San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Bullpen, Joe Panik, Kontos or Machi
Mar 10, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik (12) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
@MaggiePilloton With the loss of Panda can Joe Panik be the man to put up those number of their former 3B?
— Eddie B. (@RagingEd68) March 27, 2015
I believe in Panik and his potential. He had an impressive veteran demeanor and showed so much poise in his rookie season that I believer he is set to have a strong second season as well. However, I don’t believe that he will match Sandoval’s production. This is not a knock on Panik though. This is mostly due to differences in playing styles.
First, although Panik could certainly see an increase in his power numbers in 2015, he’s not the power hitter that Sandoval is. He is more of a hitter that focuses on getting on base, doing the little things, hitting to all parts of the field, hitting for average, etc.
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Second, he won’t necessarily match Sandoval’s RBI numbers either, because Panik isn’t a middle-of-the-order hitter and will most likely hit in the number two spot again this year. In the second spot in the lineup, there aren’t as many opportunities for RBIs as in the cleanup spot.
Given this, Panik won’t put up the type of numbers that Sandoval did. He won’t solely make up for the lack of Sandoval’s production. The good news is though that he isn’t expected to solely fill the void that Sandoval leaves.
Replacing Sandoval will take a team effort. Casey McGehee will obviously take over the everyday third base duties, but in terms of offense, a combination of Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Panik, and even Angel Pagan will make up for Sandoval’s production.
Next: Will Kontos or Machi Earn Final Spot in Bullpen?