Let's cut to the chase here. The Giants have no outstanding young phenoms battling it out with productive and useful veterans for a spot on the team this season. Come to think of it, the Giants don't have an abundance of useful veterans, either. What gives?
Instead, what we'll be watching is competition for backup positions and middle relief. Can't you smell the warrior spirit emanating from these lightweight skirmishes? In all seriousness, for players who have run out of minor league options, like Fred Lewis and Rajai Davis, the roster battles are of utmost import.
Fred Lewis vs Nate Schierholtz vs Rajai Davis
Assumptions: Dave Roberts, Aaron Rowand, and Randy Winn receive the majority of starts because of money or showcasing.
The Battle:
- Options: Simply, Schierholtz has minor league options, but Lewis and Davis don't. The Giants can afford to shuttle Nate back and forth between Fresno and San Francisco, so Lewis and Davis will get the majority of backup time. Also, at 24, it's reasonable to think that Schierholtz has a higher ceiling than Lewis and would benefit from everyday playing time down in Fresno rather than getting irregular playing time up with the big club.
- Lefties: Rajai Davis will probably backup Aaron Rowand in CF and platoon with Roberts in LF. As a right-hander, Davis is an option against lefties (.299/.384/.402 in 97 AB's in 2007) and can pinch-run or start on the days Bochy gives Roberts a rest.
- Take a Walk: Lewis, in addition to his flair hitting grand slams and cycles on national holidays, posts the highest OPS of the three young outfielders: .782 (in 157 AB's). His career minors OPS is .797. He's shown plate patience and the ability to take walks. Nate's biggest flaw is still patience, so for now, Lewis gets the nod.
[Update]: I've put up a poll on the right column. If the swagger is in the outfield, let it be known!
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