San Francisco Giants Stock Watch: Battle for the Bench Week 3

The third week of Spring Training action is done, and the San Francisco Giants still have quite the battle on their hands as multiple players are competing for limited bench spots come opening day.

With just a couple weeks left before the MLB regular season kicks off, the San Francisco Giants have upwards of 10 players competing for what will probably end up being two or three bench spots on the opening day roster. The players with a better shot of making the initial 25-man roster are starting to separate themselves from the guys who will start the year in the minor leagues.

Stock Up: Ehire Adrianza

There’s a lot of guys who have shown up with strong performances during the exhibition period for the Giants, but Adrianza has the edge being he’s already on the 40-man roster and is out of options. He certainly hasn’t done anything to hurt his chances in the Cactus League, either. Over the past week, he collected five hits (two doubles) and an RBI in 14 at-bats, and has played both corner infield spots (and looked pretty good in doing so), something he hasn’t done much in the past. An extra level of versatility is another point in his favor.

Stock Steady: Jarrett Parker

Parker’s playing time has taken a pretty sizable hit as the projected starting outfielders have come together more lately. After getting 21 at-bats in week two, Parker received just 11 in week three, and recorded only two hits. One of those hits was another home run, his third of the Spring. That power is undeniable, and something the Giants clearly lacked off the bench last year. The threat of going deep at any moment could be enough to keep Parker when camp breaks.

Stock Down: Ramiro Pena

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Pena has also become a victim of reduced playing time as the regulars have been getting more and more time, and he hasn’t been able to take advantage of the few opportunities he’s gotten. In eight at-bats during week three, Pena recorded one hit, although it was a big one: an RBI triple. Pena is versatile and has a lot of big league experience, but it seems like an extreme longshot he’ll be able to do enough to crack the opening day squad. He’ll be a nice piece to have in the organization, however.

Stock Up: Trevor Brown

Trevor Brown has done nothing but hit in camp, and he turned it up another level in week three. In 11 at-bats, he racked up five hits and six RBI, along with a pair of walks. Andrew Susac, the favorite to win the backup catcher’s job, is dealing with tendinitis in his surgically-repaired wrist, and if he isn’t good to go, Brown certainly looks ready to take his spot.

Stock Down: Kyle Blanks

After showing off some impressive strength in the first two weeks of Spring Training, including four hits and two home runs in 10 at-bats, Blanks didn’t take the field in week three. He’s had some achilles problems, which is a recurring issue for the oft-injured big man. He had both his heels shaved over the offseason in an effort to quell the problem, but it’s back again, and probably cost Blanks his chance at a roster spot.

Stock Up: Gorkys Hernandez

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Hernandez, another victim of a cut in time as starter’s prepare for the regular season, has still gotten a fairly good share of chances and has performed well. In 13 at-bats, Hernandez collected three hits, all worth extra-bases (two triples and a double). He also stole his team-leading third bag and added two more RBI to bring his Spring total to six. Hernandez also has a slim shot of making the opening day squad, but likely starts the year down in Triple-A. Having an experienced center field with Hernandez’s skillset stashed away is not a bad thing for Bruce Bochy and the Giants.

Stock Down: Hak-Ju Lee

Lee hasn’t gotten many opportunities to showcase himself during the Spring, as he’s taken 14 at-bats over the entire exhibition period. Last week was his slowest week, as he got four chances and recorded a hit. Time is running out for Lee to prove himself, and at this point in Spring, it would take an injury or two for him to get the time he needs. But with his legs at about 90 percent, he should get plenty of chances this season in Triple-A.

Stock Up: Mac Williamson

The Mac Attack just keeps coming. The powerful 25-year-old prospect continued his strong Spring in week three, recording four hits in 11 at-bats, including his team-leading fourth home run. It’s pretty difficult to imagine that the Giants keep Williamson on opening day, as it would be more beneficial for him to play everyday in the minor leagues. If a spot opens up in the big league outfield, however, the Mac Attack could come to San Francisco.

Next: 5 Predictions for Giants' 2016 Season

Stock Down: Grant Green

Former top prospect Grant Green has gotten a good amount of playing time, but has really cooled off after a red-hot start. Green batted .375 in week one, but tumbled down to .235 in week two (albeit with four RBI) and feel even further to .100 in week three (one hit in 10 AB). Time is running out for Green to make his case, and it seems he’s headed to Sacramento to start 2016.

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