In defense of Angel Pagan

Sometimes a quick run through the Twitter-verse is helpful when you’re looking for a subject other than “Jake Peavy stunk … again.” A recent scan game up with a link to this little gem, which seems even more relevant given the events of the last couple of days.

Among his grab bag of comments KNBR’s Larry Krueger, Felipe Alou’s favorite radio personality, advocated sending Angel Pagan to the bench in favor of Mac Williamson. Our take: bad idea.

'Easy Listening' with Felipe Alou (If only this Michael-Angel-O, that would be great)

Krueger has sound reasoning, citing the Giants need for power. But he also sells the team short when he talks about the battle for playoff spots, and that’s where we differ.

As noted previously, the National League isn’t all that. There are a handful of elite teams, a couple of question marks, and a lot of teams that have already booked fishing trips and excursions to Cabo starting October 3^rd. Realistically it’s six teams for five spots, so what the Giants really need to focus on it not sucking.

Angel Pagan doesn’t suck.

Nothing against Williamson; he continued to rake on Thursday as the Giants overcame Peavy’s ineffectiveness to thump the Padres 8-4. Williamson, fast becoming a cause celeb, had a hit in three at-bats, driving in a pair while raising his Cactus League average to .316.

Williamson wasn’t the only guy to ding the Friars. OF Jarrett Parker slammed his third round-tripper of the spring and catcher Trevor Brown had a single and three RBIs. Yes, this is the time of year hitters are ahead of pitchers, but the youngsters are looking good.

Which bring us full circle. Pagan isn’t one of the kids anymore and the Giants have made it clear he doesn’t figure into the long-term plan. While the fan base clamored for a big free agent to take over left field, the Giants instead brought in Denard Span on a three-year deal with the expressed intent of taking Pagan’s spot. The plan was, and is, move Pagan to left for the final year of his deal and then address that spot later.

Pagan: firey but fragile

There’s no reason to change the plan. Williamson, Parker and even journeyman Gorkys “Remember when my name was Justin Maxwell?” Hernandez are making an argument for spots on the roster. But Pagan, in pre-planned limited action, is 7-for-14 with two walks, three RBI and a couple of doubles; not exactly the type of performance that warrants getting Wally Pipped. Besides, this is a spot where the Giants have to hedge their bet.

Pagan my not be a true left fielder, but neither Williamson or Parker are barely outfielders. Both have taken route to fly-balls that, if charted by advanced stats, like like a cross between an alarming EKG and the flight path of a nearsighted bumblebee.  For all his faults, the 34-year-old Pagan still covers ground. More importantly, he can make the move to center again if needed. Watching Span face plant and come up dinged on his first fly ball makes that an important attribute. 

Pagan is similarly fragile, so maybe this is the season where you have to put two guys together to make a whole. Plus, if either does break down, the question of whether a newbie gets playing time takes care of itself.

Larry Kruger's favorite player

Krueger is right, the Giants could use some extra power in the line-up and Pagan isn’t the guy to provide it. But he’s also not likely to hit in a power spot.  Span is the lead-off guy and Joe Panik’s high-contact swing seems a perfect fit for number two.  Some combination of Hunter Pence, Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Matt Duffy will likely occupy the middle of the order. What it really comes down to is in which order Pagan and Crawford fill the seven and eight slots. Power would be nice, but not required.

Larry, Pagan is certainly past his prime but he’s not some brain-dead Caribbe … well, you know. He’s got a role to play, at least for 2016. Worse, the comment that they should find a way to “get rid of” Pagan is foolhardy. In case you forgot, Span made three extended trips to the DL last year. Durability is a question, and the Giants don’t want to be backed into a corner where Gregor Blanco, their most versatile reserve, is pressed into everyday service with only some unknown in Sacramento as insurance.

Williamson, Parker or Hernandez is going to earn that fifth outfield spot, and our money is on Williamson although it would be glorious if the team could find a way to keep two. If the Giants get a call from Michael Corleone and are made an offer they can’t refuse, that changes the calculus, but so far no one has mentioned the phone ringing.

Pagan is almost certainly gone after this year, but right now he solves too many problems to just kick to the curb.

Notes:

- Peavy once again looked absolutely awful, allowing eight hit and three runs (two earned) over four innings. That’s not a huge surprise, he’s a notoriously slow starter but the Giants proved last year you can get buried in April and May. Over four spring outings he’s posted an ERA of 8.53.

- The Giants do expect to get some pitching help. Matt Cain is expected to take the hill for the first time today, and Madison Bumgarner will return after missing his last scheduled start due to rib and foot ailments.  Johnny Cueto reportedly felt no lingering effects from taking Billy Burns’ line drive off the noggin and will report to Indian Hill School for additional fielding practice.

- We’ll beat this drum until someone listens. Trevor Brown should be in the Major Leagues. He’s batting .400 (5-for-20) while driving in seven runs and performing well behind the plate. The 24-year-old is pushing presumed back-up catcher Andrew Susac (.217 spring average) hard enough that you gotta wonder if it’s time to deal. It’s unlikely the Giants would carry three backstops and Susac was reportedly coveted by others. The Giants could take the easy way out and Stash brown in Sacramento, but that’s pointless if they can fill a need with something proven for a guy who might catch 50 games. If all you’re doing is stockpiling another Kurt Ainsworth, what’s the point?