The two biggest free-agent signings for the Giants, slugger Jorge Soler and center fielder Jung Hoo Lee, were conspicuously absent.
Lee is “a day or two away” from making his debut, Melvin said, referring to the slight problem as a sore side from swinging in the cage.
Melvin joked when he acquired Soler that he would be “bubble wrapped” to make sure he leaves camp in good health, and he reiterated this on Friday. Melvin stated that Soler would likely start as a designated hitter for the first time in the lineup on Monday against the Angels.
Austin Slater, whose delayed recuperation from elbow surgery in the offseason keeps him from playing, will bat first and double as the designated hitter in the opening game. The next six places are all occupied by veterans who should be regulars in the regular season.
Three elite prospects vying for slots on the Opening Day roster make up the bottom third of the order.
Melvin stated that they aim to “seize” the starting shortstop position in spring, and Marco Luciano will bat eighth as he starts his quest to become Brandon Crawford’s replacement. The 22-year-old infielder is surrounded by Luis Matos, who completes the order at center field, and Heliot Ramos, who bats seventh and plays right field.
The 24-year-old Ramos has been the “star” of live batting practice against the Giants’ pitchers, according to Melvin. He frequently tanks balls past the outfield wall, including the first pitch Jordan Hicks threw to a batter during camp. Slater, a former first-round draft pick, should receive close attention from the new coaching staff as he and Mike Yastrzemski (shoulder) recover from their respective injuries.
Melvin remarked, “It’s been impressive to witness.” I haven’t spent time with him, you see. Naturally, I took a close look at his body of work and professional trajectory, but if he has stepped in and made an effort to create an impression, he is off to a great start.
While this was going on, the 22-year-old Matos showed that he had heeded the club’s directive to bulk up during the offseason by appearing substantially more muscular beneath the new set of cornrows on his head. Melvin has noticed that he managed to get the better of him while he was in San Diego.
Melvin remarked, “He looks a little different.” “I don’t know him well enough to know if he’s committed to his current work in a different way, but he’s still a young man with a lot of prominence in this institution.” Despite his youth, I believe he believes that this is his moment. Whether it was the few times I saw him at Papago or now, there seems to be a seriousness about him this year.
