How SF Giants’ Gilbert brings next-level energy, intensity

SAN FRANCISCO Camera operators have learned by this point When the Giants orchestrate a big moment it s best practice to pan to Drew Gilbert Gilbert acquired in the bargain that sent Tyler Rogers to the New York Mets in July has brought a fervent unparalleled strength to San Francisco a college-like intensity seldom seen in the majors He s biting the shirts of teammates He s celebrating regular-season home runs as if it s the World Series He has a unique celebration that involves third baseman Matt Chapman wrapping his hands around Gilbert s neck It s not uncommon for clubhouses to subdue large personalities especially those of rookies The Giants though have allowed Gilbert to unabashedly be himself To an extent Believe it or not Chapman disclosed this is him subdued It s fun to watch It s a spark plug noted pitcher Logan Webb He s really a really good contestant to go along with that resource It s fun to see One of the first instances where Gilbert displayed his hallmark hyperactivity was in mid-August during the Giants four-game series against the Padres in San Diego The Giants were leading - in the top of the first on back-to-back solo homers by Heliot Ramos and Rafael Devers when Wilmer Flores launched San Francisco s third homer of the inning As Flores rounded the bases Gilbert elevated to the dugout s top railing screaming at the top of his lungs https sporty-clips mlb com UUEyZFZfVjBZQUhRPT fQndnRlVBY JWMUVBWEZwV ZnQUhDQU TQUZnQUJnY FVRndBQVFRSEFBZFNCQXNB mp Gilbert s animated nature was again on display during the Giants Monday night win against the Arizona Diamondbacks In the middle of San Francisco s five-run sixth inning Gilbert bit the sleeve of starter Robbie Ray and yanking on it like a rabid dog as if he was definitely attempting to rip it off As you guys see anybody that watches Giants games will know that Gilbert has a fantastic vigor reported center fielder Jung Hoo Lee through squad interpreter Justin Han He brings it into the clubhouse He s a great athlete and I m happy that he s helping out the organization right now The -year-old s the majority over-the-topic antic without question involves Chapman who will put both of his hands around Gilbert s neck while the rookie yells and screams in his face When sought how it started Chapman revealed it likely happened when Gilbert was trying to attack me like a little puppy dog That s just me having a restraining order against him Chapman laughed It s me telling him to keep his distance stay away from me Commented manager Bob Melvin It really has brought a whole other level here it s unfailingly been a close association but now you ve got I don t want to use a bad word a very exuberant kid who s so happy to be in the big leagues He s enamored with the whole thing He s not lost that he s in the big leagues now He s playing with guys like Rafael Devers He embraces it yet finds a way to go out there and play well during the tournament too For all the extracurriculars Gilbert cannot be reduced to a hype man given his role in San Francisco s late-season resurgence Related Articles Webb reaches strikeouts SF Giants slug home runs in rout of D-backs SF Giants attempt to stay hot on crucial homestand vs Diamondbacks Dodgers Sharks Celebrini Smith visit SF Giants take batting practice at Oracle Park Joey Chestnut aiming for new eating record at Giants-Dodgers meeting SF Giants drop two of three to Cardinals prepare for crucial six-game homestand Gilbert initially struggled upon being called up in early August going -for- with strikeouts in his first games Over his last games entering Tuesday by contrast Gilbert is -for- with two homers nine runs scored and RBIs On Aug Gilbert recorded his first career three-hit contest The next day he recorded his first career four-hit challenge A lot of guys myself included when you get to the big leagues you ve got to get over the awe factor that you re truly in the big leagues and playing with these guys Melvin mentioned He certainly understands all that but also has confidence to go out there and play well But it is a different type of vitality in our dugout now with him