Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — When the proverbial square peg does not fit in the round hole, the Giants try to mold the square into shapes that can be squeezed in anywhere.
LaMonte Wade Jr. and Jason Vosler’s bats are providing even more incentive for the molding.
On Sunday, both were playing positions they hadn’t seen in at least a year, and both brought bats that showed why the Giants want to discover ways to force them in their lineup.
Wade went 1-for-3 with a walk, steal and home run while the outfielder looked comfortable at first, and Vosler, a corner infielder playing second, continued his torrid spring, this time from second base, in the Giants’ 9-4 win over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.
The swings have the club’s attention, and the Giants are hoping the gloves can play, too. Wade had gotten a couple looks in Minnesota at first and had played first in college at Maryland. Vosler only played at the corners in 2019 with San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate, but he had played second previously (and was tried in left field on Saturday).
While Gabe Kapler said it’s too early to give a proper evaluation, he was encouraged.
“Staying with the themes of creating as much versatility as possible; as many paths to our major league roster as possible for as many players as we can,” the manager said over Zoom.
As many paths toward seeing those bats in the lineup. Wade had played 42 big-league games the last two seasons with Minnesota, showing hints of the on-base prowess he had in the minors (a big-league .336 OBP) but had not gotten an extended look. His stroke to right off righty Edgar García gave a peek at the left-handed power that the Giants feel is untapped.
The biggest question concerning Wade is whether he can handle center in a possible platoon with Mauricio Dubon, but if he can play first, too — a position that is missing Brandon Belt so far, the veteran out with an illness — it’s one more way to the majors.
“Any time that you can play multiple positions, it gives you a better chance to help the team win and helps you get into the lineup,” the 27-year-old said. “Always being comfortable at all four positions now and getting work in equally at all four of them.”
The four probably becomes five for Vosler, who may get looks at three infield spots, left and perhaps right field.
The 27-year-old had what might have been the camp of his life last year, when he went 9-for-20 with a homer and three doubles. Then the pandemic break, then time with San Diego’s satellite camp because Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado blocked him at the corners.
He became a free agent, and the Giants gave him a surprise major league deal. He is rewarding that faith with the second camp of his life.
After his 2-for-3-with-a-steal day, he’s 8-for-16 with a triple and three doubles in Cactus League play. He hit the velocity of the Dodgers’ Walker Buehler and Dustin May, and he has hit the offspeed of any other pitcher tossed at him. The lefty hitter has sprayed the ball all over.
Perhaps if Evan Longoria (plantar fasciitis) cannot go, he has a clearer path to the Opening Day roster, but it’s unlikely. More likely is he will begin the season in Sacramento playing plenty of positions to open up a path that has been blockaded his entire career.
