Spring Training Game Wrap 2/28/2025: Giants 9 Brewers 2

The Giants brought their hitting shoes to Scottsdale Stadium and slugged four home runs in support of strong pitching from Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .222.  I think LMWJ must have heard us talking about his lack of contact yesterday.  He came out swinging today and made his first hit of the spring a home run.  He later drove in 2 runs with a single and scored ahead of Willy Adames 2-run single.  

Willy Adames SS- 1 for 3.  BA= .455.  The early returns on Willy Adames are encouraging.  He stung his former team with a 2-run single in the 4'th inning.

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB.  BA= .286.  Chappy seems to be about where we want him to be in the early spring.  His HR came after Patrick Bailey C drew a 2-out walk in the first inning.

Wilmer Flores DH- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB.  BA= .222.  If Wilmer stays healthy, a 1B platoon with LMWJ should be just fine.  His HR was B2B after Chapman's 2-run blast in the first inning.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .200.  YtY got off to a slow start to spring games but added his name to the list of Giants who homered.  

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .500.  Fitz makes his first spring start after working through some back tightness.  

Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 4/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 1.80.  Webb gave up a solo HR but otherwise looked like he was in midseason form.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Harrison makes his first appearance of the spring after getting a late start due to illness(flu?).  FB was reportedly 91-93 MPH.  He says he worked all offseason to strengthen the shoulder and it feels fine. He intends to ramp up his FB velocity through the spring.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.50.  

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.25.  Birdsong reportedly hit 98 MPH again with the FB.  Between Landen Roupp RHP, Harrison and Birdsong, the Giants young pitching appears to be in great shape.  Add in The Carsons and they may even be able to make a trade or two from a strength.

Nice win for the lads.  Carson Seymour RHP get the start tomorrow against the Dodgers in Glendale AZ.  Justin Verlander RHP will work a sim game so as to not be exposed to the Hated Ones in a meaningless game.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/27/2025: Giants 6 Mariners 4

Landen Roupp became the first Giants pitcher to complete 3 innings and dominated in a spring training win.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 0 for 0, 3 BB.  BA= .000.  LMWJ has 4 walks and 4 K's in 9 PA's which means he's put one ball in play.  I guess that's what you call a 2 true outcomes batter.   The primary job of the leadoff hitter is to get on base.  He's doing that, although it did not lead to any runs scored in this game.

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 1 for 1.  BA= .750.  Ceballos is not even a non-roster invitee.  He's 3 for 4 on the spring.

Luis Matos RF- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .286.  The wind was blowing straight in from CF at 11 MPH.  I read that Matos hit it 108 MPH off the bat and it would have been a HR in 16 MLB parks.  Matos is quietly having a good early spring.

Brett Wisely 2B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .500.  Wisely has a leg up on a utility IF job due to batting lefthanded.  His performance so far is not detracting from that.

David Villar 3B/1B- 1 for 1.  BA= .333. Villar is out of options and appears to have no chance of making the Opening Day roster.  He's played sparingly so far.  This was his second hit in 7 PA's.  Is there a team out there who is impressed enough to jump the waiver line and offer a trade?  I think Villar could have and Adam Duvallesque ceiling.  

Landen Roupp RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA- 0.00.  If Roupp is the placeholder for the #5 starter role, he's doing everything he can to grab that opportunity by the throat.  Wow!

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.00.  

Lou Trivino RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Trivino makes his first spring appearance.  His contingent MLB conract and past connection to Bob Melvin suggest a roster spot is his to lose.

Jake Lamb came out of the game after a base hit with a tight quad.

Logan Webb RHP makes his second spring against the Brewers tomorrow in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/26/2025: Giants 4 Cubs 4

The Cubs scrubs scored 3 runs in the 8'th inning for a come-from-behind tie, the Giants second of the early spring.  Key Lines:

Willy Adames SS- 2 for 3, SB(1).  BA= .500.  Adames is 4 for 8 in the early spring, all singles. 

Jerar Encarnacion LF- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .455.  Encarnacion has 3 doubles out of his 5 hits.  Melvin came into camp mentioning Jerar as a player who impressed him last season.  His early spring performance reinforces that impression.

Wilmer Flores 1B- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .143.  Wilmer gets his first hit of the spring.  Main goal is to start the season healthy.

Casey Schmitt 2B- 1 for 3, HR(1)..  BA= .167.  Casey ran into one but 4 K's and 0 Walks in 12 AB's.  Gameday does not have pitch-by-pitch data in most of these spring game so hard to tell if Casey is being more selective at what he swings at.  The numbers will tell with a larger sample.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  Hicks makes his first spring start.  He loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning but got out of his with a shallow flyout and 2 K's.  He then struck out the first batter of the second inning and was done after 36 pitches.  He reportedly hit 100 MPH on at least one pitch.  Same old problem with pitch counts but since it was the first 3 batters we'll say it was first start jitters.  

Sean Hjelle RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Gotta wonder if Sean Hjelle found a new pitch over the winter.  He generally relies on getting a lot of groundball outs.  So far in 2 IP he's struck out the side twice.

Enny Romero LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Romero is my man for a lefty reliever role on the active roster.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Doval has issued no walks in 2 1-inning appearances.

Landen Roupp RHP makes his second spring start tomorrow against the Mariners in a road game.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/25/2025: A's 7 Giants 5

Robbie Ray had a successful first spring start but a young lineup struggled and several pitchers got knocked around in a loss to the Giants former cross-bay rivals.  Key Lines:

Jerar Encarnacion 1B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .500.  Encarnacion entered spring training on Bob Melvin's radar and has done nothing to diminish that impression. 

