SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants approached finalizing their season-opening, 25-man roster by optioning three players to Triple-A Sacramento after Friday's 2-1 exhibition victory over Oakland.
Manager Bruce Bochy officially announced that first baseman-outfielder Chris Marrero had made the team. Marrero, a non-roster invitee, leads the Giants with seven home runs (eight including the exhibition game against Team Puerto Rico).
"Hard work pays off sometimes," said Marrero, who has played 1,083 games in the Minors and 39 in the Majors. "I opened some eyes, I felt I was ready and I think I proved that I can help this team win, which is the main goal."
Along with infielder Kelby Tomlinson, left-hander Josh Osich and right-hander Albert Suarez were bound for Sacramento, leaving the Giants with one bullpen spot to fill. Three relievers are believed to be on the proverbial bubble: left-hander Steven Okert and right-handers Neil Ramirez and Cory Gearrin.
Okert, who struck out the only batter he faced Friday, has allowed one earned run in 10 2/3 innings (0.93 ERA). Ramirez, a non-roster invitee, struck out three A's in 1 2/3 innings. Gearrin owns a 6.52 ERA but has made three scoreless one-inning appearances in a row. He also is out of options, often a factor that keeps players in the Majors because teams don't want to risk losing them through the waiver process.
Osich endured an erratic spring, posting a 6.75 ERA in 11 exhibition appearances. Suarez pitched adequately (3.97 ERA) but simply was squeezed out by the competition. Additionally, he had an option remaining.
Tomlinson's slash line (.245/.321/.347) was virtually identical to Aaron Hill's (.250/.321/.354). But the Giants liked the experience provided by Hill, a 12-year Major League veteran. By contrast, Tomlinson has spent parts of the previous two seasons with the Giants and had an option left.
"We wanted him to continue his development," Bochy said, noting he wasn't certain of being able to give Tomlinson adequate playing time.