San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Vogelsong, Petit, Scutaro
Jun 21, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (19) waves to fans before facing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
@MaggiePilloton Hi Maggie, What is Marco Scutaro's current status and his chances of being on the Giants roster going forward realistically?
— »»»—ⓛⓔⓜⓘⓔⓡ→♡ (@2ndSon_001) January 14, 2015
The most recent update on Marco Scutaro revealed that he had back surgery on December 21st, and that he’s expected to be out at least four to six months, according to Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News. This surgery could possibly end Scutaro’s career, but Brian Sabean said that they’ll have to wait and see how Scutaro responds to the surgery and the rehab before they figure out if he’ll be able to play anymore.
The Giants are already set at second base for the present and future with the emergence of Joe Panik last season, but if Scutaro is able to play in 2015, he’d be a valuable, veteran player off the bench. He would be an ideal pinch hitter, given his patience at the plate and ability to get clutch hits.
If Scutaro isn’t able to play, the Giants still have options, in terms of bench players and depth. Joaquin Arias is able to play all infield positions, and he has experience coming off the bench and in pinch-hitting situations. Travis Ishikawa will also come off the bench this year for the Giants, and Giants fans know how he excels clutch situations. He’s also an experienced pinch hitter.
In addition, the Giants could also employ some help off the bench from rookies last season such as Matt Duffy and Juan Perez, who had solid postseasons and can also contribute in pinch-hitting situations.
Andrew Susac will also have a significant role off the bench, and other prospects such as Adam Duvall and possibly Hector Sanchez could find a spot on this Giants team in 2015 too.
If Scutaro is able to play in 2015, it would be an added bonus. The Giants are prepared and equipped if he’s unable to play, but it would be great for Giants fans to see Scutaro play again.
Scutaro was obviously such a huge part of the Giants’ 2012 World Series title run, and he will always have a special place in Giants fans’ hearts because of that. It will be sad for Giants fans if this is the end of Scutaro’s career, but we’ll know more about his situation in four to six months.