Logan Porter C- 1 for 2, 2B.  BA= .200.  Porter is competing for the backup catcher role in the wake of Tom Murphy's back injury.  Sam Huff C went 0 for 2 with 2 K's as the starting catcher today.

Christian Koss PH/SS- 2 for 2, 2B, HR(1).  Koss is a guy who can play multiple IF positions.  He's tended to struggle at the plate.  Is he a sleeper to win a reserve IF spot on the roster?  Sergio Alcantara started the game at SS and went 1 for 2.  Osleivis Basabe started the game at 2B and went 1 for 3.

Bryce Eldridge DH- 0 for 3, BB, 3 K's.  BA= .286.  A dose of reality for Young Bryce.

Robbie Ray LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  A healthy and effective Robbie Ray for a full season would be a huge upgrade to the rotation from last season.

Tristan Beck RHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  Tough first spring appearance for Beck. He'll get more chances to win a long relief/spot starter role.  

Joey Lucchesi LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 2/0 GO/AO.  Melvin says he is looking for a lefty reliever who can go multiple innings.  Lucchesi has a MLB contract conditional on him making the team which seems to signal he has the inside track for that role.

Jordan Hicks RHP gets the start tomorrow against the Cubs in Scottsdale which means the more of the projected starters will take the field behind him.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/24/2025: Angels 7 Giants 4

Seems like the Giants play the Angels in Tempe early every spring and get knocked around every year.  Today was no different as Mason Black had a rough start to his spring.  Key Lines:

Marco Luciano LF- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .286.  The HR in the 4'th inning was a blast high off the batters eye in straightaway CF.  It looked like Luciano had a great look at the ball and got all of it.

Dakota Jordan CF- 1 for 1, 2B.  Jordan was another kid up from minor league camp who got a chance to impress.  He doubled in the ninth with a runner on first to set up a 3-run rally.  

Carter Howell RF- 1 for 1.  Also up from minor league camp, Howell drove in a run with a bases-loaded single.  Two more runs scored on a HBP to Jakob Christian 1B and a groundout by Adrian Sugastey C.

Mason Black RHP- 1.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  Rough start to the spring for Mason Black who was probably not at the top of the depth chart for for #5 SP coming in.  The big 3-run blast that cost him the most was off the bat of none other than Jorge Soler DH.  BTW, I am still scratching my head over Soler's time with the Giants.  What was that all about?

Trent Harris RHP- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  Harris is a sleeper RP prospect.  He came into the first inning with one out and runners on 2'nd and 3'rd and got out of it.  Per spring rules, Black then went back out to start the second inning in which he gave up another run but got through the inning.

Carson Seymour RHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 3/1.  3 of the 4 hits Seymour gave up were ground balls.  That's going to happen at times to guys who pitch to groundball contact.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/0.  On the other hand if you keep the ball on the ground with a strong defense behind you, you will win more than you lose.

Notes:  

As mentioned in a couple of comments after yesterday's Wrap and not to anyone's great surprise, Tom Murphy C was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his spine. He'll get an epidural injection and will likely start the season on the IL.  

Former Giants prospect, Alexander Canario OF, was traded from the Cubs to the Mets for cash after he was DFA'd over the weekend.

Robbie Ray LHP makes his first spring start tomorrow against the A's in Mesa, AZ.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/24/2025: Giants 2 Rockies 2

Justin Verlander made his first Cactus League appearance of his long career as the Giants came from behind to battle the Rockies to a tie.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB.  BA= .400.  Lee went deep to right with 2 outs on the first inning off Chase Dollinger RHP who is one of the Rockies' top prospects.  That was the last of the Giants scoring until the ninth inning.  

Diego Velasquez 2B- 1 for 1, 2B.  Velasquez was up from minor league camp for split squad day.  He made the most of the opportunity to impress Bob Melvin and the coaches, leading off with 9'th with double to CF to set up the tying score.

Bo Davidson LF- 1 for 1, 2B.  Davidson was also up from the minor league camp and also made the most of his opportunity doubling in Rayner Arias(Hey!  A Rayner Arias sighting) who PR for Velasquez.  I do hope the reason Arias was used as a PR is not because his wrist is still bothering him.

Justin Verlander RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  Verlander reportedly touched 96 MPH on the fastball.  He gave up a HR to Michael Toglia DH on a hanging slider.  I am pretty sure Verlander's primary goals were to get his work in and not get hurt.

Antonio Jimenez LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  Bob Melvin gave a shout out to Jimenez a couple days ago and he looked good in his first Cactus League appearance of the spring.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. Between the 2 games, all three Carsons pitched today.  Ragsdale's 2-inning stint was by far the most impressive.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  2 ground-outs, 1 flyout.  

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  Strong appearance but agains the Angels' scrubs in the 9'th inning.

So far, the pitchers seem to be ahead of the hitters which is normal for this time of spring training.  Hitters don't have their timing down yet and they are seeing a different pitcher every PA.  Good to see Jung Hoo Lee off to a strong start as small as the sample is.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/23/2025: Giants 5 Reds 2

The Giants pitchers continued to shine with enough hitting to easily win their second straight Cactus League game.  Key Lines:

Willy Adames DH- 1 for 2, BB.   Adames makes his first spring start at DH and draws a hit and a walk.  No need to wear him out playing shortstop when the start of the season is over a month away.

Bryce Eldridge PH/DH- 1 for 1.  BA= .667.  The legend grows!  It was just a bloop single but Eldridge is now 2 for 3 early in the Cactus League.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 2, 2B, SF.  YtY had an RBI on a rare Sac Fly/Double Play.  Apparently the run crossed the plate before the second out was made which was the third out of the inning.  He stayed in the game long enough to double in the sixth.

Jerar Encarnacion LF- 1 for 3, 2B.  Jerar's groundball double in the 6'th inning drove in Luis Matos who PR for YtY.

