SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Giants are getting closer and closer to having the full squad on the field. Pablo Sandoval took batting practice with Steven Duggar and Ryder Jones. Brandon Belt played catch on a back field. Mac Williamson shagged fly balls.
Sunday is officially reporting day for position players, but nearly all of them have checked in already, well ahead of Monday's first full squad workout.
For a couple more days, though, the focus is on pitchers and catchers, so here are some observations from Day 4 ...
Something They Haven't Seen
Pat Venditte, the switch-pitcher, is as fascinating to many of the Giants as he is to fans. As he warmed up his right arm Saturday, a member of the staff walked up and asked him to explain how he became a switch-pitcher. He has drawn a crowd during bullpen sessions, and manager Bruce Bochy joked about how he may use Venditte.
"When I'm stuck and I don't know which matchup I want, I'll put him out there," Bochy said smiling. "I can't get questioned."
Sports
Venditte has had more success as a lefty in his career but from both sides he gets good movement on his pitches. Bochy noted that he had a good season with the Dodgers, posting a 2.57 ERA in 15 appearances last year.
"It's pretty impressive, really, what he's able to do," Bochy said.
Young Power
Aramis Garcia has been a standout all week, showing easy power during batting practice. Bochy said he was happy with the work the young catcher put in over the offseason.
"He's a strong kid," he said. "He has more power than you think"
Garcia hit four homers last September, and they weren't fluky. That's a nice trait to have as a backup catcher; it's often hard to stay in rhythm, but Nick Hundley brought some power to the lineup on his days, too.
The other homegrown catching prospect in camp also had an impressive day. With Bochy and Farhan Zaidi watching a few feet away, Joey Bart hit a series of rockets the opposite way and over the fence in right, including a couple that clanked off the facing of the bar on top of the bullpens at Scottsdale Stadium.
Familiar Face
Dan Fouts, the Hall of Fame quarterback, watched BP and spent about 20 minutes chatting with Bochy.
"He always stops by and spends a day with us in the spring," Bochy said. "He's a Giants fan."
Fouts is a San Francisco native who graduated from St. Ignatius in the city.
