Brandon Crawford's underrated defense

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Great to see Brandon Crawford get some good press.

Some guys fly under the radar. Here are five weapons to watch on potential playoff teams:

1. Brandon Crawford's defense. I know, I get it. Maybe you live on the East Coast. You don't watch much baseball from the left side of the country. So maybe you were surprised watching the Giants in the postseason and seeing Crawford's D, especially his cannon of an arm. Crawford ranked third among NL shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved at plus-12 and it's going to be fun watching him and Atlanta's Andrelton Simmons compete for Gold Gloves in upcoming years.

SOURCE

[KHenry14]

For Giants fans, that subject is "well duh"! Kid is going to rank with some of the all time greats defensively IMO.

But it's true, he's really underappreciated.

[9RoyHobbsRF]

One of their biggest mistakes in 2011 was to trade for another SS who was a much worse fielder than Crawford
up unti june 24 the Giants were 8 games over .500
after june 24 (cabrera's first game) they were 2 games over .500
net ten games over .500
they finished 8 games back

[Ben Grimm]

It's nice to see guys get positive press for something like fielding which can be underappreciated. But, I really think Crawford needs to hit to make it as a starter. We have a player (Freddy Galvis) here in Philly who's amazing with the leather, but projects as a hitter like Crawford and Brendan Ryan of the Mariners. There's no way I see him as a future starter - just a one-dimensional utility infielder. I think if Panik (is that his name) keeps up his offense and ability to get on base in AA this year, Brandon will be looking over his shoulder very soon.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Joe Panik is a second baseman, though.

[Ben Grimm]

Are you sure about that? From what I recall, he's been an everyday SS since he was signed.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Are you sure about that? From what I recall, he's been an everyday SS since he was signed.

Apparently, I had a brain fart. Panik is indeed a shortstop. I hope Panik has a great 2013 season at AA Richmond.

[KHenry14]

Are you sure about that? From what I recall, he's been an everyday SS since he was signed.

Not so fast..... Joe played 2B in the AFL and the team is continuing to have him work there. Whether that's because the team is sold on Crawford at SS or because they think Joe is better suited at 2B remains to be seen. Here's more info on this: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/v...878828&c_id=sf The specifics are at the 2:00 minute mark

Personally I think Crawford is going to hit enough to keep his job, which will allow Joe to concentrate on 2B. But with that said, I don't see Joe becoming a full time Giant till the 2015 season at the earliest.

[Ben Grimm]

Not so fast..... Joe played 2B in the AFL and the team is continuing to have him work there. Whether that's because the team is sold on Crawford at SS or because they think Joe is better suited at 2B remains to be seen. Here's more info on this: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/v...878828&c_id=sf The specifics are at the 2:00 minute mark

Personally I think Crawford is going to hit enough to keep his job, which will allow Joe to concentrate on 2B. But with that said, I don't see Joe becoming a full time Giant till the 2015 season at the earliest.

Thanks for that. And it probably would be a good idea since many profile him as a future 2B. But after looking thru the game logs, Panik played in 20 games in the AFL - all at shortstop.

He did struggle with the bat, hitting only 2 extra base hits. But he did have more BBs than Ks which can be a good sign. He should be in AA this year, and if he bat continues to grow, he may be fasttracked to AAA. I don't think he'll be up (though possibly in September) in '13, but if he keeps heading in the right direction, I wouldn't at all be surprised to see him opening day of '14.

[KHenry14]

Beat writers are saying Panik is going to play 2b in camp. We will see if that happens when he gets to the minors.