San Francisco Giants: 2014 Midseason Grades
By Jason Burke
Defense
Jul 13, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval (48) is unable to make a diving stop against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at AT&T Park. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
After looking at the dWAR for the Giants’ regulars, this is really a tough one.
Players like Sandoval, Pagan, Posey, Brandon Crawford, Hector Sanchez, and the recently departed Brandon Hicks all have positive dWARs.
Joe Panik, Brandon Belt, Tyler Colvin, Gregor Blanco, Pence and Morse all have negative dWARs.
In essence, the infield is a pretty solid group, but the outfield is where all of the mayhem ensues. Again, Pagan is essential here. Having him to patrol center means that Morse can be replaced for defensive purposes late in games. Pagan also makes it so that there is at least one above replacement level outfielder playing on any given day.
The Giants currently rank 21st in fielding percentage.
Looking ahead: Marco Scutaro has returned, and may provide a little more stability at second base than the Giants have received thus far. If he continues to struggle with back pain, I would personally like to see Ehire Adrianza get more playing time.
Grade: C+