Tanaka and Bond

I told you we'd come back to these two utility infielders. They're both currently listed as non-roster invitees, so they're unlikely to make the Opening Day roster (although, I wouldn't rule out Kensuke Tanaka completely). They are, however, likely to start the season in the AAA Fresno and join San Francisco at some point during the season if anyone is injured.

1. Kensuke Tanaka. The 31-year-old second basmen, who was invited to the Giants spring training this year after 13 years with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan has definitely struggled so far. In 16 games, he's hitting just .231 with an OBP of .286. He has no homeruns, one double, just one RBI. He also has only three walks and five strikeouts. The best thing that Tanaka has going for him so far is that he has played every infield position for the Giants, beside 1B. The bad part of Tanaka is the caliber of the defense. He's committed seven errors at the various positions (three at SS, three at 2B, and one at 3B). And today he bounced a throw to 1B from shortstop, showing that his arm is a little weak from the left side of the infield. For a team that focuses so much on pitching and defense, having a late-inning replacement that provides questionable defense doesn't make much sense. He did win three Gold Gloves in Japan and is trying to transition from playing on mostly turf (in Japan) to dirt and grass (in US), which could provide a reasoning for why he's struggled so much this spring. Even after a tough day today, Bochy reiterated the team's support for Tanaka.

"We've thrown alot at him. We thought, with as much as we're moving him around, that we'd probably see some errors that would come with the chance in position."

Even so, seven errors in 16 games is frightening for a team that's built on pitching, defense, and playing small ball. A back-up utility infielder that doesn't have great range doesn't make much sense, so unless his defense rapidly improves, look for Tanaka to begun the season in Fresno.

(although, he is the player who Sabean brought to camp, so even if he continues to struggle, he's Sabean's guy, so he's still got a 50/50 shot at making the 25-man roster)

2. Brock Bond. Maybe I just really like Bond because of his whole "being accidentally picked by the Giants in the draft" thing, but I'm rooting for him to make an appearance in the Big Leagues this season. He does have some impressive numbers to back up my admiration. He's batting .412 in 17 at-bats this spring with two HRs and four RBIs. He also has an impressive .412 OBP. He's only got one double, which isn't proof of much speed, but I did get to see him attempt to beat out an infield single this past weekend. In my humble opinion, he beat it out, and his hustle was admirable. So far defensively, he's shown an apitude for perfection, committing zero errors in 34 chances. The biggest concern about the 28-year-old is the same as Tanaka - the strength of his arm. He's played mostly 2B, with only one game at 3B, so we're not exactly sure of how strong his arm is from the left side of the infield, but he's had a couple of weak throws from just second, which doesn't bode well for third. But the Giants roving Minor League hitter instructor Steve Decker believes that Bond has an indefinable quality that could help his case.

"The one word that comes up with Brock is 'gamer.' He's not a guy who wows the scouts by running 4.1 down the line or with extra power or a plus arm. He's just a guy who basically does everything in his will to beat the other team. Those are the guys you root for."

Both Tanaka and Bond have been praised for their great attitudes and their willingness to play wherever they're need.

Decker is right. Those are the guys you root for. And I hope I get the chance to root for them in a San Francisco uniform this season.