San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Cain, McGehee, Concerns for 2015

Mar 6, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Casey McGehee against the Texas Rangers during a spring training baseball game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Before we get into who will be the Panik of 2015, let’s first discuss what Panik did in 2014.

Without going into too much detail, Panik accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. When he was first called up in June, the Giants were desperately seeking a second baseman who could play every day and play solid defense. Panik didn’t prove to be that at first, but as other experiments failed (I’m still bitter about Dan Uggla “experiment”), Panik remained.

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Not only did Panik prove that he was that everyday second baseman that the Giants were looking for, but he also solidified himself as a quality defender at the second base position and as the number two hitter in the lineup. He filled both roles admirably, and he also became a key part of this Giants team.

Now, back to the question: who will be this season’s Panik?

It’ll be hard for any player to completely replicate Panik’s production and the effect that he will have on this Giants team, but I believe this season’s Panik will be Casey McGehee.

Although McGehee might not be trying to prove himself as a Major Leaguer as Panik was, he is somewhat trying to prove himself on his new team. McGehee doesn’t have to prove anything to the Giants, but he will want to make a good impression on the Giants in his first season with the team.

Also like Panik, McGehee is entering a situation that had some big question marks. When Sandoval left for the Boston Red Sox, the Giants had no real plan at third base, as they lack a Major League-ready third baseman in their farm system. In McGehee’s case though, these questions came up at the end of the 2014 season, unlike for Panik’s situation, which came about during the regular season.

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McGehee has some big shoes to fill offensively and defensively, as Panik somewhat had to deal with too. Sandoval adequately manned third base on defense, and he was a key part in the Giants’ lineup. Like Panik did in Marco Scutaro‘s absence, McGehee will be asked to also hit in a similar spot in the lineup as Sandoval did, and he will be asked to assume everyday third baseman duties, which suggests he needs to be a reliable defender.

McGehee won’t be a cleanup hitter like Sandoval, but he can hit in the heart of the lineup, most likely in the sixth spot. He can hit for average and for power too, which will provide a nice balance. Panik filled in for Scutaro and claimed Scutaro’s number two spot in the lineup.

McGehee isn’t expected to be Sandoval or to play like Sandoval. He will be called upon for reliability and consistency at an important spot in the Giants’ defense and lineup, just as Panik was asked to do when he was first called up.

Next: Biggest Concern Heading into the 2015 Season?