Marco Luciano PF/LF- 1 for 1.  BA= .250.  Luciano had some good AB's yesterday but no hits.  Today he got himself a batting average. From Gameday it looked like he made a nice catch in LF too.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 2, HR(1).  Bailey makes his first appearance of the Cactus League and homers.  Hopefully he will find more consistency at the plate this season in additon to his league-best defense.

Brett Wisely 2B- 1 for 2.  BA= .600.  Wisely may be getting extra work due to Tyler Fitzgerald's minor injury.  He's making the most of his going 3 for 5 in his first two games.

Logan Webb RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 3/0.  The boxscore does not list a pitch count but it sure looks like Webb breezed through his two innings of work.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  Birdsong gave up a couple of hits. The run scored on a balk after a leadoff triple in the second inning.  He responded by striking out the side to finish his day.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  Doval needs to show he can still command his pitches.  This line looks promising.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  Hjelle is generally more of a groundball pitcher than a strikeout pitcher but we'll take the K's too.

Another crisp win for the Giants in early Cactus League action.

Some injury updates:

Tom Murphy C is getting a second opinion on his back/oblique injury which.....does not sound so good.  

Heliot Ramos OF is dealing with a mild oblique strain and is expected to miss about a week of action.  Sounds more precautionary.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B seems to be progressing on schedule from mild back strain.

Erik Miller LHP is dealing with some finger numbness.  That doesn't sound good!  Makes the Taylor Rogers trade look more suspect.  Fortunately there are some promising LHP's in camp on minor league deals who might get longer looks now.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/22/2025: Giants 6 Rangers 1

A tape measure home run off the bat of Bryce Eldridge punctuated a Giants win in their first spring training exhibition game of 2025.  Key Lines:

Jake Lamb 1B- 2 for 3.  Lamb has a history of putting up big spring numbers.  His contingent major league deal tells me a lefty DH/bench bat job is his to lose.

Sam Huff C- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB.  Huff got his quest for the backup catcher role off to a great start when he followed Lamb's single with a 2-run blast to CF in his first AB of the spring.  No word on how he looked defensively but the pitchers seemed to thrive on what he was doing behind the plate.

Brett Wisely 2B- 2 for 3.  The hits did not factor into the scoring but I am sure did not hurt his quest to be the reserve middle infielder.

Marco Luciano LF- 0 for 3, K.  The line does not impress but I followed his second AB on Gameday.  He faced Jack Leiter RHP who was throwing 98 MPH cheese.  He swung at 3 pitches in the zone and laid off 3 pitches out.  I saw a note on BlueSky that the ball left his bat at 110 MPH in his final AB.

Bryce Eldridge PH/DH- 1 for 2, HR(1). Wow!  Nothing like a highly ranked prospect to impress the first chance they get.  We haven't seen anything like that for awhile, have we?  By all accounts it was a tape-measure blast that travelled 450 ft.  I hope Kuip gets a chance to call one in a regular season game down the road, "He hits it high!  He hits it deep!  It is.....outa here!"  

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 2, HR(1).  McCray followed up Eldridge's blast with one of his own to the oppo field.  While I believe McCray would benefit from some more seasoning in the minors, I won't be shocked if he's on the Opening Day roster.  Melvin has had a lot of positive things to say about McCray's work last season and he might be the best defensive CF in the organization.

Landen Roupp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  Roupp got the first start of the spring.  Does that give him the inside track for the #5 SP job?  If so, he certainly didn't give it up to today.  2 strong no-hit innings.  On Gameday it looked like he had great command of 3 pitches including a 94 MPH sinker and his signature curveball plus a better than decent changeup.  When his second inning was extended by a 2-out walk on his 31'st pitch, he got the next batter on a one-pitch groundout.  That's how it's done!  He was helped by a running catch by Jung Hoo Lee in the gap in left-CF.

Enny Romero LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  Romero had a 94-95 MPH FB and a sharp slider.  He's my spring sleeper guy.  

Joel Peguero RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  Peguero hit 101 MPH in a bullpen session.  No word on velocity here. Another guy to monitor closely.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP, Cole Waites RHP, Miguel Diaz RHP and Justin Garza RHP all pitched a scoreless frame.  Raymond Burgos LHP gave up the only run of the game in the 7'th inning.

I am quite sure how to put this into words but there is a distinctly different mood to spring training compared to the FZ years.  No confusing last minute roster churning.  Few, if any, major questions about the roster.  No distracting talk about analytics, although I am sure there is still analytics going on behind the scenes.  The focus feels like it's solely on setting the roster and getting ready to start the season with few questions about what roles players will fill.  Perhaps misplaced, but I sense a quiet confidence which was always personified by the top guy, Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey, as Vin Scully loved to call him.

Spring Training Update: Still A Quiet Spring

Not much new to report here and that's a very good thing.  

Tom Murphy C's oblique is still hurting him.  Melvin's quote:  He had an uncomfortable night.  Doesn't sound like baseball activity is in his near future.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B is feeling better and has started baseball activity.

Landon Roupp RHP was named starter of the first exhibition game vs the Rangers in Surprise. He is scheduled to work 2 innings which seems pretty significant.

Heliot Ramos OF impressed everybody with a live batting practice HR off the scoreboard in LF off Justin Verlander RHP.

Memba Alexander Canario OF?  He was just DFA'd by the Cubs to make room on their 40-man roster for Justin Turner 3B/1B/DH.  We are getting close to being able to close the books on the Giants trade to acquire Kris Bryant 3B/OF in 2021.  Caleb Killian RHP was the other Giants prospect going to the Cubs. He has pitched fairly well in the minor leagues but has failed to impress in 3 small samples at the MLB level.  The Giants made a great run in 2021 but fell just short.  Bryant contributed to that effort.  It was a trade worth making.  It was also the right decision to let him go in free agency.  He has been mostly terrible for the Rockies who are stuck with a 7 yr/$182 M contract.

