Dodgers: Sizing Up the NL West Competition- Giants

The Giants added a lot of hitting this offseason but those names are too big and too obvious to talk about here. For that reason, I am going with 31-year-old shortstop Brandon Crawford.

Crawford’s defense is incredible. He has won the NL Gold Glove for three straight years starting in 2015 so his skills there are undeniable.

But, sure-handed with a glove as he may be, Crawford showed declining skills with his bat in 2017 and that is the reason he finds himself as the player to watch in 2018.

Crawford has never really been known for power and that could explain his 11 total home runs in last year. But, perhaps more concerning, Crawford’s batting average dipped from .275 to .253 and his triples total dropped from a league-leading 11 to a measly one.

While the connection may not be as strong as I am making it seem, the Giants seem to hinge on Crawfords success and that was one of the reasons they refused to trade him this offseason. If Crawford can find his magic again he will certainly help the Giants return to where they want to be.

Crawford has the skills to do better and that is why fans should keep a close eye on him.