[Giants]

Hey Teejers if Slater hadn't gone to Stanford would you feel the same way?

I obviously root for him more because he went to Stanford (Belt did not, though, and I defend him pretty vigorously in these parts, too).
The thing about Slater is (a) he has the athleticism/tools to be an excellent defensive player - he is now merely good on D, and (b) he has an electric bat - his bat speed generates more power than you'd expect just looking at the guy (including RC field gap power).  I'm partial to those attributes . . . which is also why the Estrada (I'm just going to call him "Erik") kid looks very intriguing.

Slater is a right handed version of Nate Schierholtz.  Both are/were certainly good enough to play in the big leagues but neither is/was good enough to be a regular in the starting lineup.  There is no shame in being a platoon guy.  Heck, when he is on, Slater is rock solid v. left handers (against lefties, his OPS is .185 better than v. right-handers).

Career:

Slater 831 PA, 22 HR, .246 BA and .717 OPS
Schierholtz 1316 PA, 23 HR, .270 BA and .729 OPS (as a Giant)

[Giants]

Hey Teejers if Slater hadn't gone to Stanford would you feel the same way?

I obviously root for him more because he went to Stanford (Belt did not, though, and I defend him pretty vigorously in these parts, too).
The thing about Slater is (a) he has the athleticism/tools to be an excellent defensive player - he is now merely good on D, and (b) he has an electric bat - his bat speed generates more power than you'd expect just looking at the guy (including RC field gap power).  I'm partial to those attributes . . . which is also why the Estrada (I'm just going to call him "Erik") kid looks very intriguing.

Slater is a right handed version of Nate Schierholtz.  Both are/were certainly good enough to play in the big leagues but neither is/was good enough to be a regular in the starting lineup.  There is no shame in being a platoon guy.  Heck, when he is on, Slater is rock solid v. left handers (against lefties, his OPS is .185 better than v. right-handers).

Career:

Slater 831 PA, 22 HR, .246 BA and .717 OPS
Schierholtz 1316 PA, 23 HR, .270 BA and .729 OPS (as a Giant)