by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/25/2013) Giants minor leaguer Kensuke Tanaka, 31, isn't really a hot prospect, but after losing out on a utility job in spring training, he accepted an assignment to Fresno...and has been ripping the ball ever since.
In 70 at-bats, Tanaka is hitting .357 with three doubles and four stolen bases. He has made a somewhat-alarming six errors, though, despite having been a relatively smooth fielder during his time in Japan. Still, Tanaka hit for average and showed nice speed while playing overseas, and is probably going to force some kind of issue this season. The problem is that the Giants are set at second base (Marco Scutaro) and shortstop (the red-hot Brandon Crawford).
Tanaka may be worth an add in one specific scenario -- an NL-only Roto team crushed by the loss of a middile infielder like Adieny Hechavarria, with a bare waiver wire and little in the way of prospects. Tanaka may never see anythying more than utility at-bats, but his early returns at least indicate that he's offensively ready to produce if he gets a shot in the majors.
Kensuke Tanaka heading back to minor-league camp
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Giants have re-assigned infielder Kensuke Tanaka to minor-league camp. Tanaka hit .229 with two RBI in 48 at-bats this spring.
Kensuke Tanaka could have deep league value
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/18/2013) After a cold start this spring, Giants infielder Kensuke Tanaka has hit .281 in 32 March at-bats. And, maybe more importantly, he's shown some nice flexibility in playing shortstop, second base, and third base.
Tanaka looks like he may make the Giants as a utility infielder -- a role that could lead to 300 at-bats, based on Joaquin Arias' usage in 2012. Plus, if anything happens to Pablo Sandoval, Tanaka can play third. If Brandon Crawford struggles early, Tanaka can play shortstop (or Marco Scutaro can slide over, opening up second base for Tanaka).
Ready for a very deep sleeper? Meet Kensuke Tanaka -- an NL-only reserve pick who has played in Japan since 2000. Tanaka could see a decent amount of at-bats and provide good average and cheap speed if things break his way.
Tanaka in mix for reserve spot
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/22/2013) Giants manager Bruce Bochy told the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday that it is "fair to say" Kensuke Tanaka is among the top competitors for a reserve infield spot. Tanaka is locked in a battle with WIlson Valdez and Tony Abreu.
