SF Giants mailbag: Could Blake Sabol overtake Joey Bart as primary catcher?
MAR 27, 2023
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Blake Sabol has been on fire this spring for the San Francisco Giants. The Rule 5 pick has forced his way onto the Giants' Opening Day roster, but injuries in the outfield to Mitch Haniger and Austin Slater have put Sabol into the outfield—for now. But what happens when Haniger and Slater return? Sabol was being evaluated as a catcher in camp, and the Giants likely wouldn't carry three catchers once Sabol is no longer in the outfield mix.
We know that Roberto Pérez will make the SF Giants' Opening Day roster. We don't know for sure whether the other catcher will be Joey Bart or Austin Wynns. It might seem like an obvious call, but don't rule out the possibility that Bart, who has been known to go through long stretches of strike out out in nearly half of his plate appearances, could be optioned to the minors. Even if he does make the Opening Day roster, if he struggles and Sabol hits well, it's not out of the question that Sabol could be given a chance to be the primary catcher. The question with Sabol is defense behind the plate, where he is thought to be quite raw.
Switching gears, several other mailbag questions are answered. Why does Gabe Kapler use power hitters in the leadoff spot? Is he just trying to be different? What is the Giants' schedule like this year? What's up with Hunter Bishop and does Mike Yastrzemski have minor league options? What is a realistic ceiling this season for the Giants in terms of wins?
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