Backups Rodriguez, Alfonzo would give Bochy more options
Andrew Baggarly - MercuryNews
Guillermo Rodriguez and Eliezer Alfonzo competed against each other all winter in Venezuela, where they served as captains of their respective clubs.
The competition continues this spring, as the two countrymen vie for a spot backing up Giants catcher Bengie Molina.
This competition could end in a tie, though. And both could win.
Manager Bruce Bochy said he is discussing the possibility of carrying all three catchers. Although other roster issues will affect the decision, Bochy sees value in being able to pinch run for Molina more often while also making it easier to utilize Alfonzo's right-handed power off the bench.
Molina believes it would make sense, pointing out that both backup catchers also have experience playing first base.
"I don't want to see either of them go down," Molina said. "I hope both of them can be with me all year."
Alfonzo was named MVP of the Venezuelan League after hitting 15 home runs in 191 regular-season at-bats for Caribes de Anzoategui. He hit seven more in 14 postseason games, and won the league's home run derby, too. He credited former major league slugger Tony Armas for helping him eliminate the hitch in his stride.
"He was amazing, just locked in," Rodriguez said. "But he didn't hit a home run against us. We struck him out 14 times in seven games. I didn't get a base hit against their pitchers, either. I guess we know each other too well."
Rodriguez hit well against everyone else, though. He also had a breakthrough season, hitting .291 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 158 at-bats for Aguilas del Zulia.
A backup in previous winter league seasons, Rodriguez might have won extra playing time because he broke into the major leagues the previous summer. Aguilas did not make the playoffs, but because Rodriguez hit and caught well, another club picked him up for the playoffs to fulfill a dream.
"My hometown team, Cardenales de Lara," Rodriguez said. "When I was a little kid, I was a fan of that team."
Cardenales lost in the final to Tigres de Aragua. But because Rodriguez played from mid-October through January, he reported to Scottsdale looking sleeker and stronger.
"He can play, man," Molina said of Rodriguez. "He can run and swing the bat. Alfonzo does his thing, too. I hope we'll have a lot of fun together."
Molina is sensitive about his lack of speed, but he acknowledged it would be valuable to exit for a pinch runner in close and late games.
"Hey, I know what I can do in this game and what I can't," Molina said. "I know I don't score from second base on a single. I can only do what I can do."
• Giants position players worked in groups on baserunning with coaches Tim Flannery and Roberto Kelly. There will be more emphasis on instruction in camp this season, Bochy said.
• Brian Wilson took his first live batting-practice session seriously. While most pitchers strolled out to the field a few minutes before their turn, Wilson sprinted from the bullpen as if it was a big league relief appearance.
His command was a little erratic, as was Noah Lowry's, but both pitchers came through the day with no problems.
• Merkin Valdez might have been the most scrutinized of the pitchers who threw Wednesday. General Manager Brian Sabean, Vice President Dick Tidrow and Bochy all watched up close as Valdez faced hitters.
Valdez, who is out of minor league options, missed last season because of elbow reconstruction surgery.
"His delivery looked good and he feels good," Bochy said. "He could make some noise."
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