Spring Training Update: Burning Questions

 The Giants enter the spring training exhibition season with surprisingly few positional uncertainties.  The starting players for all eight postions appear to be set.  At least 4 of the 5 SP's seem set as well as 7 RP's.  That leaves just up to 5 reserve positions including DH, 1 SP and 1 RP for the rest of the roster to compete for.  So where are the question marks? 

Will everybody remain in The Best Shape Of Their Life through the end of spring training?  The biggest health question marks as we approach live games are in no particular order Tom Murphy C(already in the training room), Wilmer Flores 1B/DH, Jung Hoo Lee CF, Mike Yastrzemski OF, Justin Verlander SP, Robbie Ray SP, Keaton Winn RHP.  Of course injuries can hit any player at any time, but these are the ones I am kind of holding my breath on.  As always, the #1 goal of spring training is to get to Opening Day with the roster intact.

Who is the #5 Starting Pitcher?  Logan Webb RHP, Justin Verlander RHP, Robbie Ray LHP and Jordan Hicks RHP are all but named to the rotation.  It appears the #5 spot is Kyle Harrison LHPs to lose.  Other in the competition include Hayden Birdsong RHP, Landon Roupp RHP and Keaton Winn RHP if he is healthy. 

Who is the 8'th member of the bullpen?  Ryan Walker RHP(CL), Camilo Doval RHP, Tyler Rogers RHP, Sean Hjelle RHP and Erik Miller LHP appear to be locks. Less certain are Spencer Bivens RHP and Randy Rodriguez RHP but they appear to have the inside track.  The last spot is most likely reserved for a LHP.  Bob Melvin says he is looking for a lefty pitcher who can go multiple innings. That seems to be a signal that Joey Lucchesi LHP is the man until proven otherwise, but Tristan Beck RHP and Landon Roupp RHP will make their cases.  Options, or lack thereof do not seem to be an issue except for Lucchesi.

Who is the back up catcher?  We've discussed this in depth in a previous post.  If it's Murphy, I hope the Giants find some way to keep Sam Huff in the organization.

Is there room on the roster for both Wilmer Flores and Jerar Encarnacion?  When facing LHP's, Wilmer can play 1B and Jerar can DH, but what about against RHP's?  LMWJ would play 1B so would you rather have Jerar or Wilmer at DH?  If your answer neither and you want a LH bat, then Jake Lamb seems to be the guy and there is definitely not room for Wilmer, Jerar and Lamb.

Who is the reserve middle infielder?  Assuming Fitz is the starting 2B the options are Casey Schmitt, Osleivis Basabe and Brett Wisely.  Since Adames and Fitz both hit RH, a LH batter would be ideal but Wisely has had a couple of seasons to show he can hit at the MLB level and has not done so.  I am curious to see if Schmitt's apparent improved plate discipline is sustained but Basabe is probably the better fielder at SS and therefore more versatile.

Will all 5 positional bench players bat right handed?  Probably not ideal which would tend to favor at least one of Wisely, Lamb or Grant McCray making the team.

So here's how it shakes out:

Starting Position Players:

C  Patrick Bailey

1B:  Lamonte Wade Jr/Wilmer Flores platoon.

2B:  Tyler Fitzgerald

3B:  Matt Chapman

SS:  Willy Adames

LF:  Heliot Ramos

CF: Jung Hoo Lee

RF:  Mike Yastrzemski

Bench(pick 5 out of 4 categories):  

C:  Tom Murphy vs Sam Huff

MI:  Casey Schmitt vs Brett Wisely vs Osleivis Basabe

4'th OF:  Luis Matos vs Marco Luciano vs Grant McCray

5'th OF/DH:  Jerar Encarnacion vs Jake Lamb vs Matos/Luciano/McCray

Starting Rotation:

Logan Webb RHP

Justin Verlander RHP

Robbie Ray LHP

Jordan Hicks RHP

Kyle Harrison LHP vs Hayden Birdsong RHP

Bullpen:

Ryan Walker(Closer) RHP

Camilo Doval RHP

Tyler Rogers RHP

Sean Hjelle RHP

Erik Miller LHP

Pick 3:  Spencer Bivens RHP, Randy Rodriguez RHP, Joey Lucchesi LHP, Tristan Beck RHP, Landon Roupp RHP, Enny Romero LHP.

Spring Training Update: No News Is Good News

Sorry there isn't much to discuss out of spring training so far and that's probably a very good thing.  Most hard news generated in early spring training is related to injuries.  If the most vigorous discussion is related to back up catcher, we can all breath a sigh of relief and count our blessings.  

Based on the few on-field reports I've seen it seems the most impressive swings in live batting practice were from Willy Adames who homered on the second pitch he saw and Bryce Eldridge who had a nice looking hack at a left-handed delivery from Raymond Burgos.  There was also a swing by Jerar Encarnacion off Camilo Doval which may or may not have left the ballpark.

We're just 4 days away from the first spring exhibition game against the Rangers in Surprise, AZ.  I am all rested up from last season and ready to post daily Game Wraps so stay tuned.

Spring Training Update: Tom Murphy Gets MRI And Other Notes

 I am pretty sure this does not come as a shock to anyone here but Tom Murphy C, who came to camp in the best shape of his life, is going for an MRI after missing several bullpen sessions.  Murphy has a long history of injuries of all imaginable types so it raised some of our eyebrows when we heard the Giants were counting on him to be the back up catcher behind Patrick Bailey who faded in the second half of the last two seasons.  It seems whatever bothered Murphy's knee last season is fully healed but now it's his back, described as back spasms.  Sigh.

