San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Belt, Backup Catcher, Non-Roster Invitees

Apr 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Hicks against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I personally don’t believe that any of the non-roster invitees will make the Giants’ 2015 25-man roster, but besides Juan Gutierrez, I’d say that Brandon Hicks has the best chance out of the non-roster invitees to make the 25-man roster.

Man fans might forget, but Hicks was a key part to the Giants’ 2014 season, as he helped hold down the fort at second base before Panik solidified himself as the everyday second baseman. He provided solid defense at second base, power at the plate, and a couple clutch home runs, including one off Clayton Kershaw and a walkoff home run against the Cleveland Indians.

Hicks admitted to Pavlovic of CSNBA recently that he got a little home run-happy at the end of his Giants tenure last season, which caused him to go hitless in his final 25 at-bats and led to him being designated for assignment on July 11th.

"“Offensively, I got in a little funk,” he said. “I was trying to do too much. I have a tendency to get in that (swing for the fences) mode. I hit a couple and wanted to keep doing it. It gets fun.” Hicks got a ring, and it was earned given his contributions in April and May. But it wasn’t always easy for Hicks to watch the October magic from his Texas home. He said he can’t yet look back on last season and fully appreciate his early contributions. “I’ll do so more in a few years,” he said. “It’s hard when you’re not there to go through (the postseason).”"

The last bench spot available on the 25-man roster will most likely go to Ehire Adrianza, as he’s out of minor league options, but there is a small possibility that the Giants will let him go if Matt Duffy, Juan Perez, or Hicks has a breakout, incredible spring. Like I said, I don’t think Hicks (or Gutierrez) will actually make the 25-man roster, but Hicks would be a valuable asset off the bench, given his stellar defense and power.

In addition, I don’t see any of the other players on the non-roster invitees list making the 25-man roster. There are certainly some intriguing prospects including Kyle Crick, Ty Blach, Clayton Blackburn, Chris Stratton, Aramis Garcia, Christian Arroyo, Mitch Delfino, and Mac Williamson, but it appears as if none of these prospects are quite Major League ready yet. Some are close, but they’re not ready to play a regular role on the Giants this year.

Although it’s not likely that he’ll earn a spot on the roster, Hicks has the experience that would be valuable off the bench for the Giants.

Next: Giants 2015 Stat Projections: Offense