Giants facing roster dilemma with Pablo Sandoval
Could Rule 5 draft choice be a factor?
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The San Francisco Giants are planning a “Let Pablo Pitch” bobblehead giveaway for their home game May 11 against the Cincinnati Reds.
As Opening Day approaches, a “Let Pablo Stay” bobblehead may be more appropriate.
The roster status of popular infielder Pablo Sandoval is officially in question after the Giants completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire utility player Connor Joe on Thursday.
Joe, 26, is a Rule 5 draft choice who must remain on the Giants’ 25-man roster this year unless he’s place on the injured list or sent to the minors on a rehab assignment. The Giants sent minor league pitcher Jordan Johnson and cash to the Reds to acquire Joe, who has already arrived in camp and will start in left field against the Colorado Rockies Friday.
“It’s really unique to be a Rule 5 player,” Joe said. “I was just trying to go about my business and work to prepare myself for the season, wherever that may be. Luckily that decision is not up to me.”
Sandoval is battling for a bench role on the Giants’ roster and now faces an even greater challenge to convince the Giants he’s worth keeping.
New president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi prioritizes versatility and positional flexibility, which Sandoval has provided for the club since signing with San Francisco after being designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox in July, 2017. Sandoval has primarily played first base and third base but also had brief stints at second base and on the mound last year.
This spring, Sandoval arrived with a catcher’s mitt and announced he was ready to catch bullpens and has even taken flyballs in left field. However, Sandoval lacks the speed and athleticism provided by fellow utility players Yangervis Solarte and Alen Hanson, who are also pushing for roster spots.
Solarte signed as a minor league free agent at the beginning of spring and appears to be a lock for the Opening Day roster. Hanson has struggled at the plate –especially as a right-handed hitter– in Cactus League play, but he remains the team’s best defensive option at shortstop behind starter Brandon Crawford.
The Giants are comfortable playing Sandoval at third and first base, but they would only consider him at other positions in emergency situations. With the addition of Joe, San Francisco now has a much-needed right-handed bat who can spell the lefthanded Brandon Belt at first against tough lefties as well as play in the outfield when the Giants face southpaws.
Joe said Friday he’s spent much of his minor league career playing first base, but he feels at ease in both corner outfield spots and is pleased with the way he’s played this spring. Joe hit .275 in 40 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds, who didn’t have room on their Opening Day roster for the former Dodgers prospect.
Thursday’s trade marked the second time Zaidi has acquired Joe as he traded for him in a swap with the Atlanta Braves in September, 2017 during Zaidi’s tenure as the Dodgers’ general manager. Like Sandoval, Joe has a small amount of catching experience as he last played the position in his final year with the University of San Diego in 2014.
Joe has yet to play in a major league game, but he’s coming off an impressive season with Triple-a Oklahoma City in which he hit .299 and posted a .408 on-base percentage in 49 games.
At 32, Sandoval doesn’t have the same ceiling as younger talents like Joe and Hanson. Still, he’s a valued clubhouse presence who has a critical advocate campaigning for his chance to make the roster in manager Bruce Bochy.
A fan favorite who provides a jolt of energy to the home crowd with every plate appearance, Sandoval remains a beloved figure with the Giants even after bolting to sign with the Red Sox after the 2014 World Series. Maybin released The Giants announced Friday they’ve released outfielder Cameron Maybin. Maybin signed a minor league deal with the Giants in February to provide depth as a right-handed option in the outfield, but struggled at the plate throughout the spring and was arrested for driving under the influence in Scottsdale on March 1.
Maybin’s release and Thursday’s decision to designate Rule 5 draft choice Drew Ferguson leaves the Giants short on righthanded bats in the outfield.
Left-handed hitter Steven Duggar and switch-hitter Henry Ramos are the only remaining outfielders in camp who have played center field this spring. Free agent signee Gerardo Parra is in Friday’s lineup and expected to start in center field for the first time against his former club, the Rockies.