The Great Keppinger vs. Fontenot Debate Ends Tonight

The deadline to tender a contract to players eligible for arbitration is at midnight eastern time tonight and the Giants have a few decisions left to make.

The main event for tonight revolves around the Giants choosing between infielders Jeff Keppinger and Mike Fontenot as their backup second baseman/utility infielder. To me the choice really isn't that hard, I am a fan of Fontenot who offers better defense, more power and is better suited for the utility role. Keppinger has his skills but it is hard to get past the poor speed and empty batting average for me.

If you want a longer more detailed breakdown of the choice between the two I urge you to take a look over at Bay Area Sports Guy's post on the subject.

With the budget set as it is, this will probably be the last big time roster decision of the off-season (a sad thought). Do the Giants select the "luxury item" Keppinger or the better fit (not to mention better player) Fontenot?

This choice, while not a really big deal in total wins and losses will give a hint about what the Giants value when building an offense.

Anyway, here is the list of the other guys that the Giants can offer arbitration to tonight via MLB Trade Rumors:

Tim Lincecum
Pablo Sandoval
Jeff Keppinger
Ryan Vogelsong
Santiago Casilla
Sergio Romo
Mike Fontenot
Nate Schierholtz
Eli Whiteside
Emmanuel Burriss

Of these guys, Lincecum, Sandoval, Vogelsong, Casilla, Romo and Schierholtz are locks to comeback next season. It looks like Bussiss is coming back as the super utility guy. Last but not least unfortunately it looks like Whiteside's Giants career has played itself out as he is unlikely to be tendered a contract but I think the Giants would be interested in having back in Triple-A if he were open to it.

In a matter of hours the Giants roster will be nearly complete for the coming season and the long wait for baseball begins.

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