Morse sees action at first, could fill in for Giants

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Michael Morse, the Giants' projected Opening Day left fielder, joined infield drills as a first baseman Wednesday. This wasn't necessarily a huge surprise.

Manager Bruce Bochy mentioned during the interview sessions surrounding FanFest earlier this month that Morse, who has played 130 games at first during his nine-year Major League career, might receive some playing time at first base. Bochy reiterated this after Wednesday's initial full-squad workout, pointing out that he might need a replacement at first base when Brandon Belt rests and catcher Buster Posey, a familiar first-base fill-in, absolutely must catch or gets a break.

Morse also played first due to the absence of Brandon Belt, who avoided a salary arbitration hearing by agreeing to a one-year, $2.9 million deal Tuesday night. Belt is expected back in camp on Thursday.