Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Giants spring training Day 41: Mac impresses; Susac optioned
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, March 28, 2016 - 10:45pm
Follow @@AlexPavlovic

SCOTTSDALE — On the day he was officially optioned back to the minor leagues, Mac Williamson found some comfort by remembering the numbers on the back of his baseball card.

“I got to thinking about it last night, and I’ve really only played two full seasons,” Williamson said Monday. “In the long run, it’s much more beneficial to play every day than to sit around and get 40 at-bats in two months.”

That was the thinking in the front office when Williamson reported to camp last month, and it was relayed to him early on, just before manager Bruce Bochy publicly said that the outfielder was a “long shot” to make the Opening Day roster. Williamson knew it would be tough to beat out Jarrett Parker (who also was optioned) and Gorkys Hernandez (who was reassigned to minor league camp), but the competition turned out to not be a competition at all. The Giants are planning to keep 13 pitchers, leaving no room at AT&T Park for a fifth outfielder -- at least for the time being. 

Williamson certainly did his best to make the staff convene a few more meetings. He was red hot early in camp and homered on Sunday. Through Monday’s Scottsdale Stadium finale, Williamson is hitting .298 with five homers. He had a lull in the middle of the spring, and said Monday that he “could have made it a little tougher on them.”

“But what I hoped to be going in was to be a viable option, whether it was spring or the end of June or the end of the year,” he said.

Williamson said he wanted the coaches to be confident in calling his number, and they certainly will be. The Giants think highly of Williamson and they believe he can be a full-time starter down the line, which is why Bochy was so adamant that a player with fewer than 1,400 minor league at-bats (Williamson lost a year to Tommy John surgery) needed to be playing every day. 

“Obviously it’s a blessing and a curse,” Williamson said. “It makes sense that if you want a guy being an everyday guy, you don’t want him sitting on (the big league) bench.”

Williamson hasn’t been told where he’ll play in Sacramento, but it will be in either left or right, with Parker in the other corner and Hernandez likely in the middle. The Giants have more depth in the outfield than they’ve had in years, and it’s only a matter of time before they need to dip down for help. Over the last month, Williamson showed he's ready to contribute.

"He understood the situation," Bochy said. "I told him he's a long shot, and early in the spring he came out and hit home runs. He cooled off the last couple of weeks and I think he learned from that. He's going to work on hitting left-handers more. That'll be good for him and for us. Overall, he handled himself well." 

ROSTER MOVE: Andrew Susac was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento, but he won't head there right away. Susac will catch Madison Bumgarner on Tuesday and stay down here to get the at-bats he missed when his wrist acted up last week. Bochy said Susac, after missing so much time last year, needs to get consistent playing time.

"He's behind," he said. "I think this is important for him."

There's a flip side to this: Trevor Brown hit .324 this spring and impressed behind the plate, so the Giants felt comfortable making the switch (He seems a good bet to be paired with Jake Peavy). When he was called up last September, Brown told me he went home after the Triple-A season and just hoped he would get his first big league camp invite. Now he'll be on the Opening Day roster.

The Giants are at 25 players, but Bochy wouldn't 100 percent say this is the team. They won't say that until seeing the players who shake loose as other cuts are made around camps, but this is almost certainly the group of 25 that'll line up in Milwaukee next week. 

HESTO’S SPRING: Chris Heston gave up four runs in four innings Monday and will head home with a 6.38 ERA. He had an uneven spring, but that could be in part because he had an odd role. Heston spent a week getting on Madison Bumgarner’s schedule and then was put on Matt Cain’s schedule. He has been the emergency starter, but now will shift to the bullpen. 

“Once roles are defined you get into a bit of a routine and have a game plan every day,” he said. “That’ll be huge. For all baseball players, routine is big.”

Heston will have to find a new one as the long reliever. He has been a starter his whole career, but said he’ll look back on two relief appearances he made in 2014 as a September call-up. 

“I learned that I can get ready way quicker than I even thought I could,” Heston said. 

Bochy isn't concerned about Heston's up and down spring.

