West Sacramento, Calif. - A pleasant mix of fresh and familiar faces should trot out from the River Cats' dugout on April 4. Which players can fans expect to see at Raley Field for opening day's matchup with the Tacoma Rainiers?ReturningGetting most of the starts in left field should be
West Sacramento, Calif. - A pleasant mix of fresh and familiar faces should trot out from the River Cats' dugout on April 4. Which players can fans expect to see at Raley Field for opening day's matchup with the Tacoma Rainiers?
Returning
Getting most of the starts in left field should be the power-hitting left hander Chris Shaw, who has led the Sacramento club in home runs each of the last two seasons. Shaw, who had a shot to make San Francisco's opening-day roster, was optioned to Sacramento from Major League camp on March 11.
The versatile Austin Slater could see time at multiple positions in 2019, working in spring at first base along with his standard corner outfield spots. Slater made some swing adjustments in the offseason and will hope to see them pay off as he will likely join the River Cats for a fourth season.
In the starting rotation, last season's opening day starter Andrew Suárez is projected to begin the year in Sacramento again. The smooth-throwing lefty was called up to make his major-league debut on April 11 of last season and ended up making 29 starts for the Giants while posting a 4.49 ERA in 160.1 innings.
Also returning to the rotation will be former first-round pick Tyler Beede, who was told by the Giants organization that he'll be a starting pitcher again after being summoned to the bullpen during the 2018 season. Beede simplified his pitch arsenal to focus solely on his four-seam fastball, an improved curveball, and a changeup and saw it pay dividends with an eye-opening display in Spring Training.
Other possible returning players include third baseman Ryder Jones, catcher Aramis Garcia, middle infielder Abiatal Avelino, starting pitchers Shaun Anderson and Ty Blach, as well as relief pitchers Derek Law, Tyler Rogers, and Ray Black.
New Faces
Highlighting a slew of new players in the Giants' farm system should be a familiar face to most River Cats faithful. Catcher Stephen Vogt, a two-time American League All-Star with the Oakland A's from 2015 to 2016, will likely see some time behind the dish and at first base for the River Cats in 2019. Vogt played 96 games in a Sacramento uniform from 2013 to 2014.
Corner infielder Zach Green, after a strong showing in Major League camp, is slated to play just 10 miles from where he was a standout high school prospect at Jesuit High School in Carmichael. The former Philadelphia Phillies draft pick was signed by the Giants in the offseason after spending seven seasons in Philly's farm system.
Other potential additions to the club include middle infielders Breyvic Valera and Donovan Solano, outfielders Mike Gerber, Anthony García, Henry Ramos, and John Andreoli, as well as bullpen arms Pat Venditte, Nick Vincent, and Fernando Abad.
Of course, many things could change over the next week as Spring Training games are still ongoing and important decisions are yet to be made. Either way, River Cats fans can expect to see some of the organization's top talent all season long at Raley Field.
