For part two of the 2014 Giants infield predictions we focus on the left side of the diamond, with Crawford and Sandoval.
Part one of this article, featuring Posey, Belt and Scutaro can be found here.
While the right side of the infield offers a bit of certainty mixed with some skepticism, the same holds true for the left side.
To this point, we know what to expect out of Crawford defensively, but his bat could still be coming along. For Sandoval, we know the huge upside he offers, as well as the health issues that have constantly held him back from achieving that potential.
Here's a look at what to expect from this duo in 2014:
Crawford hits 15 home runs and wins the NL Gold Glove at short: Defense has been the name of the game for Crawford ever since his debut in 2011.
However, he has quietly improved with the bat every year, including a career high nine home runs last season.
In theory, Crawford could post zero home run seasons and still be immensely valuable based on his defense alone, but entering his 4th season I believe his offensive contributions will be the greatest they've been thus far.
It's obvious that Crawford is improving at the plate, and considering he just turned 27, he may still be developing some untapped power, so there's reason to believe he can continue adding on to his home run totals.
By no means am I saying he's going to be mistaken for Troy Tulowitzki (the power part, not the injury part) but I do see Crawford being more of a threat at the plate this year, manifesting itself with a 12-15 home run season (I'll settle in on the higher side of that range, and say he'll reach 15).
Defensively, Crawford does everything a Gold Glove shortstop does – except actually win the award – but this season will be the one where he knocks off Andrelton Simmons and brings home his much deserved first Gold Glove.
Let's just hope the voters are paying attention this time around.
Sandoval disappoints in a 'contract year': Much buzz has been building about Sandoval's potential this year.
He has several things going for him: his impressive weight management has him in great shape, and he is entering his 'contract year' – a term that baseball people like to believe is a precursor to that player posting career-best numbers (it's often pretty hit-or-miss though).
If 2014 is indeed Sandoval's career year, everyone involved is going to benefit from it. However, let's not jump the gun.
Just because Sandoval will be playing out his contract with free agency looming at season's end, that does not automatically make him a lock for a huge season.
The first concern is Sandoval's inability to stay on the field. The last time he played in more than 150 games was 2010, and although he has no more hamate bones to break, you still hold your breath when he dives for a line drive or tries to beat out a slow-roller down the line.
Other than injury, there isn't much to suggest why Sandoval hasn't lived up to expectations – perhaps his 25 HR, 90 RBI 2009 season set the bar too high, too soon – as he boasts at least league average ratios across the board, aside from a low walk rate.
Truthfully, Sandoval is indeed a better third baseman than a lot of other guys across the league, but it just seems like every year something happens to hold him back from really being a superstar player.
This may be the make-or-break season for him, and one that will probably tell us one of two things: Sandoval still has time to become an elite third baseman, or that Sandoval will never live up to his perceived skill level.
So will Sandoval hit .230 and lose his starting job? Very unlikely, but I think he posts stats pretty similar to 2012-2013. That means a good but not great season, with numbers right around .280/18/75.
Of course, if he goes on to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs, then I'll gladly take being wrong.
Overall, this infield is much better than what they combined to do in 2013, and it should show this season.
If you're keeping tally, Posey, Belt and Sandoval are predicted to combine for 68 home runs and 260 RBI (and that's using Sandoval's predicted 'down year' numbers, so there's potential for more).
When you add in Crawford's increased offensive contributions, along with some production from whoever plays second each night, you get a pretty strong infield.
Chances are good that this group gives us something to remember in 2014.
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