With the San Francisco Giants apparently shopping utility infield super-friends Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot, GM Brian Sabean and skipper Bruce Bochy are somewhat moving away from their veteran mindset, likely using more youngsters to fill in the diamond to start the season this year at least.
Neither Fontenot or Theriot have really established themselves as the primary backups at either second base or shortstop, showing decent defense and sub-par offense from the both of them. Theriot has batted an even .200 in 35 at bats this spring, while Fontenot owns a .269 clip in 26 at bats. Needless to say, the LSU duo isn't exactly showing a lot of value at the moment.
Bochy has stated his desire to use Brandon Crawford as the starting shortstop, and with Freddy Sanchez likely starting the season on the DL, Emmanuel Burriss is in line to get the most game time at second base at the moment. Burriss' .436 average in 39 at bats is amongst the best on the team this spring, while adding another speedster to the line as well. Burriss has five stolen bags in eight attempts in Cactus League play this year.
Without guaranteed contracts from the Giants, the team could drop them by March 29 and only have to pay one-fourth of their salaries. Theriot is set to make $1.25 million this year, while Fontenot $1.05 million, which is a good chunk of change to be used elsewhere.
The Phillies apparently are wanting some utility infielders, maybe the Giants can make a package deal for both of them for a year's supply of cheesesteaks or something.
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