Blanco surprises with clutch play in World Series

• Gregor Blanco was given his shot when Melky Cabrera was suspended after testing positive for PEDs
• Giants hitting coach Hensley Meulens urged the Giants to sign Blanco
• Blanco has had a hand in all three Giants World Series victories

DETROIT -- San Francisco Giants hitting coach Hensley Meulens does not get a bonus for his scouting services, which he sees as part of his job. The club might want to at least consider sweetening his share of the postseason money.

As a hitting coach and later a manager in the Venezuelan winter league the last two offseasons, Meulens spotted and recommended Ryan Vogelsong and Gregor Blanco, both of whom have played major roles in the Giants getting to the doorstep of their second championship in three years. They entered Sunday's game ahead 3-0 in the World Series against the Detroit Tigers.

While Vogelsong's journey from oblivion to All-Star and postseason force has been well chronicled, Blanco's impact might surprise fans who remember him as a light-hitting outfielder with the Atlanta Braves, if they remember him at all.

Blanco had a hand in the Giants' first three World Series wins, making two diving catches in Game 1, laying down a bunt that led to the first run in Game 2 and hitting an RBI triple, then later scoring, in Game 3.

The left fielder also triggered the play that resulted in Prince Fielder getting thrown out at home plate Thursday to kill the Tigers' best scoring chance in the last two games, both of them 2-0 losses. To cap it off, Blanco raced deep into the corner to snag Jhonny Peralta's deep drive in the ninth inning Saturday.

In a World Series featuring the two likely MVPs of the regular season — Giants catcher Buster Posey and Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera — it's a veteran of nine minor league seasons who is stealing the spotlight.

"I owe it to my hard work and to my mom up in heaven, who may be helping me out a bit and saying, 'Son, this is your time, take advantage of it,'" Blanco said while adeptly answering questions in English and Spanish after Game 3.

Blanco also acknowledges he owes a debt of gratitude to the player he replaced in left field, banished Melky Cabrera.

They spent time together with the Braves in 2010 and also in the Kansas City Royals organization in 2011, when Cabrera — who was suspended this season after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone — had a breakout season and Blanco spent an injury-marred season in the minors.

Cabrera encouraged Blanco to get in top condition — he dropped more than 10 pounds by improving his diet — and to take better advantage of his speed. Blanco shined for the Tiburones de La Guaira in last season's winter league, earning MVP honors and catching Meulens' attention.

Meulens said he persuaded Blanco to join the Giants on a minor league contract the day before he was going to sign with the Miami Marlins. Blanco then made the team in spring training as a reserve outfielder.

"I saw something different this last winter where he was more patient even," Meulens said of Blanco, who sports a career .349 on-base percentage despite a .253 batting average.

"He hit lefties and righties, worked deep counts, had a little bit of power, hit some home runs and doubles. We knew he had gap power that would play in our park, which allows a lot of doubles and triples. That's why I was intrigued."

Blanco is thrilled with his decision to choose the Giants over the Marlins, who fired his Venezuelan countryman, Ozzie Guillen, as manager after finishing last in the National League East.

"I'm really thankful to the Giants for giving me the opportunity to be here," Blanco said. "I want to be able to say, 'You guys were not wrong about me.' It's been great."