Other than the competition in left field, the San Francisco Giants’ starting lineup is set for next season. The bench is a different story entirely, however, with the club bringing in a comical number of non-roster invitees and players on minor-league deals to training camp to fight for four or five spots.
With the amount of names that have been thrown around, it can be a confusing exercise to try and break down exactly where everyone stands, and who is competing for which positions. Assuming Nick Hundley is secure as the club’s backup catcher, here is a basic overview of where everyone stands when it comes to competing for backup roles on the 25-man roster to start the season.
Infield
Incumbents: Kelby Tomlinson, Conor Gillaspie,
Newcomers: Jae-gyun Hwang, Orlando Calixte, Jimmy Rollins, Juniel Querecuto, Aaron Hill, Gordon Beckham
Most likely to earn a spot: Gillaspie, Hill
It seemed as if the Giants were set when it came to their infield depth heading into 2017. Conor Gillaspie was incredibly impressive when filling in for Nunez at third base down the stretch last season, and was responsible for two iconic postseason moments. As a former everyday player with the White Sox, Gillaspie is an ideal backup at third base, especially considering that the Giants can feel more comfortable moving the versatile Nunez around the diamond (or into the outfield) without sacrificing too much.
Tomlinson, 26, also provides versatility with his ability to play both second and short, and is the only player in the group that has hit the ball well in the majors over the past two seasons. However, his ability to be optioned to Triple-A, unlike many others in this group, may hurt his chances to make the 25-man out of camp.
Of the two, it would seem that Tomlinson is the one the Giants aren’t sure about as their primary utility man, as Bochy has already stated that Gillaspie is the front runner to win the backup spot at third base. That would also make Korean sensation 3B Jae-gyun Hwang a long shot to make the 25-man unless he can beat out Gillaspie, but he’s stated that he’d be willing to head down to Triple-A Sacramento if that’s the case.
The former All-Star Hill has also played third primarily throughout his career, but his ability to play short and second make him, along with Rollins, the likely frontrunners to take Tomlinson’s spot. Hill struggled after being traded to Boston last season, but was a solid starter for the Brewers in the first half, posting a line of .283/.359/.421 in 78 games. Rollins hasn’t hit that well for at least two seasons, and has played shortstop exclusively for nearly his entire major league career. Those facts probably give Hill the edge.
Orlando Calixte, who played briefly for the Royals last year, is an intriguing prospect, and can play just about anywhere in both the infield and the outfield. That versatility could bump Calixte up the rankings, as Bruce Bochy said he is willing to keep just four outfielders if one of his reserve infielders can also play in the outfield. Of the group, Calixte is probably the most equipped to do just that. It should be noted that Tomlinson has played three games in the outfield for the Giants during his short career, and even threw a runner out at the plate from left last season. Whether that three game sample size is enough to tip the scales in his favor remains to be seen.
As for the remaining two, Beckham, who played three games with the Giants last season, hasn’t mustered a batting average over .230 since 2013. His only strength at this point is his ability to play multiple positions, and his reputation as a positive clubhouse presence. Querecuto, 24, is almost certainly at the bottom of this list considering he’s had little major league experience. His ability to play every infield position could make him an intriguing utility option in a few years.
Outfield
Incumbents: Jarrett Parker, Mac Williamson, Gorkys Hernandez
Newcomers: Michael Morse, Justin Ruggiano
Favorites: Parker (starter), Hernandez, Ruggiano
It has been well established that Parker and Williamson will duke it out for the starting job in left field, but that leaves four players fighting for one or possibly two reserve positions. There is no guarantee that one of those spots goes to the loser of the left field battle, as both Bobby Evans and Brian Sabean have indicated that that player may be better served getting consistent playing time in Triple-A. Sabean indicated that player could be Williamson on KNBR last week.
Of the remaining three, Hernandez had the most playing time last year, despite only making 57 plate appearances. Hernandez’ .259/.298/.463 line was solid, and he’s shown an ability to hit for power in his limited time, something the Giants sorely need from the right-side of the plate. Hernandez is also capable of playing every outfield position.
Morse can theoretically provide power as well, but hasn’t been able to do that since he was last in the Bay in 2014. It’s been two full seasons since Morse, 34, has produced in the Major Leagues and both Evans and Sabean have implied he’s a long shot to make the team this year, even if most fans would love to see him back. Ruggiano saw limited time last season, but was solid with the bat in 2015, posting a combined .805 OPS in stints with the Mariners and Dodgers.
The fact that Ruggiano has been productive more recently probably gives him the edge over Morse, as does his ability to play all three outfield positions. Morse’s only value at this point is with his bat, so unless he absolutely crushes the ball this spring, a reunion probably isn’t in the cards.
