1

SF Giants Press Clips

Friday, March 10, 2017

San Francisco Chronicle

Giants’ oldsters, such as Mike Morse, struggling

Henry Schulman

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Mike Morse, who has not hit well in his bid to make the team after nearly

a year out of ball, walked through the Giants’ clubhouse with a huge grin Wednesday after he

golfed a fastball over the left-field fence for a two-run homer against Puerto Rico.

As he headed for the training room, he raised his fist and said, “Staying alive another week!”

Morse is one of an unusual number of older players who were invited to camp and must be

wondering about their future and whether they are showing enough. They are accustomed to

spring training as a vehicle to prepare for the season and work on specific aspects of their

games, not to compete for a job.

Morse was 3-for-14 going into Wednesday’s game. Fellow outfielder Justin Ruggiano was 1-for-

15. Infielder Jimmy Rollins was 2-for-14 and catcher Tim Federowicz 0-for-8.

Infielder Gordon Beckham had done a bit better at 4-for-13. Aaron Hill has played the best of

this group, showing versatility around the infield and hitting a lot of balls hard in a 5-for-15

Cactus League.

“A lot of us are in the same situation, and I think it’s a new situation for all of us,” Morse said.

“We’re fighting every day for a chance to break camp with these guys. It’s a different feel. It’s

tough. I have a better appreciation for guys who come in this way and have to fight every day.”

2

Morse and Hill talked about that after they watched videos of their first at-bats Wednesday.

“We’re acting like this is the middle of the season,” Morse said. “It’s spring training. It’s amazing

how you’ve got to try to lock in as a minor-league invite.”

Time is on their side. The Giants still have 19 games to play in Arizona after Thursday’s off day.

Manager Bruce Bochy understands older players can take more time to clear the rust, and the

staff is far from any decisions. Moreover, Bochy does not look at numbers alone.

“These guys on the outside looking in are throwing out some good at-bats, making it tough,” he

said.

Some of the oldsters look good in other aspects of the game. Rollins does not look 38 when he

plays short and second base, and Morse looks a lot younger than 34 when he runs.

Morse came to camp almost as a lark. Even while competing for his baseball future, he said he

feels no pressure because he thought he would be on his sofa now, anyway.

“I wish I could have played my whole career like this,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s a win-

win. They could still come to me and say, ‘Hey, Mike, you did great, but we still don’t have room

for you. We didn’t expect you to do good.’”

Morse said he would respond, “Thank you for the opportunity. I’m happy for what you’ve got

here, and I’ll be watching.”

Bumgarner at bat: Madison Bumgarner makes his fourth spring start Friday against Cleveland.

Soon, the pitchers will bat for themselves. The Giants and all the teams they have played have

used designated hitters.

Bumgarner will tell you he needs the practice despite being one the best-hitting pitchers in the

league. He has 14 career homers, three last season and 12 over the past three years. Twice he

has taken Clayton Kershaw deep.

But in one way, Bumgarner had a down year at the plate in 2016. He hit .186, compared with

.247 in 2015 and .258 the year before.

3

“I feel like I got a decent amount of hits last year, but I had a lot more opportunities,”

Bumgarner said. He had 16 hits in a career-high 97 plate appearances.

“I feel if we can keep our averages up in the .200s, we’re doing our part as pitchers,” he said.

Bumgarner is getting pitched tougher, seeing a lot more breaking pitches, and “it’s pretty dang

tough (as opposed to) when they’re throwing just fastballs.”

Friday’s game: Cleveland at Giants, 12:05 p.m.

San Francisco Chronicle

Ex-Giants outfielder Angel pagan seeks ‘respect’ of big-league offer

Henry Schulman

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As former Giants outfielder Angel Pagan hit free agency, several teams

offered him minor-league contracts. In this winter’s market, a 35-year-old, oft-injured

outfielder could not expect much more.

Pagan’s answer to those teams, reportedly including the Orioles, Nationals and Braves, has

been “no, no and no.”

After 11 seasons in the majors, Pagan is holding out for a big-league job.

“I’ve been offered some deals,” Pagan said Wednesday before the Giants beat Puerto Rico’s

World Baseball Classic team 6-5 on Chris Marrero’s two-run, walk-off homer. Pagan led off and

went 2-for-4.

“I’m a winning player. I’m healthy. You’ll see it in the baseball classic. I just want to earn the

respect that I deserve. That’s all.”

Pagan gets to show his wares at the WBC, starting Friday, when Puerto Rico faces Venezuela in

Jalisco, Mexico. Pagan said he is not looking at this as a personal showcase.

4

“This tournament is important for my country,” he said. “This tournament is not important for

me. My country is facing a crisis financially. Some things are going on. It’s our responsibility to

go out there and bring them joy somehow. That’s my main goal right now, to go out there, have

fun with my teammates and bring the best glory possible to my country.”

Pagan was with the Giants from 2012 through ’16. Injuries marred his tenure and ended his

2016 season prematurely.

