MLB SPRING TRAINING

The Giants’ Hunter Pence throws during a spring training practice on Feb. 15, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

preparation that we have here. It’s pretty good to have all these games to work on it,” Pence said.

The transition seems to be going well in workouts. The Giants hit balls in different spots into the high sun in Arizona so Pence can get a sense of how it will be on bright day games in San Francisco.

“If you watch him shag during (batting practice), he’s got no problems with breaks,” bench coach Hensley Meulens said. “You don’t see him go the wrong way. He’s a pretty naturally instinctive outfielder. I don’t suspect that the change is going to be a problem for him.”

Hernandez was in center field on Sunday. He and Pence came close to a collision in left-center field on a sinking liner caught by Hernandez.

“At the start it can be a little tough, but if you have the talent and the ability to play whichever position, he’ll play it like he’s supposed to,” Hernandez said. “With practice

and work he will get 100 percent accustomed to it.”

Pence is not only on board with the switch, he’s shown willingness to help Mccutchen in what will basically be a new, full-time position for the former Pittsburgh star center fielder.

Mccutchen, who played only a few games in right last season, will have to get acclimated to the outfield dimensions in a new ballpark.

“We just discuss the way the winds play and field plays,” Pence said. “He’s played where you have to watch for caroms and stuff, and give yourself some space. But the wind is tricky part in San Francisco.”

Pence said left field “breathes new life” into him. “You get to examine all the parks you go to. You’ve got to look at how everything plays,” he said. “It’s something that I get to enjoy diong. Witnessing the game from just a different angle is really a pleasure.”