Mike Yastrzemski is an underrated defender. According to pretty much all defensive metrics—and the "eye test"—the SF Giants' outfielder is above average in both the corners and in center field. The Giants went into the offseason targeting strong defensive center fielders, hoping to move Yastrzemski back to right, where he profiles best, but ultimately the ended up with two corner guys in Michael Conforto and Mitch Haniger. However, Yaz should be able to handle center field just fine. Slater, however, graded out rather poorly in center in 2022, so it'll be worthwhile to follow his progress there in the upcoming season.

It's time to talk attendance again. In 2022, the Giants had their lowest attendance numbers since Oracle Park opened in 2000. What will get fans back out to the park? One thing that's important to keep in mind is that league-wide attendance has been down. Compared to 2019, the last full season without attendance restrictions, league attendance was down 6%. And the Giants were down 8%. So not much more than normal.

Can Patrick Bailey raise his stock this spring and even surpass Joey Bart on the depth chart? He's probably not there yet, given that he's only made it as far as High-A Eugene, but eventually Bailey could certainly emerge as the SF Giants' catcher of the future. This front office didn't draft Bart, and may not have if given the opportunity. Bailey, on the other hand, fits their preferred offensive profile better, and won a Minor League Gold Glove behind the plate in 2022. The 2020 first-round pick is definitely someone to monitor in 2023 and beyond.

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

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