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San Francisco Giants: Mike Tauchman deserves Gold Glove award

By David Hill

Jun 8, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Mike Tauchman (29) catches the fly-out hit by Texas Rangers first baseman Nate Lowe (30) during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Mike Tauchman (29) catches the fly-out hit by Texas Rangers first baseman Nate Lowe (30) during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is easy to look at Mike Tauchman and consider him to be a disappointment. The San Francisco Giants outfielder has not hit since coming over from the Yankees, his breakout season in 2019 appearing to be more of an anomaly with every passing day.

Despite his struggles with the bat, Tauchman has been in the lineup on a regular basis. Due to the Giants’ outfield injuries, he has slotted everywhere in the outfield, getting plenty of chances to snap out of that funk offensively.

Mike Tauchman giving San Francisco Giants plenty of value on defense

That has yet to happen. Entering Wednesday, Tauchman has produced a disappointing .175/.293/.278 batting line in his 147 plate appearances in San Francisco, hitting three homers and four doubles. Those are not the type of numbers that keep a player in the lineup, regardless of how many injuries the outfield has.

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But Tauchman has been providing value far beyond his statistics. Despite just 175 innings in left this season for the Giants, he ranks second in the NL with seven runs saved at the position, trailing only Marcell Ozuna. He has saved nine runs in total in the outfield, tied with Ronald Acuna Jr. and trailing Ozuna once again, an incredible accomplishment considering how much more playing time those outfielders have received.

Tauchman has begun to get notoriety for his defensive acumen. He has been a routine part of highlight reels these days, seemingly making spectacular grabs and robbing homers on a nightly basis. The Giants pitching staff certainly appreciates his presence in the lineup as he has been a constant Web Gem.

It is that value which has kept Tauchman in the lineup. With his ability to play anywhere in the outfield, and show superior defense, he has provided more value than one would expect. His impressive showing in left, in particular, has made a difference for the Giants, and deserves recognition. Very simply, Tauchman deserves consideration for the Gold Glove award.

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Mike Tauchman has provided plenty of value for the San Francisco Giants with his glove. That glove may prove to be gold at the end of the season.

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