Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants' catching controversy is alive and well. Joey Bart did end up making the SF Giants' Opening Day roster, but he didn't start behind the plate for the Giants' first game, and the next day the Giants reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with veteran catcher Gary Sánchez.

Sánchez is best known for his time with the Yankees, when he was one of the best offensive catchers in the game but at times struggled defensively. However, upon a deep dive into last year's defensive numbers, Sánchez graded out ahead of Bart in every key category. And he's certainly been the better offensive player in his career.

Sánchez will reportedly go to the Giants' spring facility in Arizona before being assigned to a minor league affiliate. He will have the right to opt out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants if he isn't promoted to the majors by May 1. It seems like Bart may have about a month to prove he belongs in the majors, or his future with the Giants could become even more unclear.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Well that's not how you draw it up. After months of anticipation, the San Francisco Giants were completely shut down offensively on Opening Day against the Yankees. Gerrit Cole and a few Yankees relievers struck out 16 Giants hitters. On the flip side, the Giants' pitching also notched 16 strikeouts, but the difference was that the Yankees hit two balls out of the ballpark against Webb.

A stinker of a game on Opening Day doesn't have to mean anything. In this case, Cole is a perennial Cy Young candidate and he's capable of shutting down any offense at any time. It was also great to see Webb come out with such good, strikeout stuff after his K% fell significantly in 2022 from where it was in a breakout 2021.

The SF Giants made some surprising roster decisions prior to the opener. They traded for Matt Beaty, who made their Opening Day roster. Bryce Johnson and Sean Hjelle didn't make it, despite Farhan Zaidi recently saying they were in line to do so. Brett Wisely also made the team, as the Giants elected to go with 14 position players and 12 pitchers, giving them a deeper bench with a couple of scheduled off days in the first several days of the 2023 season.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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What’s stopping the Los Angeles Dodgers from taking the NL West crown again this season? There are multiple reasons to doubt a repeat division crown for LA and we’ll tell you why! Why WON’T the Dodgers win the West? Will the massive investment the San Diego Padres made pay off finally? Where are the San Francisco Giants at in this division? Will the Arizona Diamondbacks or Colorado Rockies do more than play spoiler this year? Who will win the wild west?

Linktree.com/LockedOnMLB

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Are the San Francisco Giants working on an extension for Logan Webb that could come to fruition prior to Opening Day? Giants chairman Greg Johnson seemed to suggest as much in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly. Johnson said that extending Webb is "a high priority" for the SF Giants, and that "we're hopeful" something gets done. Some possible comps for what a Webb extension would look like are explored.

Johnson also touched on Farhan Zaidi's future with the San Francisco Giants. He finally clarified that the club holds an option on Zaidi's contract for the 2024 season, and that the team is definitely going to pick that up. So Zaidi will be running the Giants for at least two more seasons, but Johnson also said that they play to extend him for longer. Zaidi hasn't been perfect, but he has generally done a good job fielding competitive teams while the Giants wait for impact talent to arrive from their farm system, which seems underrated. Some of those players seem poised to debut in 2023.

Sergio Romo's sendoff in last night's exhibition loss to the A's is discussed. Romo pitched on a major league mound for the final time, after a long and successful career. Giants fans chanted his name as Romo allowed all three hitters he faced to reach base. He walked off the field after being taken out by Hunter Pence, hugged his teammates in the dugout, and came out for one last bow as he welled up with tears.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Blake Sabol has been on fire this spring for the San Francisco Giants. The Rule 5 pick has forced his way onto the Giants' Opening Day roster, but injuries in the outfield to Mitch Haniger and Austin Slater have put Sabol into the outfield—for now. But what happens when Haniger and Slater return? Sabol was being evaluated as a catcher in camp, and the Giants likely wouldn't carry three catchers once Sabol is no longer in the outfield mix.

We know that Roberto Pérez will make the SF Giants' Opening Day roster. We don't know for sure whether the other catcher will be Joey Bart or Austin Wynns. It might seem like an obvious call, but don't rule out the possibility that Bart, who has been known to go through long stretches of strike out out in nearly half of his plate appearances, could be optioned to the minors. Even if he does make the Opening Day roster, if he struggles and Sabol hits well, it's not out of the question that Sabol could be given a chance to be the primary catcher. The question with Sabol is defense behind the plate, where he is thought to be quite raw.

Switching gears, several other mailbag questions are answered. Why does Gabe Kapler use power hitters in the leadoff spot? Is he just trying to be different? What is the Giants' schedule like this year? What's up with Hunter Bishop and does Mike Yastrzemski have minor league options? What is a realistic ceiling this season for the Giants in terms of wins?

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Will Blake Sabol be Connor Joe 2.0, or something more than that? Will Bryce Johnson establish himself as a major league starter? The San Francisco Giants and their fans are seemingly about to find out, as Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said during the television broadcast last night that Sabol, Johnson, and Sean Hjelle are likely to make the SF Giants' Opening Day roster.

