San Francisco Giants: Who Will Play Left Field in 2016?
Sep 26, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Jarrett Parker (47) hits a grand slam home run against the Oakland Athletics in the eighth inning of their MLB baseball game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
If the Giants decide they don’t like what they see in the free agent pool or trade market, they should turn to their minor league system and give Jarrett Parker the job.
With earlier call-ups to the Giants in 2015, Parker struggled at the plate to get hits or be productive. Despite all the injuries and the need for bodies, Parker was not effective early on and was sent back to Sacramento where he had big year with the River Cats. Fellow teammate, Mac Williamson, got his chance to play in the big leagues at the end of the season too.
But nothing stood out more than the September 26th game when Parker hit three home runs in one game against the A’s. Weeks before that, Parker had some solid extra-base hits in pinch hitting opportunities, and after that, was regularly receiving every day playing time.
Parker, a former member of the powerhouse, University of Virginia, has improved over the years after being a second round pick of the 2010 MLB Draft — one round behind Posey. His minor league journey has taken a little bit longer than anticipated as he is already 26 and turns 27 in January.
Working hard over the last couple years, Parker had a full season in AAA and reached the big leagues with a chance to make the team for the 2016 season.
He has the approach of a free swinger — one who suffers a lot of strike outs. That is something he will have to work on this Spring to give himself a chance to stay up with the big club. But his late season success should serve as motivation.
Parker will have competition with Blanco, Williamson, and Cuban prospect, Daniel Carbonell once February and March roll around.
Sticking with Parker, would allow the Giants to focus their spending on enhancing the rotation and chasing a Greinke or Price.
Parker is the lone in-house option, and he could convince the front office to give him a shot, rather than shop for a left fielder out on the open market.
Next: Conclusion