The only other catcher on the 40-man roster is Sam Huff who actually looks like a better than decent hitter and is reportedly good at framing and blocking and has a strong arm albeit possibly with a release on the slow side.  As for non-roster catchers there is Max Stassi who has health issues of his own.  He has not played since 2022 and in the meantime underwent hip resurfacing surgery.  What is hip resurfacing, you ask?  I didn't know either so I looked it up.  It's basically lining both the ball and socket of the hip joint with metal.  Yikes!  I am not sure if anyone has ever played major league baseball after undergoing that procedure.  You will have to color me skeptical.  

Back up catcher seems like it could be an area where Buster could have been more aggressive in the Hot Stove League especially with Patrick Bailey's history of fading in the second half.  And yes, I get it, back up catcher is about as close to a fungible asset as you are going to get, back spasms are usually a benign condition that gets better spontaneously and Sam Huff will probably do just fine if it comes to that. Not Buster's fault but Joey Bart would sure look good in a Giants uniform right now.

*************************************************************************************

It's official!  Lamonte Wade Jr is in the best shape of his life.  He concentrated all offseason on healing his hamstring and getting his legs in better condition with a running program. Now he is volunteering to play some outfield.  He did mention that his loss of power last year was due to weakness in his legs after the hamstring injury which prevented him from driving the ball.  I seem to recall some commentary about it looking like that's what was happening last year.  Stay healthy, LMWJ!  

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: The Post-Prospects

We've talked a lot about the "post-prospects", players who have too much MLB experience to qualify as rookies and therefore don't conform to the "rules" of who can be included in prospect rankings.  On the other hand, they have not yet established any role on the team and might well start the season playing in the minor leagues or they may well emerge as future Giants stars.  Let's break it down and look at this group of players who could well determine whether the Giants have a successful season in 2025 or not.  I am just going to run through the 40-man roster starting with the pitchers rather than trying to rank them.

Tristan Beck RHP.  DOB:  6/24/1996.  6' 4", 165 lbs(he definitely weighs more than 165 lb!).  Drafted 2018 Round 4(ATL).

2024(AAA):  0-1, 7.90, 13.2 IP, 11.20 K/9, 1.98 BB/9.

2024(MLB):  0-0, 1.69, 16.0 IP, 7.88 K/9, 2.25 BB/9.

Beck might be a bit too established to be a post-prospect but since we love to talk about players we're all about inclusivity here.  Beck pitched 85 innings  with a 3.92 ERA in 2023 in a swingman role.  He was expected to make the 2024 team in a similar role but  experienced numbness in his throwing hand in spring training leading to a diagnosis of a subclavian artery aneurysm.  Yikes!  He underwent surgery and came back to pitch well in a small sample late in the season.  If he remains healthy through spring training he is a good bet to make the Opening Day roster as a swingman/long reliever.  He does still have 2 options despite being 28 years old which tends to work against him in this situation.

Hayden Birdsong RHP.  DOB:  8/30/2001.  6' 4", 215 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 6.

2024(AA):  4-2, 2.05, 48.1 IP, 11.36 K/9, 3.72 BB/9.

2024(AA):  1-0, 5.00, 9 IP, 14.00 K/9, 6.00 BB/9.

2024(MLB):  5-6, 4.75, 11.00 K/9, 5.38 BB/9.

Birdsong was rushed into the gap when the Giants starting rotation fell apart and pitchers who were expected to recover from injuries didn't.  He showed electric stuff with a FB that averaged 96 MPH, a diving curveball and a better than decent changeup, but his command was inconsistent.  With Kyle Harrison likely ahead of him on the SP depth chart, he may well start the season in AAA barring an injury to the projected starting 5.  Has 3 options.

Kyle Harrison LHP.  DOB:  8/12/2001.  6' 2", 200 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 3($2.5 M bonus).

2024(MLB):  7-7, 4.56, 124.1 IP, 8.54 K/9, 3.04 BB/9.  

I forgot Harrison spend all season on the active roster last season(except when on the IL).  He started strong but faded in the second half with reduced velocity and eventually went on the IL with shoulder soreness which sounds kind of ominous.  Report out of spring training camp have him in the Best Shape of His Life with his velocity back up.  Harrison's explanation is he had an ankle injury that altered his motion that had a cascade effect.  He says that's all corrected.  He's the guy the Giants want to take the #5 SP role so it's probably his job to lose. Potential to be a Madison Bumgarner level ace if he stays healthy.  Has 3 options.

Spencer Bivens RHP.  DOB:  6/28/1994.  6' 5", 205 lbs.  Signed as free agent out of indy ball in 2022.

2024(AAA):  5-1, 2.92, 49.1 IP, 7.66 K/9, 3.10 BB/9, 1.95 GB/FB.

2024(MLB):  3-1, 3.14, 48.2 IP, 6.84 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, 1.61 GB/FB, 1 Save, 2 Starts

Bivens has a great story line and pitched really well in multiple roles.  His FB runs 95 MPH, he throws strikes and keeps the ball on the ground.  Throws 3 types of fastball, slider and changeup but relies on the sinker for 50% of his pitches.  Really, really deserves to be on the 2025 Opening Day roster. 2 options.

Landen Roupp RHP.  DOB:  9/10/1998.  6' 2", 205 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 12.

2024(ACL):  0-0, 0.00, 5 IP, 21.6 K/9, 0.00 BB/9.

2024(AAA):  0-1, 3.80, 21.1 IP, 12.66 K/9, 5.91 BB/9. 1.77 GB/FB.

2024(MLB):  1-2, 3.58, 50.1 IP, 8.40 K/9, 4.65 BB/9, 1.60 GB/FB.

