Pat Burrell leads race for San Francisco Giants’ left field position
The San Francisco Giants have a lot to contend with and they will need to produce some of last year's brilliant form if they are to create the same excitment in the league in 2011.
The left outfield position however, is very important to the club, but there are five players competing for the spot. Manager Bruce Bochy has been careful to decide who goes there on the opening day. Bochy said, "These aren't going to be easy decisions,
believe me. They always tell you that's a good problem."
The club’s left field position ranked fifth in the National League during the 2010 campaign. The problem the club face this season is to decide who goes into the vacant position since none of the players have a significant edge over the others in terms of
contribution and diversity. The team has options in players like Pat Burrell, Aubrey Huff, Brandon Belt, Mark DeRosa and Nate Schierholtz.
DeRosa was last year’s opening day left fielder however, his wrist surgery took him out of the equation. Belt is a rookie who can fit into the position if his performance in spring training puts him in the limelight. Shierholtz has a knack for playing well
in the right field position. His 1,531 Major League appearances make him an experienced player. Huff is someone who the team can’t go on without and his inclusion will add to the club’s hitting potential.
However, Burrell is the leading candidate given the record he had with the club last year. The player was the regular left fielder last season. Bochy can however, fit in Andres Torre to the left field from the right, if the decision needs to be made.
Bochy is allowing the players to prove their mettle in the Cactus League exhibitions as there are various options lined up. Burrell, nevertheless, statistically holds the advantage. With 51 RBIs (runs Batted In), 18 homers and an on base plus slugging percentage
of .873 from 96 games in 2010, Pat is favourite to land the position on the left field.
Burrell told reporters, "I'm going to push it, just like I did when I got here in June. There's no guarantees. I'm thrilled just to be back. Do I want to play? Of course. That's why you sign up. But I understand the situation. (Bochy) has some tough decisions
to make."
It will be interesting to see who Bochy picks this spring. The pundits are favouring Burrell. However, keeping an open-mind is something the manager has talked about repeatedly in the past.
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