Giants' Farhan Zaidi explains why Joey Bart was assigned to minors camp

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Even top prospects fall victim to spring-training cuts. It's no different for Joey Bart.

The Giants reassigned the promising catcher to minor league camp on Tuesday in a move that appears to be a surprise but ultimately wasn't.

“Frankly, we didn’t see him making the Opening Day roster, and it was a possibility to send him out in the first wave [of cuts],” president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi told reporters via The San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s really a testament to the work he did. He earned the right to stay a little beyond that first round.”

Heading into Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs in Scottsdale, the 23-year-old batted .438 with two home runs in nine games. Those of you reading could be split as to whether these numbers matter, but he still is one of the guys behind Buster Posey. Another factor to consider is the fact that minor league games begin Tuesday as well. 

Zaidi said for the time being Bart will prepare on the minor league side. He wasn't specific as to which level Bart would start in the upcoming season, but the mission is to have him in the bigs at some point in 2020.

“That’s his expectation, for sure,” Zaidi said. “That’s a reasonable goal for him and for us.”

[RELATED: Farhan doesn't regret keeping MadBum at deadline]

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Zaidi has value in the younger players that are part of one of the most improved farm systems over the last season. That's an achievement he's quite proud of and a message he has preached since coming to the team in November 2018.

Across High-A and Double-A last season, Bart slashed .278/.328/.495 with 16 home runs. He'll more than likely get an offensive boost batting in the Pacific Coast League when he makes it to Triple-A, then perhaps Giants fans will get to see him in the later months. 

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