Under-the-radar SF Giants infielder making a name for himself in spring training

While the battle for the backup SF Giants middle infielder spot is primarily between Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely, an under-the-radar infielder has turned some heads this spring training in the form of utility man Christian Koss.

The Giants acquired Koss in a trade with the Boston Red Sox last year and he spent the year in Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento. He tore the cover off the ball in Richmond, slashing .386/.453/.627 with two home runs and 21 RBI in 25 games which earned him a promotion to Triple-A. He did not fare as well in Sacramento, slashing .257/.332/.415 with five homers and 19 RBI.

SF Giants infielder Christian Koss has impressed in spring training

The Giants extended Koss an invite to spring training this year and he has taken advantage of it thus far. In 18 spring training at-bats, he has recorded six hits and one home run while crossing home plate safely eight times. He has also impressed with his glove, looking very sound at both shortstop and third base. He made an absolute web gem to rob Freddie Freeman of a hit earlier this spring.

Giants radio announcer F.P. Santangelo has also noted during the team's broadcasts that Koss has excelled at the small things like running the bases well and ensuring that he is taking proper turns around the bases and touching the inside corner of the base in order to cut down the amount of time it takes to get from base to base.

Those small things matter and you can bet that the Giants' coaching staff is taking note that Koss is not only hitting the ball well, but he is also doing those small things which can often be the difference between winning and losing.

Manager Bob Melvin has been impressed with Koss, saying, "He's continuing to impress, and he hit a ball down the line for a double and he's playing with a lot of confidence. We're giving him some reps right now. It's nice to see because we're putting an emphasis on defense and he's played great defense every place we've put him."

This does not mean Koss will break camp with the team. Both Schmitt and Wisely were ahead of him on the depth chart coming into camp and that has not changed because both middle infielders have looked very strong in Cactus League play.

However, we may see Koss somewhere down the road if an injury occurs or if he really tears it up at the plate in the minor leagues. It is always a good problem to have when multiple guys are making a strong case for a roster spot, but even if Koss does not break camp with the Giants he has made a solid impression that could pay dividends later on this season.