He played in the first three games of the Division Series against the Cubs, but his back locked

up. As the Giants played their final game of the season, at AT&T Park, Pagan was home in bed.

He said he was sedated and injected and told to stay home by head athletic trainer Dave

Groeschner. Pagan said he started driving to the ballpark during the eighth inning for a possible

flight to Chicago for Game 5, in which he expected to play.

“I believe I helped the Giants get to the postseason,” he said. “I made a major contribution, and

I’m going to try to bring that to any employer on any team.”

The Giants did not offer Pagan a minor-league deal.

“They turned the page,” he said. “I guess they wanted to face a different direction, and I

respect that, and I thank them for the opportunity.”

Puerto Rico was playing the first of two practice games ahead of its WBC opener Friday against

Venezuela, providing the Giants and 8,010 fans a change of pace from the normal Cactus

League fare. During batting practice, Pagan chatted with manager Bruce Bochy and a few

former teammates .

“He looked good,” Bochy said. “He looks healthy. I thought he got some good swings off.”

Ticket-holders saw a dream defensive middle infield of shortstop Francisco Lindor and second

baseman Javier Baez, who turned a difficult double play on a ball hit by Trevor Brown. Carlos

Correa, no defensive slouch, either, played third base and speared a Hunter Pence liner.

5

Yadier Molina caught and Carlos Beltran was the designated hitter.

“They brought some boys. They should be a good team,” Jeff Samardzija said after he allowed

one run in 32/3 innings.

Samardzija joked he was glad to see someone other than the A’s, whom he faced twice in his

first three starts, and liked gauging his work at this stage against talented, game-ready hitters.

“It kind of tests yourself because it’s so many different guys from different teams,” he said. “It’s

a good squad. Anytime you’re throw Beltran in the middle of the lineup and Lindor and those

guys, it’s going to be a tough day.”

San Francisco Chronicle

Giants’ Johnny Cueto reaches 65 pitches in tuneup for games

Henry Schulman

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants second baseman Joe Panik leaned against a chain-link fence on the

back field at Scottsdale Stadium. He saw Johnny Cueto throw a changeup that had Miguel

Gomez flailing, followed by a fastball at the knees, inside corner.

“I’ve seen enough,” Panik said as he turned away and headed for lunch.

Apparently, nobody needed to worry about Cueto during his long absence from camp. He threw

65 pitches without a break to four prospects, a lot for a first live batting practice, and declared

himself ready to make his Cactus League debut Saturday.

“I threw all my pitches,” he said. “I think I have the control of all of them the way I want to. I

feel really good.”

Cueto wasted no time being Cueto. His second pitch was a quick pitch to Gomez. Cueto also

shimmied.

“He was on the corners the whole time,” said outfielder Wynton Bernard, who also faced

6

Cueto. “I enjoyed it, but can you throw one or two down the middle?”

Cueto threw three live batting practices at the Giants’ academy in the Dominican as he tended

to his father, Domingo, who was recovering from what the pitcher called a “pre-stroke.”

His father’s health will be one factor in whether Cueto pitches in the later rounds of the World

Baseball Classic. He said he wants to see how he feels after pitching in two Cactus League

games before deciding.

Given the WBC schedule, if Cueto does pitch twice in Arizona, he likely would not be available

for the Dominican team until the tournament semis in Los Angeles on March 20.

Walk-off king: Onetime Washington National Chris Marrero is making an impression in Giants

camp. Game-ending homers will do that for a player.

Marrero hit his second of the spring Wednesday, a two-run opposite-field shot against Puerto

Rico’s Emilio Pagan that turned a 5-4 deficit into a 6-5 victory. Pagan is a Seattle farmhand.

Marrero, 28, is part of a crowded group of nonroster invitees competing for a bench spot. Even

to be considered, he will have to show he can play left field, but he has had only six innings

there.

Bochy wants to find innings for Marrero in left, which is easier said than done when Mac

Williamson and Jarrett Parker are competing for a job there.

Marrero “has a great swing,” Bochy said. “I think he likes Arizona. We’re excited to have him.

He’s a threat. That’s what you love about him. Even with two strikes, he’s still got a good

swing.”

Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

Giants 6, Puerto Rico 5

Notable: Chris Marrero hit his fourth homer of the spring, and second walk-off, after the Giants

entered the ninth down 5-4. Kyle Blanks was aboard with a walk. … Michael Morse, struggling

to hit throughout his comeback attempt, hit a two-run homer after Hunter Pence tripled. … Jeff

Samardzija hit three batters and had multiple base runners in three of the four innings in which

he pitched, but he allowed only one run on a Reymond Fuentes suicide squeeze with Javier

7

Baez scoring. ... The Giants have the first of consecutive Thursdays off. They resume play

against Cleveland on Friday.

Quotable: “I’m up. Let me go hit a homer.”

— Morse, to a reporter in the clubhouse, before returning to the field and doing exactly that.