Roupp has not been a highly rated prospect but impressed when thrown in the gap last year.  He throws a 94 MPH sinker and a hammer curveball with an occasional changeup.  Made 4 starts in 23 appearances and can pitch in a swingman role.  There are only so many roster spots for that role though and he has plenty of competition.  2 options.

Keaton Winn RHP.  DOB:  2/20/1998.  6' 4", 238 lbs.  Drafted 2018 Round 5.

2024(MLB):  3-8, 7.16, 55.1 IP, 7.81 K/9, 3.25 BB/9, 1.67 GB/FB.  

Winn has the size and stuff to be a MLB star.  FB goes 96 MPH backed up by a splitter.  His big problem is staying healthy.  History of Tommy John surgery.  His season ended in July with ulnar nerve transposition surgery.  2 options.  It would not be a surprise to see him start the 2025 season in the 60-day IL.

Casey Schmitt IF.  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 215 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 2.

2024(AAA):  .274/.343/.469, 16 2B, 13 HR, 11 SB, 9.3 BB%, 20.9 K%, 335 PA.

2024(MLB):  .252/.283/.477, 4 2B, 6 HR, 3.5 BB%, 22.1 K%, 113 PA.

Casey Schmitt has a pitchers arm with athleticism to play multiple infield positions including SS.  He has toonder in his bat.  His big problem has been swinging at absolutely everything in or out of the strike zone.  As you can see his walk rate improved significantly in AAA and his swing decisions were noticeably better in a late call up last season.  There is a back up infielder role up for competition.  Can he sustain his newfound plate discipline enough to win it?  He could be a terrific super-utility guy.  1 option.

David Villar IF.  DOB:  1/27/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 215 lbs.  Drafted 2018 Round 11.

2024(AAA):  .260/.361/.441, 26 2B, 16 HR, 12.4 BB%, 25.7 K%, 482 PA.

2024(MLB):  .257/.270/.457, 4 2B, HR, 2.7 BB%, 35.1 K%, 37 PA.

Villar is the forgotten man.  He has consistently put up good numbers in the minor leagues but consistently struggled at the MLB level(although his cup of coffee last season was not THAT bad).  His primary position is 3B which is now blocked and Jerar Encarnacion, of all people, is ahead of him on the 1B/DH depth chart.  Fangraphs says he has an option but all other sources say he is out of options which, if true, means he probably won't be a Giant by the start of the season.  I think he still has an Adam Duvall-esque future but like Duvall will probably achieve it with another organization.

Jerar Encarnacion OF/1B/DH.  DOB:  10/22/1997.  B-R, T-R.  6' 4", 250 lbs.  Signed as free agent out of indy ball May 2024.

2024(AAA):  .352/.438/.616, 10 HR, 12.3 BB%, 24.0 K%, 146 PA.

2024(MLB):  .248/.277/.425, 5 2B, 5 HR, 4.2 BB%, 28.8 K%, 119 PA.

Encarnacion showed off light-tower power last season after the Giants signed him out of the Mexican League.  Honestly, his numbers don't look much different than David Villar's but for some reason Bob Melvin is talking him up as a potential DH option with not one word about Villar which I am sure tells us something about their relative chances of making the Opening Day active roster.   Encarnacion is also out of options.  He is pretty much a one-dimensional player but it's intriguing to think about what he might do with 600 PA's in a season.

Marco Luciano OF.  DOB:  9/10/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 178 lbs.  Amateur free agent July 2018.

2024(AAA):  .250/.380/.380, 9 2B, 10 HR, 4 SB, 16.9 BB%, 26.8 K%, 384 PA.

2024(MLB):  .211/.259/.303, 5 2B, 3B, 6.2 BB%, 34.6 K%, 81 PA.

What a long strange trip it's been for Marco Luciano.  He was the Giants top ranked prospect for several years with glowing scouting reports, especially for the bat.  He was in line to be the Giants SS of the future starting with Opening Day 2024 but between Nick Ahmed and a late spring injury that did not happen.  He didn't start his minor league season until mid-May.  When Ahmed collapsed and Luciano finally got a chance to start at SS he made a series of almost comical errors which opened the door for Tyler Fitzgerald who grabbed the opportunity.  It all happened so fast it was hard to tell if it was just rookie nerves, the yips or he's just a bad fielder.  After Jorge Soler was traded, FZ basically said the DH job was Luciano's to lose. He DH'd a total of 7 games then disappeared again.  Was that Bob Melvin's decision or FZ's?  Luciano is back in camp this spring saying he felt lost at the plate most of last season and worked all offseason to get comfortable again.  Melvin says he will play exclusively corner OF.  He has 1 option.  Is his pro career salvageable?  

Luis Matos OF.  DOB:  1/28/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 160 lbs.  Amateur Free Agent July 2018.  

2024(AAA):  .258/.328/.451, 22 2B, 14 HR, 8 SB, 7.5 BB%, 10.7 K%, 375 PA.

2024(MLB):  .213/237/.347, 5 2B, 5 HR, 3.2 BB%, 15.4 K%, 156 PA.

Matos signed with the same international class as Marco Luciano.  At one point Matos rose to near the top of several Giants prospect rankings.  He has run hot and cold through most of his pro career and has had some extremely hot streaks at the MLB level which he was not able to maintain.  He went on another tear in the Venezuelan Winter League with a .300/.345/.536 line with 20 2B, 10 HR in 235 PA.  He has a better than decent chance to win a 4'th or 5'th OF role but will compete with Jerar Encarnacion, Marco Luciano and Grant McCray.  He also has 1 option.

