San Francisco Giants Spring Training Report: Position Battles, Other Notes

Two Outfield Spots

Sep 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder

(56) bunts his way onto first base in the third inning of their MLB baseball game with the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike the previous battles, this one features three players who are standing out through the first week of games, and with Pence on track to start the year on the disabled list, there are two open jobs. Former top prospect Gary Brown, perennial fifth outfielder Juan Perez, and youngster Jarrett Parker have all shown great flashes thus far.

Brown is 4-13 (.308) so far, including three RBI, a double, and a tape-measure home run on Saturday against the San Diego Padres. He’s also scored four times and stolen two bases, showing off the very good speed he possesses. He’s taken balls up the middle with authority, played good defense, and has really shown that he still has the ability that once made him the Giants’ number one prospect.

Perez is 4-11 (.364) with three RBI and two doubles, and his defense, which is the asset that has made him valuable to the big league team in the past, has been very good. Perez has been a masher in the minor leagues, but hasn’t translated to big league action, as there has been no consistent at-bats for a fifth outfielder. With the free spot in the outfield, Perez could finally prove himself at the major league level.

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Parker, who is a darkhorse candidate for the opening day job, has been great as well. He’s 4-10 (.400), and also has 3 RBI to go with a double and three runs scored. He’s smoked more than a few balls, including a couple foul balls that he was a hair early on, and the double which smacked the center field wall about two feet short of leaving the park. His defense has also been on point, including a nice heads-up play to double a runner off of first base on a lazy flyball.

The fourth outfielder competing, Justin Maxwell, has gotten a good share of at-bats, but is 0-10, and really not making great contact. Most of his outs have been weak grounders and cans of corn. The Giants are looking for a right-handed hitter with power, and Maxwell fits the bill, but he needs to start showing something, or will continue to be overshadowed by the other three.

This one is hard to call, considering how well three of these contenders have played. Based on his previous big league experience, I believe the slim advantage goes to Perez.

Next: Final Bullpen Slot