Thursday: Off

San Jose Mercury News

Sizing up Giants’ roster decisions at the midpoint of spring training

Andrew Baggarly

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Michael Morse trudged through the clubhouse in the sixth inning on

Wednesday, the smears of eye black only partially concealing the oddly bemused irritation on

his face.

“I’m barely missing,” he said. “Just let me go hit a homer.”

The stats aren’t supposed to count in spring training exhibition games. And they truly don’t, if

you are Buster Posey or Madison Bumgarner or Brandon Crawford. You’re just there to get your

work in.

But that luxury doesn’t exist for most. The day arrives for every veteran player in this game who

tries to soak up every last moment: the guaranteed contract offers disappear, and you’re left to

prove yourself in someone’s camp as a non-roster invitee. Morse knows that the Giants will

grant him no favors, even if he drove in the winning run for them in Game 7 of the 2014 World

Series.

So he affixed his helmet, walked back up the dugout stairs for his next at-bat as the designated

hitter – and put one over the fence.

“Yeah!” yelled Morse. “Get to survive another day.”

Morse is different because he is treating this spring as a fantasy camp of sorts. He said he

entered with no expectations, and if he doesn’t make the team, he’ll almost certainly announce

his retirement. He’s letting go and having fun.

The next couple weeks might not be fun for Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who has some

difficult decisions to make – many involving veteran players like Morse, Jimmy Rollins, Aaron

8

Hill, Gordon Beckham, David Hernandez and others. His team took a day off in the Cactus

League on Thursday, giving the front office and coaching staff a time to rest and reflect on what

they’ve seen.

Here is where some of the major roster battles stand at the midway point of the spring, but

with plenty more exhibition games to go:

–Fifth starter

Matt Cain has a 7.36 ERA in three starts and isn’t throwing the ball past many bats. But he’s

been around the plate, and has shown signs of better fastball command. His last outing was a

step in the right direction, Bochy said.

Meanwhile, Ty Blach has made three appearances backing up Cain and has a 1.35 ERA while

showing his usual affinity for throwing strikes. He has struck out five without walking a batter in

6 2/3 innings.

The ERA disparity already has some fans bemoaning the club’s continued loyalty with Cain, who

is in the final guaranteed year of his $112 million contract. Cain is expected to open the season

at the back end of the rotation as long as he gets out of the spring uninjured. So the bigger

question for now could be whether Blach begins as a Triple-A starter or a major league bullpen

piece.

The biggest tell thus far: Blach relieved Cain in the middle of the fourth inning on Monday.

Bochy acknowledged that long relief could be Blach’s role, either to start the season or as a call-

up when the club faced an innings deficit.

–Left field

The job is Jarrett Parker’s to lose, since he’s out of minor league options and Mac Williamson

can be sent to Triple-A Sacramento without being exposed to waivers.

In the early going, both power-hitting outfielders have performed well. Williamson is batting

.286/.375/.571 with a pair of home runs in 21 at-bats. Parker is batting .222/.417/.611 and also

has two home rusn in 18 at-bats. Williamson also made one nice diving catch near the left field

like in Goodyear.

Parker might be making a bit more of an impression, because he’s laying off two-strike pitches,

working deep counts and controlling the strike zone – continuing the strides he made last

season.

Although Parker doesn’t have to overwhelm to win the starting job, the more he impresses

9

against left-handers this spring, the more playing time he might secure for himself. That’s

because the Giants will have plenty of right-handed bench candidates to who could step in to

platoon with him.

–Bullpen

When camp opened, it appeared the Giants had one roster spot and maybe three or four

candidates for it. The competition is turning out to be much thicker than that.

Non-roster invitees Neil Ramirez and Jose Dominguez have combined to allow two hits, no

walks and strike out nine in 7 1/3 innings while throwing gas. Hernandez, who signed the day of

the club’s first workout Feb. 14, was pitching well before his last outing Wednesday.

There is competition within the competition, too, as Bochy tries to sort out his setup roles in

front of new closer Mark Melancon. Right-hander Derek Law looks the best among those

candidates, throwing electric stuff over four scoreless innings.

The club hasn’t been able to evaluate left-hander Will Smith, whose elbow barked at him early

in camp. He has been throwing with no recurring pain and is expected to make his exhibition

debut within a few days.

Among the other lefties in camp, Steven Okert has done a better job thus far of staying in his

delivery and throwing strikes than Josh Okert. But Blach might turn out to be the most

attractive left-handed option.

–Bench

These will be the toughest decisions for Bochy to make since it will involve giving bad news to

several respected veterans, none of which have played their way out of consideration in the

early going.

Rollins has looked solid at second base, and he’ll get a chance to show he can play third as well.

His upbeat personality has been a treat to have in camp, and there’s no doubt many in the

organization are secretly hoping he’ll claim a spot. But he’ll need to get his bat going eventually.

He is batting .143 thus far.