Sabol is a Rule 5 pick who was tried out at catcher all spring, but it was actually an injury to Mitch Haniger that seemingly opened the door for him. Sabol has been an outfielder for the majority of his pro career, and he's likely to become the latest in a long line of different Opening Day left fielders for the Giants. Johnson was a major disruptor on the bases for the SF Giants this spring, and his switch-hitting ability help counterbalance what will be an all-lefty outfield without Haniger and Slater. He also provides strong defense in center.

Switching gears, what will the SF Giants do at third base if David Villar struggles out of the gates? Will they settle for below average defenders such as J.D. Davis and Wilmer Flores? Or will Casey Schmitt be a realistic option? Zaidi said on the broadcast that he believes Schmitt is really close to MLB ready. He's ticketed for Triple-A, but could become an option at third or short if he hits well in Sacramento.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants had an unforgettable offseason in the worst kind of way, with high profile misses on Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. The Giants, of course, had agreed to terms with Correa on a 13-year deal before it all fell apart over medical concerns following his physical. Despite this seemingly like the definite time to do so, the Giants did not sign a superstar over the offseason. They did, however, make several solid moves.

Mitch Haniger and Michael Conforto join the outfield rotation and address a couple of issues simultaneously. They push lesser defenders like Joc Pederson out of the outfield mix, and they also infuse some offense into a lineup that was quietly above average at scoring runs last year. The SF Giants didn't really have any major subtractions on the position player side (Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria found new teams, but neither contributed much in 2022), so Haniger and Conforto are straight up additions, not replacements.

The Giants' issue in 2022 was run prevention, specifically caused by bad defense and an unreliable bullpen. Carlos Rodón joined Kevin Gausman in departing after an elite season, and the Giants replaced him with Ross Stripling and Sean Manaea. They're also getting Anthony DeSclafani back after he missed almost all of 2022 with an ankle injury. In the bullpen, the Giants' starting pitching depth bleeds over, and they also signed Taylor Rogers and Luke Jackson. Overall, the Giants look like a team that is on the fringe of the playoff picture, projected to have a win total somewhere around the mid-80s.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants are far from a perfect team, but are they only 19th-best in the league? Even last year, when so much went wrong, the Giants found themselves in the middle of the pack. Locked On MLB hosts have voted, however, and your 2023 SF Giants came in with a ranking of No. 19 in the league. Is that right? Or are the Giants being slept on once again?

The SF Giants' depth chart is explored position-by-position across the infield. FanGraphs has unveiled its annual power rankings by position, and the infield is examined closely. Starting at catcher, the Giants are volatile with former No. 2 overall pick Joey Bart having plenty of upside, but also downside. At first base, LaMonte Wade Jr. could be the 2021 version of himself, or he could struggle like he did in 2022. Wilmer Flores and J.D. Davis are adequate platoon partners/backups there.

At second base, the Giants have themselves a solid everyday player in Thairo Estrada. At third, David Villar will get an opportunity but needs to prove he's a sure-thing major leaguer. Again, Flores and Davis serve as depth, but neither is great defensively so this could become a problem. Casey Schmitt looms as a strong defensive fallback option but must hit in Triple-A. At short, Brandon Crawford should have another solid season, anchored by defense. Estrada serves as solid backup, with Brett Wisely and Isan Díaz also options in the middle infield.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Depth has been a focus for the San Francisco Giants since Farhan Zaidi took over, but they're looking a little thin in the outfield as the season approaches. Mitch Haniger (oblique) and Austin Slater (hamstring) are questionable for Opening Day, which is just over a week away in New York. What are the Giants' plans in the event that either or both has to miss time?

Some fallback options would've included the likes of Luis González and Stephen Piscotty, but both are banged up as well. González recently had back surgery, and Piscotty has an oblique issue of his own. The SF Giants could put Joc Pederson or LaMonte Wade Jr. in the outfield, but that would create its own problems because they'd need to be platooned and there aren't any right-handed hitters to put in the outfield if Haniger and Slater are out.

Ultimately, someone like Bryce Johnson may end up making the Giants' roster if there are injuries in the outfield. Johnson is the type of guy the Giants could simply stick in center field, appreciate his defense and baserunning, and take what they can get out of the No. 9 spot in the lineup. With the 2023 season not even here yet, we're already seeing the Giants' depth tested and it's not entirely clear where they'll turn.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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There's only one week left to decide. The San Francisco Giants play their final exhibition game a week from today, and the catcher position remains a great unknown. Blake Sabol has had a terrific spring, but has he done enough to stick on the SF Giants' roster and be in that Opening Day lineup in New York against Gerrit Cole?

Is there really a chance Joey Bart could not make the Opening Day roster? Bart's struggles in the majors thus far have been well documented, but he is not far removed from being considered one of the game's best prospects. However, he can be optioned to the Minor Leagues, whereas Sabol has to make the team or be offered back to the Pirates. That gives Sabol an edge. Roberto Pérez seems likely to make the Giants' roster because of his experience and reputation as an excellent defender and leader.

The recent WBC games are discussed. The United States has advanced to the championship game after winning big over Cuba, but the finals figure to present far more of a challenge. Both Mexico and Japan have far more talented teams than Cuba, and the US will have its hands full. Jose Altuve's injury and Trea Turner's heroics are discussed.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

Ultimate Pro Baseball GM

To download the game just visit probaseballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONMLB.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices