Norichika Aoki is manager Bruce Bochy's preference for the leadoff spot, although nothing has been decided at this point, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports. "Hopefully this works," Bochy said Wednesday. "I think it could work with the way Aoki grinds a

Aoki is manager Bruce Bochy's preference for the leadoff spot, although nothing has been decided at this point, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports. "Hopefully this works," Bochy said Wednesday. "I think it could work with the way Aoki grinds at-bats and finds ways to get on base, and I like Angel (Pagan) in the three-hole. But we'll see how it goes in the next nine to 10 days."

Analysis:

Aoki hit leadoff Wednesday, as he has done for much of spring training. This competition does not really affect the value of Pagan, as he would be useful in fantasy batting leadoff or third for the Giants. However Aoki's landing spot if he does not win the leadoff role would likely be down in the bottom third of the order, so the decision does loom large as far as his value is concerned. Regardless of where he ends up, Aoki also added that he is looking to be more aggressive on the basepaths now that he is back in the National League. He averaged 25 stolen bags over his two seasons in Milwaukee, but only swiped 17 with Kansas City last year.