Hill also is displaying athleticism on the bases and showing he can be a defensive asset at

second and third. He is batting .333 including a double off the center field wall. Beckham has hit

a rather soft .308 and might not have enough power to help fill out a bench that needs more

punch this season, but he’s a well-liked presence who will continue to get at-bats. Justin

Ruggiano held an edge when camp opened because he crushes lefties and can play all three

outfield spots. But he’s just 1 for 15 thus far.

10

The right-handed bench candidate who has made the most noise is a guy who hasn’t played in

the big leagues since 2013. Chris Marrero leads the Giants with four home runs, including two

walk-off shots – including one to beat Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic team on Wednesday.

Marrero is most certainly surviving another day.

San Jose Mercury News

Giants Notes

Andrew Baggarly

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Former Giant Angel Pagan still doesn’t have a contract for this season, but

he has a team.

Pagan played left field and went 2 for 4 as the leadoff batter as Puerto Rico tuned up for the

World Baseball Classic in a 6-5 exhibition loss to the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

Pagan told reporters that he has been offered minor league contracts, but “I just feel I don’t

need to be fighting for a job. … I’m a winning player. I’m healthy. You’ll see it in the baseball

classic. I just want to earn the respect that I deserve. That’s all.”

The Giants made no effort to re-sign Pagan to a contract, guaranteed or otherwise. The Braves

offered him a nibble, and the 35-year-old also has received interest from the Orioles and

Nationals.

“He looks good, he looks healthy,” said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who briefly chatted with

Pagan on the field. “He got some good swings off. He looks the same. I will say that Angel works

hard and he really takes care of himself.”

—

Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice: top five San Francisco Giants

Fox Sports

They completed a 6-4-3 double play against the Giants, with Baez making one of his athletic

jump throws while turning the pivot. Correa also reached around his body to snag a line drive

off Hunter Pence’s bat.

There was no defense for Chris Marrero, though. The 28-year-old non-roster invitee hit his

second walk-off home run of the spring, and his team-leading fourth homer overall. The two-

11

run homer gave the Giants a 6-5 victory.

“He’s a threat, and that’s what you love about him,” Bochy said of Marrero, who hasn’t

appeared in the majors since 2013 but is coming off a solid season for the Red Sox’s Triple-A

club. “Even with two strikes, he still got a good swing off.”

Marrero must keep swinging a hot bat to have a shot at making the club, though. He doesn’t

enter with incumbent status.

“Really, some of these guys on the outside looking in are getting some good swings off,” Bochy

said.

—

Michael Morse knows he has to perform to win a job, too. But he’s determined to derive

maximum enjoyment out of what he knows could be his last experience in a major league

clubhouse.

Morse was lamenting his lack of contact as he walked through the clubhouse during the game,

saying, “I just need to hit a homer.” In his next at-bat, he did – his first of the spring. Pence

preceded Morse’s shot with a triple.

Pence and Morse wore matching socks with orange stripes, and Morse had pulled his pant legs

above his knees to match his buddy. Afterwards, Morse came galloping through the clubhouse:

“Yay! I get to stay alive another week!”

—

Johnny Cueto delivered an encouraging performance on a back field, impressing coaches and

teammates while he three live batting practice for the first time in camp. Cueto built to 65

pitches and took just one short break. He even mixed in a shoulder shimmy.

Cueto, who arrived in Scottsdale 17 days late because he was directing the care of his ill father,

had thrown three live batting practice sessions at the Giants’ camp in the Dominican Republic.

But coaches looked forward to evaluating him in person.

The consensus: nothing to worry about here.

“He’s all business out there,” Bochy said. “He’s not only working in getting in shape, but he’s

working on his pitches and his delivery. When he throws one and it’s not right, you see his

reaction. We don’t have any concerns about Johnny.”

12

Cueto is set to make his Cactus League debut on Saturday. He hasn’t ruled out joining the

Dominican Republic roster for the later rounds of the World Baseball Classic, but it appears he

might only be available if the team advances to the final four March 20-22 at Dodger Stadium.

—

Eduardo Nuñez made his spring debut at third base and started a double play with no issues. He

has gotten past his shoulder soreness and should be unrestricted from this point forward,

Bochy said. Conor Gillaspie, who also backed off playing third base for a week because of arm

soreness, is improved and available as well. …. Jeff Samardzija hit three batters but showed

lively breaking stuff in 3 2/3 innings. He held Puerto Rico’s formidable lineup to a run despite

allowing eight baserunners (four hits and a walk). … Mark Melancon struck out three and

remained unscored upon in four outings this spring. Pagan had the only hit against him. … The

Giants are off on Thursday.

MLB.com

Glut of contenders for Giants’ final two roster spots

Chris Haft

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants potentially face some of their most difficult final roster cuts in

recent memory. The club's decision-makers seized upon Thursday's scheduled off-day to take a

break from the constant evaluation process that will resume Friday when San Francisco

entertains Cleveland in Cactus League play.

