Arroyo wows Gold Glove teammate
Rookie’s defense at third and shortstop impresses Crawford
CINCINNATI — Brandon Crawford didn’t see Christian Arroyo’s barehanded grab and highlight play toward the end of Tuesday’s 13-5 loss at Dodger Stadium.
Crawford was shuttling between the trainer’s room and the clubhouse while receiving treatment.
But overall, the Giants’ Gold Glove shortstop has been mighty impressed with the defensive abilities of the Giants’ 21-year-old infield prospect.
“He’s been fun to watch,” Crawford said. “I’d like to watch him next to me, though — not on the TV or in the dugout.”
Crawford is making progress toward that goal. He began testing his strained right groin by running, taking ground balls and hitting on the field Wednesday. He continues to hope he can be improved enough to play when eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday at Cincinnati.
For now, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has no qualms about shuttling Arroyo between third base and shortstop on a given day. Ordinarily, Bochy prefers to keep young players at one position to avoid loading up a rookie’s plate. But he clearly believes that Arroyo can handle it.
“I think he’s really done a nice job at third and shortstop,” Bochy said. “It’s not easy to move around like he has. He’s got good hands, good quickness, good arm. He’s a nice defender, and he probably doesn’t get credit for how good he is defensively because of how good he is offensively. With time, I think he’ll get the credit he deserves.”
How has Arroyo made defensive strides since being drafted in the first round in 2013? Using his legs, of course.
“My footwork has gotten better,” Arroyo said. “When I first came in (to the system), I was all arm. I had a pretty decent am, but you’re making a lot more throws and when I stopped using my legs, my arm would get sore faster. It’s something all infielders deal with. The one error I made against San Diego, I made a throw that was all arm. That was a good reminder to stay in my legs, and that’s how you throw those good, consistent fourseamers.”
Arroyo credited bench coach Ron Wotus with helping him cram before games as he learns hitters and refines his positioning. As for his barehanded play, Arroyo said he knew Austin Barnes ran well for a catcher so he wouldn’t have time to transfer before throwing.
“A play like that, you’ve just got to be all in and go after it,” Arroyo said.
In recent years, it would be hard for any organization to match the Giants when it comes to developing everyday infielders. It is a rarity in itself to have players such as Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Matt Duffy (who was traded to Tampa Bay for Matt Moore) and Crawford in the system. It is even more rare to consider that all of those players have Gold Glove-caliber defensive skills.
Arroyo’s bat might have carried him to the big leagues. But it’s not as if his glove dragged him down.
Arroyo’s steady play carries another advantage. The Giants are desperate to have Crawford back on the field, but not so desperate to rush him before he’s ready.
Can Crawford play at less than 100 percent? Is that even a good idea? He said he isn’t sure because he’s never had this injury before. Bochy said he would prefer to err on the side of caution.
“It’d be hard not to have him at 100 percent,” Bochy said. “You’re risking a setback. I just don’t see that happening. Now, I’m saying that without consulting with the medical staff. But I’m just thinking of all the plays he has to make at shortstop, all the movements involved.”
Infielders have to use their legs. Even rookie shortstops know that much.