him out for the past week or so, coupled with the strong play of other outfielders will make it tough for him to make up ground if he does return.

Luis Matos has been really strong at the plate so if the Giants only carry one outfielder on the bench, which is what they did last season with their Opening Day roster, then Matos figures to be the guy.

Yet, other players like Will Brennan, Jerar Encarnacion, Grant McCray, and Jared Oliva all bring different skills to the table as well. Losing a week in spring training really put Gilbert in a tough position so it is likely he will start the year in Triple-A.

As for Tidwell, he looked phenomenal in his Cactus League debut for the Giants. It seemed like he was trending towards a spot in the bullpen out of spring, but his last few outings have not been as sharp. He has allowed six earned runs in 4 and 2/3 innings of work and has walked four while striking out nine.

His stuff has been impressive, but the command needs some refinement. With other young starters like Trevor McDonald looking really solid, Tidwell will probably begin the season in Triple-A as well.

Even if both of Vitello's former players begin the season with Sacramento, they still figure to make an impact with the Giants at some point this season. Injuries happen and if Gilbert can prove that his bat can be consistent enough at the big league level, he could be a solid player. If Tidwell can prove he can throw strikes consistently then maybe he will get the nod if a member of the rotation goes down with an injury.

Vitello would surely love to manager guys he coached in college, but he may have to wait just a little bit until Gilbert and Tidwell get promoted at some point this season.