Spring Training Update: News and Notes

Pitchers and catchers reported a few days ago and "best shape of his life" stories are in full swing.  I am happy to see that Justin Verlander, Wilmer Flores, Jordan Hicks and Tom Murphy are all, in fact, in the best shape of their lives, or at least some variation of the theme.  

Hello!  I bet you, like me, forgot Joel Peguero RHP was signed to a minor league deal in the Hot Stove League.  Bob Melvin just casually mentioned that he hit 101 MPH in throwing sessions.  OK, I'm not sure hitting 101 in the first throwing session of the spring is a good idea but wow!  I decided I better find out a bit more about Joel Peguero.  Fangraphs rates his FB as a 70(yes, I would say so) and his slider as a 55/60.  He put up this line in AA in the Tigers organization last season:  3-0, 3.14, 51.2 IP, 9.75 K/9, 2.96 BB/9, 1.70 GB/FB.  A name to keep an eye on.  My guy is still Enny Romero LHP.  You heard it here first!

For those of us anxious about the backup catcher role, Tom Murphy C is reportedly.....in the best shape of his life and the favorite for the role although Max Stassi and Sam Huff are also options.

For those of us worried about whether Jordan Hicks RHP can handle a SP load for longer than 2 months, he is reportedly "bulked up" from last season.  Hopefully that's good bulk and not Pablo Sandoval bulk.  

Lastly Bob Melvin his musing out loud about having LMWJ bat leadoff to take advantage of his elite OBP and move Jung Hoo Lee to third in the order as Melvin thinks there's more power in his tank.  

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #1 Bryce Eldridge

Bryce Eldridge 1B.  DOB:  10/20/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 7", 223 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 1

2024(A):  .263/.323/478, 14 2B, 10 HR, 2 SB, 7.4 BB%, 26.6 K%, 229 PA.

2024(A+):  .335/.442/.618, 11 HR, 3B, 12 HR, 16.3 BB%, 24.2 K%, 215 PA.

2024(AA):  .270/.325/.459, 2 2B, 3B, HR, 7.5 BB%, 20.0 K%, 40 PA.

2024(AAA):  .226/.314/.226, 11.4 BB%, 31.4 K%, 35 PA.

2024(AFL):  .293/.348/.512, 3 2B, 2 HR, 6.5 BB%, 34.8 K%, 46 PA.

In 2010 the Giants had a first base prospect who blew through 3 levels in his first pro season then hit .372 in the AFL.  The Giants were coming off winning a World Series but with a patchwork group of misfits and were in desperate need of more thump in the lineup.  He had a good spring and made the Opening Day roster.  To some observers he seemed awfully wide-eyed, struggled with big league pitching and got sent down which was an emotionally traumatic experience. He spent the rest of the season shuttling between AAA and the Giants.  He batted .225 at the MLB level but showed his power potential with 9 HR's in 209 PAs.  

I am sure Buster Posey remembers Brandon Belt's difficult rookie season and does not want to repeat that with Bryce Eldridge.  In a recent interview with Brodie Brazil, Bob Melvin backed that up saying Eldridge is a special hitter and a highly motivated prospect but he's just 20 years old and had a long whirlwind season playing at 4 levels plus the Arizona Fall League.  Melvin said he needs to slow down and build up AB's in the upper minors but when he arrives he will have that experience and confidence to be the special hitter he can be.

Although I think the Giants farm system is underrated and there are more good prospects in it than Eldridge, he is the shining star, The Franchise if you will.  He has tremendous size and raw power and a swing that allows him to control the strike zone despite his length.  He still needs some coaching and experience to polish up his defensive game at first base but has the athleticism to eventually be a plus defender there.  Absolute worst case scenario is he has more than enough bat to justify carrying him as a dedicated DH.  

It's hard to say when we will see him in a Giants uniform during the regular season.  It probably depends partly on how well LMWJ and Wilmer Flores remain healthy and productive as a first base platoon but we will likely see Bryce Eldridge in the majors at some point in 2025 even if it's a late-season call up.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #2 Grant McCray

Grant McCray OF.  DOB:  12/7/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 190 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 3($697 K).  

2024(AA):  .210/.313/.420, 14 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.5 BB%, 32.2 K%, 208 PA.

2024(AAA):  .272/.347/.471, 12 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 8 SB, 9.9 BB%, 25.4 K%, 213 PA.

2024(MLB):  .202/.238/.379, 3 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 5 SB, 4.6 BB%, 43.1 K%, 130 PA.

Most Giants prospect rankings don't list McCray but according to Baseball-Reference, McCray is still rookie eligible so I have him on my list.  When I make these lists it's always a challenge to weigh current performance against future ceiling and proximity to the majors against time for development.  McCray was rushed up to fill a smoking crater left in CF by Jung Hoo Lee's injury and he wasn't ready having played less than a season above A+ ball.  Having said that, he did stabilize an unstable position and showed flashes of his plus tools across the board.  He finished the season as the starting CF and is probably still #2 on the CF depth chart should Lee suffer another prolonged absence.  McCray obviously needs more seasoning in the upper minors but to my eye has louder tools than Lee and a higher future ceiling.  Tools and ceiling combined with presence on the 40-man roster and likely position on the CF depth chart are why I have him ranked #2.

Hot Stove League Update: Time To Douse The Embers

 Before we get started with our Hot Stove League Wrap, I just have to say that while other blogs post questions about superstitions and favorite baseball songs, we provide hard baseball content daily....and sometimes more.  Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Spring training camps open today with pitchers and catchers reporting.  We've already had our first "best shape of his life" story with Justin Verlander saying "This is for sure the best I've felt in last few years."  While there remain 7 of MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents on the market, it sure feels like Buster doused the embers in his hot stove, which means it's time to review his moves, or lack of moves, and give in opinion on his inaugural Hot Stove League Season since taking the reins as POBO of the Giants.  

