Why Giants’ Jeff Samardzija is a big fan of Steven Duggar

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jeff Samardzija gave Steven Duggar the ultimate compliment.

“He seems like a player who would do this in his free time if he could,” Samardzija said.

Another day in the Cactus League, another impressive game for the Giants’ 24-year-old center fielder. Duggar made a diving catch of Chase Utley’s liner and hit his third home run Saturday in the only Giants-Dodgers game of the year at Scottsdale Stadium.

Duggar has seven hits in 17 at-bats, and his defense, speed, baserunning and exuberance are refreshing elements on a team figuring to be the oldest in the majors.