It's too early to declare a winner in the competition for the left-field vacancy. Educated guesses

can be hazarded that Jarrett Parker will secure the job. But Mac Williamson still has time to

assert himself further.

Contenders for bench roles include the Giants' glut of non-roster invitees who happen to be

respected Major League veterans -- Gordon Beckham, Aaron Hill, Jimmy Rollins, Michael

Morse and Justin Ruggiano. Don't forget Chris Marrero, who has hit a team-high four home

runs, and Korean infielder Jae-gyun Hwang, who possesses intriguing skills.

Kelby Tomlinson has proven he can handle a utility role, but the presence of multiple players

who fit the same profile is forcing him to scramble for a job.

Thus, if San Francisco opens the season with a 12-man pitching staff and with catcher Nick

Hundley, outfielder Gorkys Hernandez and third baseman Conor Gillaspie being virtually

assured of bench roles, once the eight regular position players are added, two roster spots

13

remain available for at least eight candidates.

Many of the aforementioned veterans are believed to have clauses in their contracts that will

enable them to leave the Giants and become free agents on or around March 28, the date of

San Francisco's final Arizona exhibition game, if they're not assured of being on the Opening

Day roster.

"I think a lot of us are in the same situation, and it's a new situation for pretty much all of us,"

Morse said. "We're fighting every day for a chance to break camp with these guys. It's a

different feel. It's tough, man. I have a better appreciation for the guys who come in like this.

You gotta fight every day in spring."

Here's a look at the position players who must fight the most:

<bbeckham< b="" style="text-size-adjust: none;"></bbeckham<>

Beckham

Why he'll make the team: Beckham can play second base, third base and shortstop. As a

former regular with the White Sox, he has the aptitude to perform off the bench.

Why he won't: Beckham is a .240 career hitter who has exceeded .250 in only three of eight big

league seasons. The Giants probably want reserves with more thump.

Hill

Why he'll make the team: Like Beckham, Hill has extensive experience playing around the

infield. However, he has a little more pop, sporting a .267 career batting average with 161

homers.

Why he won't: Hill would have to be unexpectedly and overwhelmingly outperformed. Right

now, that doesn't seem likely. His chances of being a Giant when they begin the season on April

2 are strong.

Hwang

Why he'll make the team: Hwang's power appears genuine and he's capable of making difficult

plays. Though he has room for improvement defensively, he seems to have the aptitude to

make the necessary adjustments.

Why he won't: As is the case with many teams, San Francisco values player inventory. They try

to avoid losing players to trade or free agency. Hwang, it's believed, would accept an

assignment to Triple-A Sacramento, where he could continue adapting to U.S. baseball.

14

Marrero

Why he'll make the team: Marrero could force his way onto the Opening Day squad if he

continues to clear the fences regularly. Even many of his outs have been recorded on hard-hit

balls.

Why he won't: Marrero has played in 1,083 professional games. Just 39 of those were in the

Majors. Typically, valid reasons exist for that kind of ratio.

Morse

Why he'll make the team: Morse would give the Giants a big-time power bat off the bench, a

commodity they have lacked for years. He also could give first baseman Brandon Belt an

occasional rest.

Why he won't: Morse has appeared in 104 Major League games since spending 2014 with San

Francisco. It remains to be seen whether age or injuries have thrown off his swing.

Rollins

Why he'll make the team: Though Rollins lacks significant experience anywhere but at

shortstop, his performances so far at second base indicate that he can be a utility man. "He's an

athlete, and athletes can make plays anywhere," Giants right-hander Matt Cain said.

Why he won't: San Francisco likely would ask Rollins to pinch-hit often. Though Rollins

commands universal respect, his career .130 average off the bench doesn't inspire confidence.

Ruggiano

Why he'll make the team: Ruggiano is what the Giants want -- an experienced performer who

has power, can cope with a bench role and can play regularly in short bursts.

Why he won't: Ruggiano's batting .067 (1-for-15) in Cactus League games so far. As competent

as he has been, San Francisco will want to see more right now.

Tomlinson

Why he'll make the team: Tomlinson is a known commodity who has helped the Giants in the

past. They value his versatility and diligence.

Why he won't: San Francisco might decide it wants a bigger bat or a more experienced player.

Tomlinson also has a Minor League option remaining, so the Giants won't lose him through

waivers if they opt to send him to Triple-A.

15

MLB.com

Playing loose, Morse hits first spring homer

Chris Haft

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When Michael Morse stops playing baseball, whether it's sooner or later,

he'll have squeezed every last drop of joy from the game and savored it.

Morse's two-run, seventh-inning homer in the Giants' 6-5 victory on Wednesday over Puerto

Rico's World Baseball Classic team began a scoring surge that ended with Chris Marrero's two-

run, walk-off homer in the ninth.

Both players are here to prove that they can provide power. But while Marrero has three

Cactus League homers besides Wednesday's (which doesn't count toward those statistics),

Morse's long ball was his first in 17 overall at-bats.

