San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Kontos, Utility Players, Duvall

Apr 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Matt Duffy (50) makes the play for the out in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Hector clarified that he was asking about the Giants’ most valuable utility player off the bench, and my answer for that would have to be Matt Duffy.

As a bench player, Duffy is exactly what a team would want. Duffy is able to play all four infield positions, he’s a proven, quality pinch hitter, he can come in for spot starts or as a late-inning replacement, and he’s a smart base runner. He’s also provided some clutch hits, and he came through at some key moments during the Giants’ 2014 World Series run.

The Giants also have Joaquin Arias off the bench, who’s valuable given his experience and his ability to play all four infield positions, but Duffy is stronger than Arias is offensively, in terms of base running and pinch hitting.

Another option could’ve been Maxwell, but it’s a little hard to pick him now just because he’s been somewhat of a regular with Hunter Pence out. As a bench player though, he will also be a valuable asset, as he can play all three outfield positions, he’s a strong defender, he’s athletic, he can hit for power, and he has also proven he can come through in the clutch.

As of now though, partially since Maxwell has been playing as a regular, Duffy is the Giants’ most valuable utility player off the bench. He continues to grow as a player with every inning he plays too, so he’s been a great addition to this Giants team.

Next: Will Duvall Get Called Up Sometime Soon?