The Curious Case of Brandon Belt: What Are Sabean and Bochy Waiting For?

Five consecutive wins and a bit of separation from the rest of the NL West has, for now, quieted anxieties about the Giants struggles to score runs.

Still, with an offense at or near the bottom of the NL in virtually every offensive category and alarming defensive deficiencies, you'd think the Giants could find a spot for a slick-fielding, plus-power hitter. 

Especially when there's a guy readily available, terrorizing AAA pitching 180 miles away in Fresno.

Guy by the name of Brandon Belt. 

So, you ask, why hasn't Belt been recalled to the big club? Good question. 

Belt is ready for a call up. He's hitting .356 at AAA Fresno with 20 RBI's in 27 games. Eleven of his 31 hits are extra-base. He's averaging a walk per game—an indicator of plate discipline. A few regulars in San Francisco's lineup could use a dose of that.

There is a risk that Belt will struggle, as he did when he opened the season at first base while Aubrey Huff spelled the injured Cody Ross in the outfield (to great comedic relief). Belt advanced three levels last year, from single-A to AAA Fresno, where he batted .229.

A season later, he's hitting well over 100 points better against the same pitching. That suggests Belt is a fast learner with plenty of upside. (Buster Posey batted .321 and .349 in portions of two minor league seasons at Fresno before joining the Giants)

Point is, Belt isn't going to mature any further at AAA. He needs the challenge of facing major-league pitchers day in and day out. And, he'd be a defensive upgrade whether he plays a corner outfield spot or first base.

I'm theorizing that either of two things may be delaying Belt's recall. 

One is pragmatic: In creating a spot on the 25-man roster for Belt, the Giants would have to demote, release or trade an outfielder (Huff, a serious under-performer over the first 46 games, is signed for two years and going nowhere).  

That means an outfielder would have to go. Cody Ross and Andres Torres are pretty much locked in as starters. Darren Ford has become a true weapon who Bruce Bochy likely wants kept around.

Aaron Rowand's contract makes him virtually unmovable. Nate Schierholtz might get my vote as the club's early-season MVP, and he's one of Sabean's prime bargaining chips for a trade-deadline deal for a shortstop.

That leaves Burrell, who still has occasional home run pop, plays a decent left field and is an important stabilizing force in the clubhouse.

Which brings me to theory No. 2: The possibility of genuine ambivalence over cutting ties with a valued, popular veteran so that a promising rookie can get a long-term shot.

Bochy reportedly pushed for Belt to make the club out of spring training, but the manager also has a long-established reputation for favoring veterans.

Perhaps he saw something in April that convinced him Belt needs more seasoning.

It's also conceivable that Sabean and Bochy don't see eye-to-eye on this one, and with the club playing well, neither wants to call the question.

Well, I will.

Hey, Brian: When are we gonna see Brandon?