Yet Morse refuses to yield to the pressure that comes with striving to make the Opening Day

roster.

"I wish I could have played my whole career like that," said Morse, who broke into the Major

Leagues in 2005 with Seattle. "They could still come to me and say, 'Hey, Mike, you did great.

We just don't have room for you on the team. We didn't expect you to do well.' 'Hey, you know

what? Thanks for the opportunity. I'm happy for you guys, and I'll be watching.' For me, there's

no pressure, and I'm having so much fun."

Here's how loose Morse can be: As he lounged in the clubhouse, awaiting his seventh-inning at-

bat, he insisted to a reporter that his swing felt good, but he was just short of making truly solid

contact.

"Let me go hit a home run," Morse said as he left the clubhouse for his plate appearance.

After Morse followed Hunter Pence's triple by connecting off J.C. Romero, he returned to the

clubhouse and admitted that he hit the ball off the end of the bat. He doubted it would clear

the wall, but he knew it would be at least a sacrifice fly.

Reviewing his emotional roller coaster at the plate, Morse crowed, "Yes, [Pence] is going to

score! Oh! I am, too!"

This doesn't mean that Morse is laughing his way through Spring Training. In fact, he related

16

that he and veteran utilityman Aaron Hill often review their at-bats on video immediately after

they're finished.

"We're acting like this is the middle of the season," Morse said. "It's amazing how we have to

try to lock in as a Minor League invitee."

For Morse to break camp with the Giants, he likely must prove that he can still play left field,

where he was stationed for 221 of his 627 big league starts. But he hasn't set foot in the

outfield during Cactus League games, while having logged 14 innings at first base -- where he

has worked extensively this spring. Marrero, who has played six innings in left field, is in a

similar situation.

"We'll try to get them out there," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, mindful that the Mac

Williamson-vs. Jarrett Parker jostling for position in left requires that they spend the most time

in that spot.

Morse insisted that he won't waste the Giants' time.

"I feel great, and I wouldn't be here right now trying to make the team if I didn't," Morse said.

"That's how much respect I have for these guys. Any one of these days if I think I can't do it, I'll

pack up and leave."

Worth noting

Right-hander Johnny Cueto looked remarkably sharp while throwing 65 pitches, a hefty total,

off an auxiliary field mound in batting practice.

Cueto, who's scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Saturday in a split-squad game

against either Cincinnati or Arizona, said he will make two starts for the Giants before deciding

whether to perform for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

17

MLB.com

Pagan hopes WBC ’17 sparks return to Majors

Chris Haft

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Angel Pagan said that the World Baseball Classic is about the country he

represents, Puerto Rico, and not about himself.

However, should Pagan thrive in the international tournament that begins for his team on

Friday (against Venezuela, live on MLB.TV and MLB Network at 9 p.m. ET/6 PT), he'll obviously

improve his chances of latching onto a Major League ballclub -- which has yet to happen for the

free-agent outfielder.

Citing the debt crisis that has gripped Puerto Rico, Pagan said Wednesday, "This tournament's

important for my country. It's not important for me. ... Right now, my head is with Team Puerto

Rico. My soul is with Team Puerto Rico."

The World Baseball Classic runs through March 22. In the U.S., games air live exclusively in

English on MLB Network and on an authenticated basis via MLBNetwork.com/watch, while

ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN provide the exclusive Spanish-language coverage. MLB.TV

Premium subscribers in the U.S. have access to watch every tournament game live on any of

the streaming service's 400-plus supported devices. The tournament is being distributed

internationally across all forms of television, internet, mobile and radio in territories excluding

the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan. Get tickets for games at Marlins Park, Tokyo Dome, Estadio

Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, Petco Park, as well as the Championship Round at Dodger

Stadium, while complete coverage -- including schedules, video, stats and gear -- is available

at WorldBaseballClassic.com.

Pagan, who spent the previous five seasons with the Giants, started in left field and went 2-for-

4 in the leadoff spot in Puerto Rico's 6-5 exhibition loss to San Francisco. He drew warm

applause in each plate appearance, as the Scottsdale Stadium patrons acknowledged Pagan's

role in helping San Francisco win the 2012 and '14 World Series.

"He looks good. He's healthy," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I thought he got some good

swings off."

Pagan, 35, acknowledged receiving offers from multiple clubs. He has been linked to the

Orioles, Nationals and Braves. But all Pagan reportedly could command from each club was a

18

Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp. Pagan, who's coming off a

four-year, $40 million deal with San Francisco, believes that he has outperformed such offers.

"I feel like I had a pretty good year," said Pagan, who recorded a .277/.331/.418 slash line in

2016 with 15 stolen bases and 12 home runs -- exceeding the number of round-trippers he hit

from '13-15.

"I have a good resume as a player," Pagan said. "I think I can help a team. I just don't feel that I

need to be fighting for a job. I'm in a position that if a team wants me to help a team win, they

know I can help them win because I've been in that situation. I'm a winning player. I'm healthy.

