Versatile SF Giants utility man making strong case for Opening Day roster spot

The SF Giants really only have one backup infielder spot open on their roster. So far, the versatile second baseman Brett Wisely is making a strong case to earn that spot with his stellar play early on in spring training.

Cactus League play has only been going on for a week so overreacting to small sample sizes would not be wise, but the 25-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida has looked sharp early on. As our own Jeff young noted on social media, he has been the best hitter through one week for the Giants:

SF Giants infielder Brett Wisely making strong case for roster spot

That is the kind of production that will earn a guy a spot on the Opening Day roster. It is still very early but those are positive signs.

Wisely spent a lot of time with the Giants last season and he did well for the team. He had to fill in at shortstop in the first half due to an injury to Nick Ahmed and Marco Luciano's defensive struggles. Manager Bob Melvin was clearly impressed with how Wisely filled in and was able to contribute both offensively and defensively.

He cooled off in the second half and ended the season with a slash line of .238/.278/.345 with 4 home runs and 31 RBI. However, a team is really not looking for a major power bat in a backup middle infielder. The Giants will really just want a solid defender who can play multiple positions while also potentially contributing at the plate from time to time.

Wisely demonstrated that he can handle duties at second base, third base, and shortstop last season so he checks the defensive box. He also showed that he can contribute in different ways on offense by leading the team in bunt hits. President of baseball operations Buster Posey has emphasized that he wants the Giants to be able to score runs in different ways, so having a guy who can get on base and move runners over in creative ways like Wisely could be just what the team is looking for.

The other most likely option for the Giants as their backup middle infielder is Casey Schmitt. He has looked solid in spring training so far too and showed some promise with the bat late last season. However, Wisely may have the slight upper hand given the fact that he is a left-handed hitter while Schmitt is right-handed. The only other left-handed infielder on the Opening Day roster will likely be first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. Therefore, if it is a coin flip between Wisely and Schmitt it may go to Wisely just because he gives the Giants more options as a left-handed hitter.

It is early, but Wisely definitely looks like the favorite to claim the backup middle infielder job which is one of the few roster spots with any amount of drama for the Giants in spring training.