Proven hitter’s glove focus of spring work
With Tommy La Stella at second for Giants, defense key for Donovan Solano in utility role
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Donovan Solano is one of those “fall out of bed and hit” guys, and indications are that the more atbats he gets, the better his performance.
How might the addition of Tommy La Stella change this equation? Solano was the Giants’ primary second baseman last year, but La Stella might wind up in that spot some if he’s not subbing at first base while Brandon Belt is out. Might that indicate a platoon role for Solano at times?
The Giants have said that Solano will continue to get regular playing time, and because he led the team in average (.326) and doubles (15) in the shortened 2020 season, there are good reasons to ensure he’s getting atbats. To that end, Solano’s defense becomes ever more important, and he’s well aware of that. On a video call with reporters, he said his top shortterm goal is to improve his fielding.
“I’m talking about everything, improving my glovework, my feet, my positioning to be ready to make the play,” Solano said, with Edwin Higueros translating. “And, obviously, limit the errors that could cost a run or a loss.”
Coach Kai Correa is working extensively with Solano, with an emphasis on isolating the catch when he makes plays, slowing things down to make sure he’s doing everything well from a technical standpoint, and ensuring he’s in the right spot. That can be difficult for someone who has been in a parttime role much of his career and who has been asked to play multiple positions.
“Obviously, he had that that monster offensive year — sometimes that can be really difficult,” Correa said. “It’s not quite like football, in terms of playing both ways, but being a modern majorleaguer and balancing your workload and your gameday preparation to prepare for both is possible.
“The great thing about Donovan is, he’s very aware of that and he takes a lot of pride in the way he impacts the team on both sides of the ball. He made his defense a priority going into
the offseason, and so far, so good.”
The lack of a designated hitter in the National League this season, at least to date, complicates things. Solano will need to play more than just second base because manager Gabe Kapler will be mixing and matching off the bench.
“The most difficult of all those positions to prepare for as a multiposition infielder, without a doubt, is third base,” Correa said. “The angle, the rate at which the ball comes at you, the difference in the way the ball spins at you, it’s just very foreign and different from second.”
For that reason, Solano spent the winter fielding grounders off a machine that was set to provide lots of different velocities and spins, with qualitycontrol coach Nick Ortiz checking frequently for progress reports.
“One adjustment on our side is being more prepared for the unexpected,” Correa said. “We’d be doing Donovan a disservice if we didn’t go ahead and prepare for the absence of the DH and what that will do with double switches and ingame moves with how much Kapler loves making maneuvers.”
Solano’s emphasis on defense doesn’t mean he’s ignoring his hitting. There he’s something of a coach’s dream: He doesn’t tinker much with his swing; he’s not highmaintenance. He has shown some pop in batting practice and is routinely barreling balls.
“He has an unbelievable repeatable stroke,” hitting coach Justin Viele said. “Donovan’s swing is just so consistent. He’s got a beautiful swing that rarely breaks down, and he’s so creative, hittingwise — if it’s a tougher matchup for him, he’ll find a way to get a single. That’s just the way he is.
“That’s one guy that I don’t think any hitting coach probably ever stressed about. He’s a hitting savant, that’s a perfect way to put it.”
Solano said he’d like to hit more homers this year after hitting three in 54 games last year. One scout said Monday that, with regular atbats, Solano could hit 1015 “if the ball is still as lively as it was the last few years, which doesn’t sound like will be the case. In that ballpark, with a ball that’s deadened, those power numbers aren’t going to go up much.”
Playing time also will factor, but Solano isn’t overly concerned about that. “I know La Stella is a great player,” he said. “He is going to help the team and help us become champions.
“I know that last year, I was given the opportunity to play against lefthanders, but at the same time, I’m used to splitting time with other players, and if that’s my role this year. I’m going to welcome it.”