The San Francisco Giants had to be thinking they were entering an earlier Major League Baseball season, based on the moves they made this week. If that were the case, San Francisco would be having an amazing off-season thus far.
The first move of the week the Giants made will bring some much-needed competition to the backup infielder role. They signed Bay Area native and the 2007 National League MVP Jimmy Rollins to a minor league deal. A player past his prime like Rollins can still produce for a team in the right situation. He proved that he still has something left in the tank during last year’s Spring Training with the Chicago White Sox. His play earned him a starting spot on Opening Day. Even though he struggled during the regular season and was released after only 41 games, it doesn’t mean he won’t make the Giants Opening Day roster. Rollins will just have to prove himself again this Spring Training.
The other two moves the Giants made this week was the addition of a pair of 34-year-old outfielders. San Francisco signed Michael Morse and Justin Ruggiano to minor league deals.
Morse is a familiar face to the Giants. He spent the 2014 World Series season with the Giants, where he had one of his healthiest and most productive seasons of his 12-year career. Like Rollins, Morse is close to retirement. San Francisco could use a power bat off the bench and Morse has a chance to land the job. It can only help his chances that manager Bruce Bochy knows the type of player Morse is.
This will be Ruggiano’s fifth ball club in just three years. He’s never been the same quality player as Rollins or Morse, but he can still hit left-handed pitching. For a contending team like San Francisco, Ruggiano shouldn’t be a starter. He shouldn’t even be in a platoon role. But if he’s the fifth outfielder, he could add some pop as a pinch hitter for the Giants.
The Giants aren’t asking these players for much. They are just trying to put together the best 25-man roster for the 2017 season. These players will have to prove that they are worthy enough for a spot, but San Francisco will give them every opportunity during Spring Training. Another postseason run looks likely for the Giants next season and one of these players could help.
Harrison Howard covers the Giants and Fantasy Baseball as a Staff Writer for OPSN. Follow him on Twitter @harryhoward54.
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