As the calendar turns to March, the Scottsdale Giants are well into their Cactus League slate. Position battles, auditions of young layers, and last gasps at big league residency for proven minor leaguers are well underway.
One of the premiere headlines of the Spring has been the return of Jung Hoo Lee, who missed the vast majority of his 2024 rookie season with an injured shoulder he sustained slamming into the center field wall at oracle park in May. Lee brings many tools to the field, but perhaps is most valuable is his blinding speed.
Just last week in an exclusive sit down interview, Lee was asked by KNBR’s Austin Scott how many stolen bases he plans on swiping in 2025. His answer should excite Giants fans everywhere.
It’s still early in Spring, but the Giants power surge in the Cactus league has been a welcome development. Nearly every key player has gone deep in the first week and change of the slate. Luis Matos, has not, but this 108 mph exit velocity double off the wall in Peoria yesterday was absolutely mashed. The Mariners broadcast team clearly didn’t do its homework on how to pronounce Marco Luciano’s name as well.
The home run barrage went nuclear on Friday afternoon. Matt Chapman, Wilmer Flores, Lamonte Wade Jr. and Mike Yastrzemski all went deep for the home run happy club.
Willy Adames was without a doubt the Golden Goose of the Giants’ off-season. He headlined Buster Posey’s first class of signing, bringing an infectious smile and a big personality. More importantly, he brings a big bat and a gold glove caliber defensive pedigree. Adames told Scott how much he values defense, and why fans should be excited for him and Chapman to patrol the left side for years to come.
When Giants fans wake up on Saturday, it will be March 1st. And in March, the Giants will play real, meaningful baseball.