One clear need the San Francisco Giants have as we approach Spring Training is better backup infield defense. The current group of projected starters could be okay, as Brandon Crawford has his track record, Thairo Estrada has youth and athleticism, LaMonte Wade Jr. has shown flashes of plus defensive ability at first, and David Villar was solid at third last year. But behind that group, the SF Giants are looking at below average defenders such as Wilmer Flores and J.D. Davis as their next-in-line infielders. Brett Wisely and Isan Diaz are also on the 40-man and projected to start the season in the minors.
How is the position player mix looking for the Giants? Do they usually roll with 13 position players and 13 pitchers? Or is it not that balanced? They do often go with 13/13, and every spot on the Giants' position player side seems more or less accounted for. David Villar could be optioned, but they want to give him a real chance to seize a role. Blake Sabol currently projects as Joey Bart's backup. The outfield is deep with options after the SF Giants brought in Mitch Haniger and Michael Conforto.
Who is a player or two who might be a surprise contributor in 2023? There are possible diamonds in the rough on this roster, but the best guess could be coming out of the bullpen. Cole Waites flashed impressive stuff in his brief MLB debut last year, and R.J. Dabovich should also get a look at some point. The Giants also have promising young lefty Thomas Szapucki projected to take up quite a few innings in 2023.
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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.
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