It's Going To Be A Boring Spring Training

This year's Giants spring training has the makings of being very boring because the Giants know exactly the 25 member team that will open the season.  Spring training can be exciting when there is rookie or two battling for a starting position on a team.  This year the Giants do not think they have such a player.  Only Adrianza was considered last year because he was out of options.  I lost count of how many players played second base before the Giants panicked and called up Panic in a desperation move and he proved to be a gem that solidified the team.  There he was in Fresno all that time and the Giants didn't think he was ready.

There are two players that have been in Giants system for a few years that have an opportunity to open some eyes, make spring training more interesting and show that they are ready.   Adam Duvall  hit a few homers for the Giants last year filling in at first base for  about five weeks but obviously did not impress the staff who went out and acquired McGehee to replace the Panda at third.  Perhaps his experience in the majors last year will give him some confidence this spring.  Outfielder Jarrett Parker is a tall outfielder with a beautiful classic left handed swing.  His first couple of years in the minors have not been impressive until last year when playing at AA and AAA levels raised his season an average of 30 points.

The Medical Report  -  Pagan, Hudson and Cain all passed their initial days of spring training.  Pagan doesn't have a back brace, Cain a sling or Hudson crutches.  I didn't think it was possible, but it looks like they will all be ready to answer the opening bell.

Lead off  -  Bochy told Pagan that he wasn't going to lead off this year.  We mentioned in the February 10, 2015 blog that the Giants acquired Aoki to be a lead off man not as a replacement for Morse. Knowing Bochy I am sure Pagan will lead off some games against tough left handed pitchers.

Giants Clubhouse -   Its reported that a Boston sports writer is getting some insight information about Pablo from a Giant informer.  You don't see Andrew Baggarly reporting on the Giants for CS Bay Area this year do you?  You can thank the Giant clubhouse.

Belt  -  Sabean expects  Brandon Belt to have a break out season.  Belt himself said he wants to hit in the neighborhood of 50 home runs.  For this to happen Belt will need to bat third with Posey in the clean up spot protecting him so he will get some good pitches to hit.

Forget Cuba  -     How many times have you read in recent months that the Giants were close to signing a Cuban sensation.  Then we discover the price major league teams were paying for these players.  Congratulations Giants for not being stupid.  I would suggest you assign your scouts to other areas then Cuba to make better use of their time.

The Face of MLB  -  I read that Buster Posey was elected the face of MLB  whatever that means.  Seems to me the only thing missing is a beard and long hair.

Taxes  -  Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports wrote that Shields who signed with the Padres for $70 million would net less then $40 million primarily because of California high tax rate.  High California taxes are not new.  I don't remember any of the media for the 49ers or Giants using taxes as a major factor when the team was trying to sign a free agent.   One would think with the 'cat out of the bag' taxes would be a major topic when the 49ers attempt to sign free agents in the next couple of months.  Agents are aware that their clients who can read now know about the California high tax rate. The media will follow what it has always done and minimize taxes as an important factor so I doubt if they will become a big issue unless the Forty Niners are continually outbid for players.       

Sabean mentioned the other day that taxes was one of a series of factors a player considers before signing.  The Giants and the Dodgers for that matter cannot complain about high taxes.   They are in bed with same politicians who continue to squeeze every dollar possible out of their citizens to pass on to their cronies. It's really the same philosophy the Giants use.  Keep raising prices as long as AT&T continues to sellout every game.