SAN FRANCISCO — If there’s one factor the Giants don’t want, it’s one other first baseman.
There’s Brandon Belt, after all. Wilmer Flores is subsequent on the depth chart. Then LaMonte Wade Jr. and Tommy La Stella. Heck, the Giants subtracted one first baseman on the commerce deadline — Darin Ruf — and changed him with one other, J.D. Davis.
“We’re fairly deep at first base,” acknowledged supervisor Gabe Kapler.
Add one other title to the record: Joc Pederson.
Huh?
If the Giants are so deep at first, why, then, has Pederson frolicked earlier than every of the previous two video games going by way of work on the place? Pederson has performed 21 video games there in his major-league profession, most just lately logging a single inning final season for the Cubs, however has primarily been a left fielder and designated hitter for the Giants.
“I wouldn’t learn an excessive amount of into it,” Kapler stated. “It’s simply one other method for Joc to remain athletic and prepared for any scenario. … He’s simply going on the market to get some reps. I don’t assume it’s resulting in something. I don’t assume there’s any grasp plan with it. It’s not going to harm him.”
Joc Pederson been doing work at first base previous couple days, however #SFGiants Gabe Kapler says, “I wouldn’t learn an excessive amount of into it.” pic.twitter.com/jE16MJlaSp
— Evan Webeck (@EvanWebeck) August 17, 2022
For a scenario that isn’t main wherever, although, Kapler appeared notably invested.
Sporting a primary baseman’s mitt, Pederson first did glove work utilizing bench coach Kai Correa’s little pink pitching machine tossing him floor balls in foul territory. Then he moved to first base, the place Correa, who can also be the Giants’ main infield teacher, went over footwork whereas protecting the bag and fed him throws.
When he was completed assembly with reporters within the Giants dugout, Kapler caught Correa and requested, “How’s Joc?” Correa responded with a thumbs up. Kapler, who most days spends time along with his personal first baseman’s mitt in the course of the Giants’ infield drills, positioned himself behind Pederson and watched him for the rest of his work.
“It’s just like how Curt Casali used to consider it,” Kapler stated, referencing the previous catcher the Giants dealt to Seattle on the commerce deadline. “Like, the place am I on the depth chart at first base? Like, fifth or sixth, OK cool, I’ll simply get some reps over there. … I feel it’s partially playful. It’s not a nasty factor for him to have that means.”
Pederson, a pending free agent, may view it as a solution to increase his versatility and make himself a extra enticing possibility on the open market as his perceived worth dips alongside along with his manufacturing on the plate. Pederson hasn’t homered since June 25 and is batting .192/.281/.282 because the begin of July.
Driving the second-longest homerless stretch of his profession, Pederson has already modified his walk-up music and ordered a brand new cargo of bats to attempt to escape of his funk. Possibly switching up his pregame routine will help, too.
On the subject of potential first baseman making an attempt out completely different positions, Kapler stated the Giants are dedicated to getting Yermín Mercedes extra seems to be at catcher whereas he's in Triple-A. Mercedes hasn’t appeared at catcher since being demoted earlier this month however Kapler stated the plan is to get Mercedes behind the plate a couple of times per week.