Top Five Reasons to Care About Spring Training - Number 5

During the course of this week, I will be counting down the reasons to get excited about Spring Training 2009. Pitchers and catchers report on Saturday, so let's count 'em down.

There are several honorable mentions, such as:

• The Kings and Warriors are terrible and football season is over
• The Dodgers now train in Arizona
• Listening to baseball on the radio is fun no matter what month it is

But let's get down to the meat and potatoes, shall we?

Number 5: Evaluating Unknown Talent

There are several players showing up for Spring Training that we just haven't seen enough of yet to truly know how they are going to contribute to the Giants. Several of those players will be mentioned in future posts, but for now let's just concentrate on the rest.

Nate Schierholtz: Nate the Great has done everything the Giants have ever asked of him and he has only now guaranteed himself a spot on the Opening Day roster. Why? Because he's out of options after the Giants have sent him down time and time again. He's currently blocked by an outfield that features an overpaid Aaron Rowand, a 34 year-old Randy Winn, and blossoming relative youngster Fred "Don't Call Me Freddie" Lewis. From all accounts, Schierholtz is said to be a good hitter as his career Major League average of .310 can attest. But perhaps Schierholtz will best be known for plowing over a catcher in the Olypmics last year. Scouts say he's a fourth outfielder, but I still want to see him get some at bats.

Travis Ishikawa: Unless the Giants make another significant move this offseason, Ishikawa is your starting first baseman. I know what you're thinking: Who? Ishikawa only has 119 career Major League at bats, but his glove and potential power make him an intriguing 25 year-old prospect for the Giants. Personally, I don't think he finishes the year as the starter, but I am interested to see what he has to offer.

Edgar Renteria: Sure, Renteria has been around the bigs a long time, but he has this uncanny ability to change his skin when he jumps from one league to the next. In the National League, Renteria is a hitting machine. In the AL, well, just check out his drop in average from 2007 with the Braves (.332) to 2008 with the Tigers (.270). Even though he has shown this disparity throughout his career, some will point to the fact that Renteria is now 33 and his skills are probably deteriorating. His range is lacking at his relatively advanced age, but his bat, even if it's the one from the AL, would be a significant improvement over the shortstops of last season.

Anyone Making Less Than $1 Million Per Year: In a year where we're all scrapping for money (and jobs), it is especially intriguing to watch some of these youngsters and aging veterans (Josh Phelps, Juan Uribe, and maybe Rich Aurilia) fight for work. Sure, they could all end up in the Minors, but how about the guy who comes out of nowhere to make an impact on the team and maybe even make the Opening Day roster? In order for that to happen, someone on the main roster would probably have to get hurt. Last year, Kevin Frandsen and Omar Vizquel got hurt, making way for Brian Bocock. Bocock hit .143 in 77 at bats (hence the need for Renteria), but he was still an intriguing option, especially with the glove.

And those are just the players who didn't deserve an entire blog to themselves. Expect more players to show up elsewhere in the Top 5. Check back tomorrow for number 4!