At the beginning of the 2017 season, only the most die hard San Francisco Giants fans were familiar with the name Chris Shaw. Now after making it to AAA Sacramento in just under two seasons, Shaw is one of the most discussed prospects in the Giants farm system.
Just one season removed from hitting 21 bombs in 132 games, Shaw is hitting .289 with an .847 OPS this season and nine of his 15 home runs have come since his promotion to the River Cats. Despite the hype about his power, Shaw doesn’t view himself as a classic slugger.
“Personally, I don’t necessarily think of myself as a power over hits guy,” Shaw said on the latest edition of the KNBR Minor League Podcast. “I’ve always thought that if I’m hitting consistently well, power is just gonna come as a byproduct of good at bats… I like to swing the bat… if I need to take a walk, I’ll take a walk, but I’m going up there with the intention of getting something to hit. So if I get it, I’m pulling the trigger.”
Having an aggressive, middle of the order power threat would be great news for a Giants team that ranks last in all of baseball in home runs and slugging percentage. In addition, the fact that he’s made the transition back to the outfield, where he played in college, makes his success even more exciting for a team in desperate need of young outfield talent.
“I think it’s a little different playing the outfield in pro ball versus in college,” Shaw said of becoming an everyday left fielder after starting his pro career at 1st base. “We pretty much pitch the same to most guys (in college) so you kinda get an idea of where, if a guy’s gonna be putting the ball in the outfield, where it’s gonna be… Here it’s a little different. You gotta read swings, you gotta adjust on the fly (depending on) the count, outs, the way the wind’s playing… but having played in college, I definitely feel comfortable out there.”
For more from Chris Shaw and to hear his thoughts on hitting in the pitcher-friendly confines of AT&T Park one day, check out this week’s edition of the KNBR Minor League Podcast.