Young Giants duo confident after playing key role

Joe Panik is young but full of confidence at spring training. It helps that the 24-year-old is the projected starting second baseman for the defending champion San Francisco Giants after a stellar half-season in 2014 that saw him hit .305 in 73 games and log five extra-base hits and eight RBIs in 17 postseason games. ''But yeah, it does give me confidence coming into spring training and knowing that I have a role right now.'' Panik might be the most high-impact player among the Giants' 2014 rookies, but he wasn't the only young player to step up and play a big part in the team's run to the World Series. Catcher Andrew Susac took over for Hector Sanchez, who suffered a concussion, as the backup catcher - a key spot because the Giants used No. 1 catcher Buster Posey at first base in 30 games last season.