San Francisco Giants: X-Factors For The 2015 Season
By Dan Fappiano
Casey McGehee, Third Base
Apr 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Casey McGehee (14) is congratulated after scoring on a balk by Oakland Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) during the fourth inning of an exhibition game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
When looking at the 2014 San Francisco Giants team, the biggest omission from the 2015 team would be former third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval left the Bay on a sour note to join the Boston Red Sox, who offered him a very lucrative deal. His departure left a hole at the hot corner for the Giants.
Filling that hole in 2015 is Casey McGehee. After spending 2013 in Japan, McGehee returned to the MLB and played for the Miami Marlins in 2014. McGehee was acquired from the Marlins for prospects Luis Castillo and Kendry Flores.
In 2014, McGehee only hit four home runs, but he was able to muster a .287 batting average with 76 RBIs. McGehee’s 160 games played, and 616 at-bats where the most of his career. His .287 batting average ranked 18th among all players in the MLB and his 76 RBIs ranked tied for 23rd. Sandoval manned the hot corner in the Giants three World Series years. In those years Sandoval totaled 63, 63, and 73 RBIs respectively. McGehee put up better numbers over that span, and San Francisco would be in great shape if he were able to accomplish that feat once more in 2015.
McGehee is off to a nice start in 2015, batting .333 with one home run and two RBIs.
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One of the main goals for the Giants this offseason was finding a third baseman. They attempted to bring back Sandoval, then made a play for Chase Headley when that didn’t work out, before they ended up settling for McGehee.
By no means, was he a bad option, but accomplishing the same offensive feats of a departed Pablo Sandoval will be huge for McGehee in the Giants in 2015.
McGehee has big shoes to fill to make up for the offense Sandoval provided, which makes him an x-factor. If he can improve upon his 2014 numbers, he can help relegate “Kung Fu Panda” to the past, and potentially be Giants’ third baseman for years to come.
The Giants need McGehee to over perform in 2015.
Next: Starting Pitcher: Tim Lincecum