Depth Charts 2022: 3b

Two Words: "Top" "Heavy"

Photo Credit: Richmond Flying Squirrels

This is the fifth of a series of depth charts, taking a comprehensive look at each position across the entire SF Giants’ organization. So far, we’ve looked at:

• Catcher

• First Base

• Second Base

• Shortstop

When February arrives, and players begin reporting to camp, Brandon Crawford will likely be the putative starting 3b, seeking to grab at least all of the left-handed platoon starts at the position. Below him, a tangle of talented hopefuls should be sharing early camp workouts at the spot.

J.D. Davis, acquired at the trade deadline last year, will be joining in his first Giants’ camp — he has played 3b more than any other position in the majors and fits there better than any other position. David Villar, last year’s MVP of the PCL, will be among the hopefuls to break camp, trying to play his way onto the active roster. Though he can play elsewhere, his best position is 3b. Casey Schmitt will likely be the recipient of a spring training invite, and will spend his time soaking up knowledge, trying to leave a positive impression on the coaching staff, and maybe picking himself up a Barney Nugent Award on the way out. His best position — and he’s one of the best at it — is 3b. Marco Luciano will, no doubt, also be reporting to camp — his third time with the big leaguers in the last three years. What if I told you that his best position, ultimately, might also be 3b? What to do?

Well, as recent podcast guest Eli Walsh said, these are good problems to have. And they aren’t problems that extend much further down the system, because the well runs a little bit dry once you start getting down into it — which is a weird way for a well to behave.

One of my personal favorite spots on the diamond, this is the position where players are expected to field like a shortstop and hit like a left-fielder. It’s a lot to ask of guys! No wonder it’s the position least represented in the Hall of Fame (though hopefully there will be one more Hot Corner representative in a few weeks). And for the Giants, it’s a current position of strength. There’s a lot of potential help at the top for a position that might represent the most current surplus value in the entire organization. If anyone’s looking to make a deal, this is spot to call the Giants about.

Roger Munter @rog61

When I say that Casey Schmitt is the best defensive player in the Giants' system, I'm talking about stuff like this!