Infield Depth
Aug 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Ehire Adrianza (1) throws a runner out at first against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants have had to overcome so many injuries this season, and at times, the injuries have made it more apparent that the Giants lack some depth on the bench, especially in the infield. WhenHunter Pencewent down with his forearm injury,Justin Maxwellstepped up, andNori AokiandAngel Pagansteadied the ship. This wasn’t an injury, but even whenCasey McGeheewas mightily struggling in the beginning of the season,Matt Duffystepped up significantly and earned the everyday third baseman job.
Now thatJoe Panikis on the DL with back inflammation though, there hasn’t been anyone to step up and really fill the gap. The Giants don’t need a hero or another everyday second baseman, but they do need someone to step in and give them solid defense at second base and quality at-bats to make up for the loss of Panik, who was had an All-Star season.
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The Giants have received little to no production fromEhire Adrianza, who is a pretty solid defender but who is more comfortable at shortstop and has looked tentative at second base. In addition, Adrianza continues to prove that he can’t consistently hit major league pitching.
They called upKelby Tomlinsonwhen Panik went on the DL, and although Tomlinson provided a bit of a spark in his first few at-bats, he has not gotten a hit in his last six at-bats and is still learning how to play at the big league level. The Giants also designatedJoaquin Ariasfor assignment (he cleared waivers and is now with Triple-A Sacramento).
Heading into this tough stretch of games, the Giants could really use another waiver wire pick-up likeMarco Scutaroin 2012. The Giants have been linked toChase Utleyrecently, as they have beenscouting the second basemanand could have interest in him.
Whether or not they pick up Utley or not, the Giants need to find a backup, utility infielder who preferably has experience and can start while Panik is out. When Panik returns, this infielder could prove spot starts and could be a key pinch hitter down the stretch.
Instead of picking someone up off the waiver wire, the Giants could also look to promote someone from Triple-A, such asEverth Cabrera, who the Giantssigned a few weeks ago.
Worth noting, in case he gets added at some point as utility guy: Everth Cabrera is playing some outfield for River Cats.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS)July 28, 2015
The Giants’ lack of infield depth has been apparent for most of the season, and it’s now time to make a change.
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