San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Kontos, Utility Players, Duvall
Mar 23, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Adam Duvall (37) looks on during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Duvall has gotten off to a hot start to 2015. He’s currently hitting .330 with seven home runs and 22 RBI in 26 games with the Sacramento Rivercats, the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, this year. He also has a .632 slugging percentage and a .995 OPS. Because of this hot start, many fans have started to ponder if the Giants should call him up, especially since McGehee is struggling and Duvall can play third base.
Here’s what Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle said about Duavll on Tuesday:
Meanwhile, Adam Duvall playing LF, 1B, 3B at Sac, but concentrating on 3B. No promotion imminent. #SFGiants
— Henry Schulman BLUE CHECK MARK (@hankschulman) May 6, 2015
Duvall got 73 ABs in bigs last year and struggled after leading PCL in HRs. Also, needs work at 3B. Not a panacea or quick fix. #SFGiants
— Henry Schulman BLUE CHECK MARK (@hankschulman) May 6, 2015
I agree with Schulman that just because Duvall is starting to play some more third base and is off to a hot start offensively this year doesn’t mean that the Giants are going to promote him, especially since he appeared to struggle defensively at third base during Spring Training.
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Bruce Bochy is more likely to give the slumping McGehee a couple days off to clear his head, instead of looking to the minor leagues for a replacement. Bochy gives his veterans the benefit of the doubt and gives them more leeway than the younger players. He won’t necessarily bench a veteran, everyday player for a younger, unproven player, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The Giants also don’t need help at first base with Brandon Belt, Buster Posey, Travis Ishikawa, Arias, and Duffy able to man the position, so Duvall would have to prove that he can play perfect defense at third base or left field, if needed.
I don’t see the Giants calling up Duvall unless McGehee’s slump continues into the All-Star break or if there’s an injury, because Duvall has power but hasn’t proven he can be a consistent hitter at the Major League level. He’s torn it up in Triple-A, but his production hasn’t yet translated into consistency with the Giants.
Next: Addressing Inconsistencies and Injuries with Vogelsong, Peavy