Post by Rog on Dec 27, 2016 6:44:11 GMT -5
As was the case in 2016, the Giants' outfield is still likely a team weakness. Success depends on some combination of Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker being successful in left field, plus good health for both Hunter Pence and Denard Span. Span needs to return to hitting acceptably against southpaws.
The outfield has limited quality and very little depth. In addition, Pence is eligible for free agency in two years, and the Giants might not exercise their fourth-season option on Span at that time. At the trade deadline, it seems more likely that the Giants would need to add an outfielder than any other position. Even right now, they could use a proven left fielder and a right-handed hitter who could platoon in center. Throw in Hunter Pence's missing essentially one season over the past two, and the Giants' need for at least one outfielder could become acute.
Over the past 13 months or so, the Giants have addressed a LOT of areas, more than I can ever remember in a non-rebuilding time. But the outfield remains an area of need. On a reasonably priced short-term deal, Rajai Davis or even Angel Pagan could be worth a look.
Regarding Davis, history hasn't been kind to 36-year-old center fielders, but Davis stole 43 bases in 49 attempts last season, close to the best steals season of his career. While both players are in their mid-30's, Davis had an outstanding base running season in 2016, and Pagan himself was excellent.
If one of the pair, especially Davis, falls between the cracks, I'd love to see the Giants take advantage. It's not hard to understand why they did so, but the Giants should never have let Davis get away in the first place. Davis could have been the player who saved them money to fill other needs.
The outfield has limited quality and very little depth. In addition, Pence is eligible for free agency in two years, and the Giants might not exercise their fourth-season option on Span at that time. At the trade deadline, it seems more likely that the Giants would need to add an outfielder than any other position. Even right now, they could use a proven left fielder and a right-handed hitter who could platoon in center. Throw in Hunter Pence's missing essentially one season over the past two, and the Giants' need for at least one outfielder could become acute.
Over the past 13 months or so, the Giants have addressed a LOT of areas, more than I can ever remember in a non-rebuilding time. But the outfield remains an area of need. On a reasonably priced short-term deal, Rajai Davis or even Angel Pagan could be worth a look.
Regarding Davis, history hasn't been kind to 36-year-old center fielders, but Davis stole 43 bases in 49 attempts last season, close to the best steals season of his career. While both players are in their mid-30's, Davis had an outstanding base running season in 2016, and Pagan himself was excellent.
If one of the pair, especially Davis, falls between the cracks, I'd love to see the Giants take advantage. It's not hard to understand why they did so, but the Giants should never have let Davis get away in the first place. Davis could have been the player who saved them money to fill other needs.