They'll see it in the [World] Baseball Classic. I just want to earn the respect that I deserve. That's

all."

View image on Twitter

As Pagan's former teammates took batting practice, he visited with or acknowledged several of

them, including Bochy, third baseman Eduardo Nunez and first baseman Brandon Belt.

"Five beautiful years," said Pagan, who particularly excelled in 2012 (.288/.338/.440, 38

doubles, 29 stolen bases and 15 triples, a San Francisco-era franchise record).

Pagan's Giants tenure ended amid some confusion. Instead of being at AT&T Park for Game 4 of

the National League Division Series against the Cubs, Pagan was at home under sedation due to

receiving a shot for his formerly troublesome back.

"My back never gave me any problems throughout the year, but I guess I was a little bit tired,"

Pagan said.

Pagan said that he was heading for the ballpark to join the team for its flight to Chicago for

Game 5. Then the Cubs' four-run uprising in the ninth inning made that trip unnecessary.

Meanwhile, some concern about Pagan's whereabouts were raised. Yet Bochy never

questioned his resolve.

"He had some setbacks with injuries," Bochy said, "but it wasn't because of work ethic."

19

CSNbayarea.com

Giants spring training day 24

Alex Pavlovic

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants have never had any questions about Johnny Cueto's durability,

but there were some slight concerns when he missed the early weeks of camp while tending to

his ill father. Coaches were curious to see how Cueto would look in person. They're no longer

curious.

"How'd you like that?!" one coach cracked to reporters after Cueto threw 65 pitches in a live BP

session.

Yes, Cueto is the same as he ever was. The man who threw five complete games last season

barely even took a breather while ramping up the pitch count. Cueto took one break, grabbing

water from pitching coach Dave Righetti. Then he went back to quick-pitching prospects,

finishing off the marathon session with a shimmy.

Cueto said he feels great physically. Through interpreter Erwin Higueros, he said he hasn’t ruled

out the WBC. He will make two starts down here before making any decision.

“I want to pitch (but) I want to see how I feel,” he said. “If I get to make two starts and I feel

good, then maybe I’ll go to the WBC.”

Cueto said he’ll have to see how his father is doing, because he doesn’t want to leave him so

soon after a hospital visit. It seems the only way he could play is if the Dominican Republic

advances all the way, in which case he could fly to Los Angeles for the semifinals or final.

GAME RECAP: The Giants won 6-5 on Chris Marrero's second walk-off homer of the spring.

Marrero has four homers, leading the team by a pair.

"I think he likes Arizona," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's throwing out good at-bats and doing

a good job. We're excited to have him. He's a threat, that's what you love about him. Even with

two strikes, he still got a good swing off."

That last part is key. Today was the first really hot day down in Arizona and the ball is starting to

fly, so guys are going to start piling up numbers. Bochy is looking at the quality of the at-bats,

and Marrero has been on-point even when making outs. He hasn't played much in the outfield,

but he showed off a strong arm during pre-game drills Wednesday. He's doing all he can do at

the moment.

Hunter Pence had a triple and Michael Morse and Jarrett Parker drove in runs as the Giants

20

edged a very talented Puerto Rico squad. If you pick just a handful of WBC games to watch,

check out Puerto Rico. The Lindor-Baez-Correa infield is absurd, and Lindor and Baez teamed up

early in Wednesday's game for a slick double play.

CALLING HIS SHOT: Morse said he was going to hit a homer. And then he hit a homer. Here's an

update on where he stands as the Giants hit their first off day of the spring.

ICYMI: An interview with Conor Gillaspie was the latest podcast. You can stream it here. There

will be one more podcast this week, so subscribe here (and maybe leave a review?)

ANTHONY REYES' TRAINER'S ROOM: All is good. Eduardo Nuñez was cleared to play third base

Wednesday and Conor Gillaspie is also fine after a bout of sore arm.

QUOTABLE: "I don't fumble. I don't jump on fumbles, either." -- Jeff Samardzija, during a

conversation about pitcher defense.

ESPN.com

Why U.S. stars chose to play for Team USA in WBC

Jerry Crasnick

MIAMI -- First, Jonathan Lucroy made his sales pitch. Then he went for the swag.

During last summer's All-Star Game in San Diego, Lucroy spotted MLB executive Joe Torre and

Team USA World Baseball Classic manager Jim Leyland in a hallway outside the Petco Park

clubhouse and lobbied for a spot in the 2017 Classic. His plea was about as subtle as a foul tip

off the cup.

"Sign me up for the WBC now,'' Lucroy told Torre and Leyland. "I want to play. I'm in. If you

need a catcher, I'm there.''

Eight months later, Lucroy's work station in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse is crammed with

color-coordinated gear. He pulls a pair of red, white and blue spikes from his locker, then

reaches into a box and retrieves a chest protector with a patriotic motif.

