Lack of power was San Francisco's dilemma at times with Oracle Park not being the most friendly of confines for left-handed hitters.
Entering the 2026 MLB season, the San Francisco Giants are hoping that a new mindset from the managerial position will do wonders. Of course, Tony Vitello will not be hitting in the batter's box for the Giants this season.
But it sure would not hurt Vitello to see more of a big impact from the left side of the plate. Last season, in what became Bob Melvin's last as Giants manager, San Francisco only hit 52 home runs from left-handed hitters.
In looking at how that stacks up with what San Francisco has right now going into spring training in just a few weeks, ESPN baseball writer David Schoenfield had a few thoughts about the situation.
"The Giants ranked 27th in the majors in home runs from left-handed hitters," Schoenfield wrote. "Some of that low total was a result of Oracle Park, one of the most difficult home run parks for left-handed hitters, but mostly it was due to a lack of power from the left side, with Rafael Devers hitting 20 of those 52 home runs.
"Having him for the entire season will help, but the Giants' other three top power hitters were Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and Heliot Ramos, all lower-average, right-handed hitters who either strike out too much (Adames and Chapman) or don't walk enough (Ramos)," he continued.
"That made it easier for teams to match up against the middle of the lineup," Schoenfield wrote. "Rookie first baseman/DH Bryce Eldridge is the Giants' big hope from the left side. He's just 21 years old and debuted late last season, although a little more polish in Triple-A might be in order.
"(Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle) Schwarber would have been a nice addition for San Francisco," he wrote. "Maybe Kyle Tucker is the answer to fill a hole in the outfield. Maybe there is a trade for a lefty-hitting second baseman with power (Brandon Lowe or Jazz Chisholm Jr. would fit). No matter the fix, the Giants need more pop from the left side."
Well, not just from the left side, but from both sides of the plate. San Francisco sure could use some more pop in its lineup.
As Schoenfield pointed out, hitting at Oracle Park for some hitters can be just an adventure. Yet getting a left-handed hitter or two who could reach the fences sure would be sweet for Vitello. Even his two big-time advisers, Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker - both former Giants' managers themselves - can't get into the batter's box these days.
So, it will be interesting to see what the Giants' front office might do as spring training is just weeks away.