For several years now, the National League West has been considered the weakest division in baseball. There has not been a perennial powerhouse in the division for quite sometime, leaving the door open for any team to take the division crown. The Giants have solid pitching, but will need to couple that pitching with excellent defense and timely hitting. The Giants are looking for an everyday first baseman who can provide the team with great defense and steady offense.
The Starter: Travis Ishikawa
The 25-year old Ishikawa is the projected starter at first base this season. Ishikawa has had some big league experience over the last few years, but the majority of his big league experience came in the 2008 season. However, the emergence of Pablo Sandoval and his great hitting forced the Giants to bench Ishikawa down the stretch to get Sandoval’s bat into the lineup. With Sandoval projected to be at third in 2009, the door has reopened for Ishikawa to claim a spot in the everyday lineup. Ishikawa is the best defensive first baseman that the Giants have on their roster, and he has been working extensively with former Giants great, JT Snow. The biggest concern is whether Ishikawa can continue to be productive at the plate. Ishikawa hit .274 overall in 2008, but struggled down the stretch by hitting .161 in his final 31 at bats. Ishikawa has some power and good plate discipline, but he will also have to prove that he can hit left handed pitching at the Major League level. Ishikawa was 0-for-2 last season against southpaws and only 2-for-7 in his career.
The Primary Backup: Pablo Sandoval
Pablo Sandoval made an immediate splash after being on called up on August 14, 2008. In his brief stint in the Majors, Sandoval hit .345 in 41 games, amassing 50 hits in 145 at bats. This sample is relatively small, but Sandoval proceeded to .396 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs in 52 games in the Venezuelan Winter League. Sandoval can hit, there is no question about that, but finding his best fit for the team may prove to be difficult. Sandoval is currently projected to be the starting third baseman, but that situation is still in flux. Sandoval has been used primarily as a catcher and first baseman in the minor leagues, but he was signed as a third baseman. Should Sandoval struggle defensively making the transition back to third base, he will likely be moved to first base to get his bat into the lineup. Additionally, it is still possible that the Giants could acquire a veteran third baseman via Free Agency or trade, and that too would move Sandoval to first. Also, don’t be surprised to see Sandoval move to first and Ishikawa to move to the bench when the opponent runs a left-handed starter on the mound. Sandoval is a capable defender at any position, and one of the most dynamic hitters on the Giants. Sandoval will find a way into the Giants opening day lineup, but it still remains to be seen where he will play in the field.
The Reserves: Rich Aurilia and John Bowker
The 37-year old Aurilia resigned with the Giants this past off-season and agreed to take a major pay cut and a minor league contract. Aurilia has spent 11 of his 13 Major League campaigns in the City by the Bay, and he is a much loved and respected member of the Giants family. Aurilia had a renaissance last season hit .283 with 10 HRs and 52 RBIs in just over 400 at-bats. Aurilia provides veteran leadership, depth, and flexibility to the Giants roster.
The 25-year old John Bowker is looking to make the Giants roster out of Spring Training in 2009. A mid-season call up in 2008, Bowker made a huge splash by getting a hit in his first Major League at-bat and hitting a home run in his second Major League at-bat. Bowker showed flashes of brilliance at the plate, but struggled to find consistency. Bowker particularly struggled against left-handed pitching last season hitting just .152 against lefties. If Bowker wants to make the roster on Opening Day, he will have to prove that he can be more consistent at the plate against both lefties and righties.
Only one of these two reserves is likely to make the roster on Opening Day. Aurilia has a slight edge due to his experience and versatility. Aurilia can play all four infield positions, whereas Bowker can only play first and in the outfield. Additionally, Aurilia is a right handed hitter making him slightly more attractive to a team with a strong left-handed presence in the lineup.
The Giants have nice mix of youth and experience vying for playing time at first base this season. The position appears to be rock solid both offensively and defensively.
Carlos Lorenzana - As a full-time student at San Francisco State University, I find writing about my interests to be quite relaxing. So much of the writing I ...