Jonathan Lucroy shows off the catching equipment he will wear for Team USA at the

World Baseball Classic. Jerry Crasnick/ESPN

"We're going after it hard,'' he says. "This is serious, man. It's no joke.''

As Team USA strives to amend its disappointing history in the WBC, the conversation inevitably

drifts toward players who chose to skip the event. Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts are at their

respective team camps, and Mike Trout is still musing about his possible involvement in 2021.

21

And Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale, Madison Bumgarner and Noah Syndergaard are among the

starting pitchers who decided to take a pass.

Amid the absences and the apathy, players who signed up for the Classic want everyone to

know how passionate they are. Miami Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich wasn't even motivated

by the free equipment -- although the blue bat that Louisville Slugger just shipped him was a

nice fringe benefit.

"There's a lot of passion and pride on the line,'' Yelich said. "I think everyone is excited.

Nobody had to do this. Nobody was forced to play in this thing. Everybody is there by choice

and excited to represent their country.''

EDITOR'S PICKS

•

Complete World Baseball Classic coverage

Follow along as Team USA chases gold at the WBC.

Team USA participants are well aware that America has not won a medal since the WBC's

inception in 2006. The United States has a 10-10 overall record in its three previous Classic

appearances.

During the last edition, the squad came under scrutiny for appearing emotionally detached at

times. While players from the Dominican Republic waved flags and rushed to home plate to

celebrate each run, infielder Willie Bloomquist said his father would have pulled him off the

field if he had conducted himself that way.

The ambivalence of some U.S.-born players reflects the mixed signals they receive from fans in

their respective cities. It's hard for the American sporting public to get too revved up over the

WBC when the entire country is preoccupied with March Madness tournament brackets.

"The feedback I've gotten on Twitter is, 'Don't get hurt out there,''' said San Francisco

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford. "Our fans are rooting for the Giants. They want to make

sure I'm going to be healthy for the Giants, and they don't care as much about the WBC.''

Predictably, players are listening to their bodies in camp and changing course if injuries

arise. St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter bowed out with a stiff back late last week and

was replaced on the Team USA roster by Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison.

"There's a lot of passion and pride on the line. I think everyone is excited. Nobody had to do

this. Nobody was forced to play in this thing. Everybody is there by choice and excited to

represent their country."

Team USA outfielder Christian Yelich

22

"This is our career, our job,'' said Astros reliever Luke Gregerson. "It's what pays the bills. At the

end of the day, when you play in an event like this, you have to be cautious. You don't want to

get hurt, because we need to be ready for the season. But at the same time, there are so many

countries and it's played on such a big scale, you want to do your best to represent your

country well and win.''

A sampling of players on the Team USA roster reveals a variety of reasons for taking part.

Lucroy played four years ago, and he immediately vowed it wouldn't be a singular experience in

his career. He loved the "crazy'' atmosphere surrounding the event, even if the games in Miami

felt like road games because so many fans were cheering for the Dominican Republic and

Puerto Rico.

Cleveland reliever Andrew Miller welcomes the opportunity to pitch in some competitive

games right away and flush the disappointment from the Indians' World Series loss to

the Chicago Cubs. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with Leyland, who managed him

during his first big-league stop with the Detroit Tigers in 2006.

"It's a chance for me to go full-circle with him,'' Miller said. "Anytime you're around him, it's just

a trip. He's such a character. Whether it's just being around him and shooting the breeze or

telling stories, it's something I'm looking forward to.''

Shortly after learning that he would be taking part, Yelich swapped texts with Colorado

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. Arenado, in turn, exchanged texts with Crawford -- who

has the same agent -- and they ruminated on how cool it would be to turn the left side of the

Team USA infield into a hit-free zone.

The United States has never won a medal at the World Baseball Classic. Will this year's

squad bring the U.S. its best finish yet? Alex Trautwig/WBCI/MLB Photos/Getty Images

Buster Posey, Crawford's San Francisco teammate, got his first taste of international

competition as a member of the USA Junior Olympic team in 2004. He logged a 1.23 ERA as a

pitcher during a tournament in Taiwan. When the last Classic rolled around in 2013, Posey was

coming off a long and taxing postseason and wasn't far removed from a home plate collision

that resulted in a devastating injury to his left leg. He was too preoccupied with getting off to a

strong start to accept a change in his routine in camp.

Now Posey, 29, is on board with the Classic even though it will take him away from Giants'

camp for an undetermined period and cut into his bonding time with new closer Mark

Melancon and some of the young pitchers on the staff. He brought his wife, Kristen, and their 5-

year-old twins, Lee and Addison, to Miami for the opening round.

"One of the draws to me is, I love baseball, and I've loved it for a long time,'' Posey said. "We

can play a unique role as ambassadors and spread the game. Who's to say there's not a kid in

China who will fall in love with baseball by watching this tournament? That's a draw for me --

23

maybe spreading the game to other places.''