Giants Notes: Prospects Seize Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Shine on Team USA
SCOTTSDALE -- The Team USA roster may have been stacked, but it only had four outfielders, and no need for veteran infielders like Bryce Harper and Alex Bregman to play a full game on March 3. This presented a unique challenge for manager Mark DeRosa in the late innings of the exhibition match at Scottsdale Stadium.
The Giants had sent 11 of their prospects to fill the gaps, and as DeRosa began removing his best players, he had to strategize his infield lineup. When asked who could play third base, Gavin Kilen raised his hand, despite not having played the position since his freshman year of college.
"I was like, man, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Kilen later reflected. "I can do whatever you need me to do. I'll play third if you need me to."
DeRosa's main task was to have the prospects pinch-run and be ready to warm up quickly if a big leaguer approached his pitch count. However, the game's lopsided outcome -- Team USA won 15-1 -- meant the young Giants ended up combining for 11 at-bats.
Kilen, last year's first-round pick, and Dakota Jordan both had RBI singles. Charlie Szykowny had a double, drove in a run, and scored a run, while catcher Zach Morgan replaced Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh for the final inning. Right-hander R.J. Dabovich recorded an out after replacing Chicago Cubs lefty Matt Boyd.
The Giants have made this a tradition whenever they host Team USA, and players were informed of their participation late Monday night. Kilen and Jordan are among the better prospects who have received this honor in recent years, but sometimes it's a player who is off the radar who makes a breakthrough. Closer Ryan Walker was among the seven prospects who joined Team USA for the 2023 exhibition.
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Kilen shared that he spent time learning from superstars, who were open and accommodating. One highlight was meeting Ken Griffey Jr., now a photographer, who was taking shots throughout the game.
"What a great experience to be in the dugout with all these guys," Kilen said. "It was really cool -- what a surreal opportunity."
Meanwhile, Adrian Houser started for the Giants and faced off against Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge, but he settled in and cruised through the rest of his three innings, showcasing a 96 mph fastball and striking out Raleigh, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Schwarber.
Houser described the experience as good preparation for the regular season, emphasizing the difference in facing a deep lineup.
The article also featured a heartwarming interaction between brothers David Bednar and Will Bednar, who both pitched scoreless innings, with Will's 98 mph fastball to Raleigh being a highlight. The brothers met up after the game and took pictures behind the plate.
Additionally, Bruce Bochy, now an advisor to the front office, was in town, and Brandon Crawford visited Scottsdale Stadium, leading to interactions with Buster Posey. Team USA stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Clayton Kershaw, and Tarik Skubal also stopped by, along with Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, who expressed admiration for Crawford's play.
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