SAN FRANCISCO — When Farhan Zaidi took over as president of baseball operations in November, those who know him well promised a flood of minor transactions. Zaidi delivered, right up until the end of his first offseason.
The Giants made three minor trades over the last week, netting three members of the Opening Day roster. The full group was announced Thursday morning, along with other transactions to clear 40-man roster spots.
Mac Williamson was designated for assignment in the most notable move. Williamson was not going to make the roster, but it seemed there was a chance he would begin the season on the Injured List. The Giants hope Williamson clears waivers, but the powerful outfielder could be a popular target for rebuilding teams elsewhere.
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Alen Hanson and Tom Murphy were also DFA'd.
Here are the guys who will stand on the third base line at Petco Park this afternoon:
Catchers
Buster Posey, Erik Kratz
San Francisco Giants
A spring competition that seemed to be down to Aramis Garcia and Rene Rivera ended with Kratz, acquired over the weekend from the Brewers, backing up Posey. Stephen Vogt is continuing to strengthen his shoulder at Triple-A and could be an option soon.
Infielders
Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford, Evan Longoria, Pablo Sandoval, Yangervis Solarte
Solarte is the only newcomer and may also see plenty of time in left. Sandoval edged out speedster Alen Hanson.
Outfielders
Steven Duggar, Gerardo Parra, Connor Joe, Michael Reed
This was a wild ride and included a serious run at Bryce Harper. In the end there are three newcomers. Parra was signed at the start of camp, Joe (a Rule 5 pick) was acquired from the Reds last Thursday, and Reed was picked up from the Twins on Saturday.
Williamson was out of this mix in recent days and then took a pitch off the right hand in his final plate appearances of the spring.
Rotation
Madison Bumgarner, Derek Holland, Dereck Rodriguez, Jeff Samardzija, Drew Pomeranz
The only newcomer is Pomeranz, who signed a one-year deal in January.
Bullpen
Will Smith, Tony Watson, Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon, Reyes Moronta, Nick Vincent, Trevor Gott, Travis Bergen
Vincent, a veteran who has had a solid big league career, signed a minor league deal a few days after camp had already started.
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Gott was acquired for cash considerations from the Nationals in a February trade.
Bergen was picked up from the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 Draft and earned his spot with a strong spring. Like Joe, he has to stay on the big league roster or else the Giants have to offer him back to his previous team.