"He's going to be fine," Bochy said. "He's got good movement, good sink. For me, I'm just glad we got his pitch count up to where he can be a long man and spot starter for us." 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Draymond takes it all the way, finishes with spin move, draws foul
Crowning Memories: Lovable Sleep Train Arena flaws
Shot of the Game: Curry keeps Warriors afloat in Utah
Curry drains step-back jumper to end third quarter

Giants

Krukow: 'Reborn' Cain set to be Comeback Player of the Year
Wife not cooperating, Reyes' domestic abuse case dropped
Notes: Giants prospect gets advice from Mays; Dunning's push
Giants smack three homers, but get out-slugged by Royals
Read More

Athletics

Chapman, Pinder go deep in A's loss to D'backs
A's exec: Chapman has 'as good an arm as you can have'
The A's Insider Podcast: Episode 4 with Grady Fuson
A's spring training Day 38: Melvin says Hahn still in picture
Read More

Sharks

LA Kings' Scuderi: Shark Tank 'tough place to play'
Canucks' Virtanen suspended for late hit on Sharks' Polak
Rewind: Couture, Reimer, Sharks triumph after early fatigue
Instant Replay: Couture's hat trick powers Sharks past Canucks
Read More

49ers

Kaepernick decides if April 1 guarantee truly guaranteed
NFL demands NY publication retract concussion story
Report: 49ers hold private workout for Clemson DE Lawson
Report: 49ers, Browns scheduled to work out Goff
Read More

Raiders

Del Rio: With Murray, Raiders don't have 'glaring need' at RB
Due to concussions, Chiefs safety retires, wants 'sound mind'
Needs remain on Raiders offseason checklist
McKenzie: 'I'm never done', but big-money signings in rearview
Read More

Warriors

Draymond first in NBA history to achieve statistical milestone
Instant Replay: Warriors escape in OT with franchise-record 68th win
Fan falls from stands trying to get autograph from Curry
Clippers' Paul makes 'tough decision,' picks family over Olympics
Read More

NCAA

Sendek expects to put Santa Clara among WCC elite
USF hires Kyle Smith as head men's basketball coach
Santa Clara hires Herb Sendek as men's basketball coach
'One that got away,' Haase getting 'second chance' with Stanford
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Krukow: 'Reborn' Cain set to be Comeback Player of the Year
(5)
CSN Bay Area staff

GIANTS VIDEO

Giants Confidential 2016: Romo didn't feel pressure in 2015
Giants Confidential 2016: Romo didn't feel pressure in 2015
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Notes: Giants prospect gets advice from Mays; Dunning's push
  • Belt ready to fight back against increased shifts ... with bunts?
  • Giants spring training Day 41: Mac impresses; Susac optioned
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Chapman, Pinder go deep in A's loss to D'backs
Associated Press

A's VIDEO

A's Confidential 2016: Burns 'working on everything' to get better
A's Confidential 2016: Burns 'working on everything' to get better
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

LA Kings' Scuderi: Shark Tank 'tough place to play'
CSN Bay Area staff

SHARKS VIDEO

Couture explains how teammates made sure he got hat trick
Couture explains how teammates made sure he got hat trick
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Draymond first in NBA history to achieve statistical milestone
CSN Bay Area staff

WARRIORS VIDEO

Draymond takes it all the way, finishes with spin move, draws foul
Draymond takes it all the way, finishes with spin move, draws foul
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Instant Replay: Cousins, Rondo lead Kings over Wizards
James Ham

Kings Video

Crowning Memories: Lovable Sleep Train Arena flaws
Crowning Memories: Lovable Sleep Train Arena flaws
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Kaepernick decides if April 1 guarantee truly guaranteed
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

But Seriously: When will health issues hurt NFL's popularity?
But Seriously: When will health issues hurt NFL's popularity?
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Kaepernick decides if April 1 guarantee truly guaranteed
  • Report: 49ers, Browns scheduled to work out Goff
  • 49ers finally identify role for Tank Carradine
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Del Rio: With Murray, Raiders don't have 'glaring need' at RB
(9)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Horrow: Rams-Chargers-Raiders drama far from over
Horrow: Rams-Chargers-Raiders drama far from over
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Mixed bag of results for Quakes during international play
Julio Lara

Quakes Video

Re-tooled Quakes gear up for Sunday's season opener
Re-tooled Quakes gear up for Sunday's season opener
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's exec: Chapman has 'as good an arm as you can have'
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Notes: Giants prospect gets advice from Mays; Dunning's push
(3)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Kaepernick decides if April 1 guarantee truly guaranteed
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Del Rio: With Murray, Raiders don't have 'glaring need' at RB
(9)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Instant Replay: Warriors escape in OT with franchise-record 68th win
(6)
See more >

JAMES HAM

Instant Replay: Cousins, Rondo lead Kings over Wizards
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Canucks' Virtanen suspended for late hit on Sharks' Polak
(1)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Horrendous, irrelevant Lakers deserve Russell-Young drama

WARRIORS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

aff

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

SHARKS AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

aft

Buy tickets to Authentic Fan Thursday and receive collector edition cheer cards!



KINGS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

more

Buy tickets to Kings Authentic Fan Friday for free giveaways, cheer cards and a chance to be on TV!

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Draymond takes it all the way, finishes with spin move, draws foul
Draymond takes it all the way, finishes with spin move, draws foul
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California