SAN FRANCISCO - No matter how good they are, major league players typically experience a decline in their mid-30s. Managers and executives then ponder where to put players so they don't hurt the team. For a center fielder, the thought of moving him to a corner outfield position might arise early, since athleticism, range and speed don't age well as skill sets.
Angel Pagan, 34, has reached that stage in his career. After three injury-riddled seasons and advanced metrics that suggest worsening defense, the San Francisco Giants veteran was moved from center field to left field to make way for former Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span, whom the Giants signed to a three-year, $31 million deal in the offseason.