Ehire Adrianza, right, works out with Brandon Crawford at Giants spring training. Adrianza is a prospect to watch this spring.
Now that Sergio Romo is under contract (2 years, $9 million), it’s time to get back on the field. Pitchers and catchers report to Scottsdale, Ariz. on Monday.
And for the first time in a long time, there is likely not to be a lot of drama around this year’s camp, with 22 of the 25 spots on the opening day roster basically already spoken for.
Barring any injuries or surprises, the Giants already know their opening day lineup:
- CF Angel Pagan
- 2B Marco Scutaro
- 3B Pablo Sandoval
- C Buster Posey
- RF Hunter Pence
- 1B Brandon Belt
- LF Gregor Blanco (Andres Torres vs. LHP)
- SS Brandon Crawford
And they know their starting rotation
- RH Matt Cain
- LH Madison Bumgarner
- RH Ryan Vogelsong
- RH Tim Lincecum
- LH Barry Zito
Six of their seven bullpen spots
- RH Sergio Romo
- RH Santiago Casilla
- RH George Kontos
- LH Jeremy Affeldt
- LH Javier Lopez
- LH Jose Mijares
And three of the five bench spots.
- C Hector Sanchez
- IF Joaquin Arias
- OF Andres Torres
So that basically leaves one bullpen spot and two bench spots open. The leading contenders for the bullpen spot are Jean Machi, Dan Otero, Dan Runzler, Ramon Ramirez, Chad Gaudin and Scott Proctor. And the leading contenders for the bench spots are Tony Abreu, Nick Noonan, Kensuke Tanaka, Brett Pill, Francisco Peguero and Roger Kieschnick.
The only other drama will come from the Giants sending nine players who are expected to be on their 25-man roster to the World Baseball Classic, including six pitchers and five of the seven relievers who are expected to comprise the bullpen.
That’s why the Giants have invited so many pitchers to camp this year.
Here’s who will be in camp this spring (WBC participants marked with *).
Pitchers – Jeremy Affeldt*, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Santiago Casilla*, Jake Dunning, Edwin Escobar, Chris Heston, George Kontos, Tim Lincecum, Javier Lopez*, Jean Machi, Jose Mijares*, Dan Otero, Yusmeiro Petit, Sergio Romo*, Sandy Rosario, Dan Runzler, Eric Surkamp (injured), Ryan Vogelsong*, Barry Zito. Non-roster invitees: Brett Bochy, Boof Bonser, Fabio Castillo, Edward Concepcion, Steve Edlefsen, Justin Fitzgerald, Chad Gaudin, Heath Hembree, Mitch Lively, Shane Loux, Josh Osich, Scott Proctor, Ramon Ramirez, Ryan Sadowski, Michael Kickham, Mason Tobin, Jose Valdez.
Catchers – Buster Posey, Hector Sanchez. Non-roster invitees: Tyler LaTorre, Johnny Monell, Guillermo Quiroz, Andrew Susac, Jackson Williams.
Infielders – Tony Abreu, Ehire Adrianza, Joaquin Arias, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Conor Gillaspie, Nick Noonan, Brett Pill, Pablo Sandoval*, Marco Scutaro*. Non-roster invitees: Brock Bond, Adam Duvall, Ricky Oropesa, Joe Panik, Kensuke Tanaka, Wilson Valdez.
Outfielders – Gregor Blanco, Roger Kieschnick, Angel Pagan*, Francisco Peguero, Hunter Pence, Juan Perez, Andres Torres. Non-roster invitees: Gary Brown, Cole Gillespie.
