In 1978, we had Ozzie Smith. Now in 2015, we have Joe Panik.
OK, maybe the comparison is a little bit off, but that’s the only parallel we can draw to possibly comprehend the spectacular play that Panik made in a rehab game on Thursday.
The Giants second baseman is currently on assignment with the Sacramento River Cats of Triple-A trying to work his way back from a lower back injury that has kept him on the disabled list since August 3. And let’s just say that 24-year-old is making the most of his time there.
In the third inning of Thursday’s game against the River Cats, Reno Aces outfielder Nick Buss hit a little dribbler towards the right side of the infield that was deflected by first baseman Kevin Frandsen. Playing behind Frandsen, Panik stopped on a dime, adjusted to the carom by going into a slide, reached back with full extension to barehand the ball, gathered, and nailed Buss at first with a one-hopper to pitcher Ty Blach (who made an also-impressive scoop at the bag). All in the span of about two seconds.
We think @JoePanik’s ready to come off rehab: https://t.co/PvxQapjqgz #Thievery
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2015
Look familiar?
Giants fans must be happy to see that Panik is progressing from his lumbar ailment. He has kept it rolling after his spectacular defensive showing in the World Series last year, batting .309/.374/.443 for them this season while sporting a UZR of 5.0 at second base. Panik made the All-Star team this year and his two-way brilliance has been one of the few things the San Francisco faithful have had to smile about in a season where they have gone a pedestrian 69-65 and are currently 6.5 games out of a playoff spot. Hopefully, Panik’s modern-day wizardry will be making its way back into AT&T Park very soon.
H/T Bleacher Report
Image Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
*Stats courtesy of Fangraphs*
