The waters are murky regarding what the future holds for the Giants in 2018, especially when it involves third base.
With first baseman Brandon Belt out indefinitely with concussion symptoms, Bruce Bochy has been able to showcase two possible candidates for the every day lineup — one an old friend and the other a new one.
Since being called up in late July, Pablo Sandoval has shown a general case of skill, albeit with some rust. In nine games, he’s batting just .212 with two doubles, one home run and one RBI. However, Bochy has remarked that the chemistry Sandoval has brought to the team is one of his most valuable assets, adding that Sandoval seems to spark the clubhouse whenever he’s around.
Ryder Jones, back from an injury that interrupted his less-than-stellar debut, is only batting .190, but over the last week has begun to show some steady power. In his last seven games, Jones is hitting .364 and continues to demonstrate his versatility by playing third, first or even the corner outfield positions. Should he prove to the Giants that he belongs on the team, he may very well be slated to play third if Sandoval doesn’t perform up to par.
So, who should the Giants elect to side with when the time comes? Mike Krukow joined The Murph and Mac Show on KNBR Wednesday and he discussed the Giants’ third base situation should Jones fit there.
“I’d give him (Jones) some reps, I’d give him some at-bats, because he could be the guy that could be huge,” Krukow said. “From what I’m starting to see, he’s getting to the comfort zone. He’s starting to think right.”
“I’m happy to a degree with what I’m seeing from Pablo, but I’m not totally convinced, both with the glove or with the bat,” Krukow added. “It’d be a great story but I think there’s open competition between those two guys right here. We still haven’t seen Arroyo, I mean I don’t know where you’re going to put him — he’s still young enough to get sent back to the minor leagues for a while. But Jones looks to me physically like he’s ready to go. He’s strong enough for a whole big league season. If he can convince the Giants the rest of the way that he can hit that inside pitch, I think you have to seriously consider him.”
Listen to the full podcast below. To hear Krukow on Jones and Sandoval, skip to 9:18