It seems like many people rate Hot Stove League success solely by the star power of free agents signed regardless of cost and that goes back further than the Dodgers recent spending sprees.  To me, it's a lot more complicated than that.  If it's not, you and I could be POBO's if we just had the financial backing.  I am not saying an organization with obvious financial resources like the Giants should be always looking for the most cost-effective deal either.  You have to weigh short term with long term success in mind with a goal of building a consistent postseason contender without backing yourself into future corners.  I am not convinced the Dodgers have not mortgaged their future for current dominance but that remains to be seen and may take several years to determine.

Buster Posey inherited a position that was spinning its wheels.  Stars on short term, opt-out contracts always seemed to end up leaving for greener pastures.  Free agent busts hung around soaking up financial resources.  A whole shipload of intriguing prospects were rushed up and "graduated" yet none established themselves enough to be counted on.  Buster's goal in the Hot Stove League was to try to nail down some long term star players to build around while sorting out the "wheat from the chaff" among the post-prospects.  His mission is to establish stability and sustained winning defined by consistent postseason appearances and hopefully another championship or two in the process.

Buster got an early start on the Hot Stove League when he took over the Matt Chapman extension negotiations when he and ownership lost faith in FZ's ability to get the deal done.  When that happened you had to know FZ was as good as gone from the POBO chair.  That stabilized one position which was problematic since Pablo Sandoval left for free agency and thank God he did!  The other gaping hole with no good internal options to fill it was shortstop. There was really only one good shortstop option on the market, Willy Adames.  Yes, there was also Ha Seong Kim but he is coming off shoulder surgery with no guarantees when he will play again and no guarantees he will ever have the arm to play shortstop again.  We saw way too many of those kinds of players come and go during the FZ tenure.  Hard pass and that is obviously how Buster saw it too.  He went after Adames hard and got him signed just before the Winter Meetings at close to his MLBTR projected contract in a brutal buyer's market.  Who knows what FZ's approach would have been or who he might have signed.  I have a very hard time believing Adames would have signed if FZ was doing the negotiating.  

Although the Giants have a large stable of young hurlers on their 40-man roster they needed at least one more veteran starting pitcher to reduce the load on Logan Webb.  Hopes were high for bringing Corbin Burnes back to the bay area where he played college ball at St Mary's but it was not to be.  It sounds like Burnes really, really wanted to play close to his home in Arizona and Buster did not want to get locked into another long term deal, especially with a hated opt-out.  Buster pivoted to Justin Verlander, an aging superstar who may have something left in the tank.  Verlander may or may not be the guy to help Logan Webb take the pressure off the bullpen but there is almost no such thing as a bad one-year contract.  Whether you like or dislike the Verlander contract, it happened almost solely because Buster himself picked up the phone and talked Hall of Famer to Hall of Famer and used his persuasive powers to convince Verlander to sign.  That also would almost certainly have not happened for FZ.  

Perhaps the most surprising Hot Stove League move was trading away Taylor Rogers.  On the surface the goal of that trade was to offload salary but Rogers didn't exactly endear himself to Manager Bob Melvin and I get the distinct feeling Melvin and Buster see it as addition by subtraction for roster building.  The Giants(probably GM Zach Minasian) brought in a small army of lefty relievers on minor league deals.  It appears they believe at least one of those will end up being a better option than Rogers.  That's the kind of move that makes or breaks GM's and POBO's so we'll see.

At several points along the way, Buster said he was looking for another hitter.  He ended up signing Jake Lamb to a minor league deal which seems like it fell just a bit short of the goal there but it does likely leave more PA's open to help sort out the internal options.  The other area of concern is a back up catcher who can play enough to keep Patrick Bailey from wearing down in the second half again.  The catching market was thin but it's highly questionable whether Tom Murphy, Max Stassi or Sam Huff will prove to be the guy to give Bailey the consistent respites he needs.

While we have seen and heard endless debates about whether Buster could have or should have maxed out the payroll at the CBT threshold and he left a couple of minor holes unfilled, he did not make any glaring mistakes or sign any obvious "albatross" contracts.  He now has some space to sort out the young'uns and enough ammunition in reserve to make a deadline deal or two and maybe another anchor signing or two in Hot Stove Leagues to come.

With all that said, my final grade for Buster Posey in his rookie Hot Stove League season is a solid B.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #3 Trevor McDonald

Trevor McDonald RHP.  DOB:  2/26/2001.  6' 2", 180 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 11($800 K).

2024(ACL):  1-1, 3.52, 7.2 IP, 10.57 K/9, 2.35 BB/9, 2.20 GB/FB.

2024(A+):  0-1, 4.86, 16.2 IP, 13.50 K/9, 5.40 BB/9, 1.73 GB/FB.

2024(AA):  0-2, 3.21, 14 IP, 5.14 K/9, 2.57 BB/9, 1.06 GB/FB.

2024(AAA):  2-3, 4.72, 47.2 IP, 6.80 K/9, 2.84 BB/9, 2.06 GB/FB

2024(MILB):  3-7, 4.40, 86 IP, 8.16 K/9, 3.14 BB/9, 1.78 GB/FB

2024(MLB):  0-0, 0.00, 3 IP, 3.00 K/9, 3.00 BB/9, 7.00 GB/FB.

McDonald has been on my radar since he was drafted as a Round 11 special bonus baby out of HS.  Sure enough, the Giants scraped together enough $$ to keep him from going to college.  He was added to the 40-man MLB roster in November 2023.  He pitched at multiple levels last season after starting the season late and having it interrupted by a series of minor injuries.  He has a sturdy pitcher's frame and throws a mid-90's sinker with a slider and changeup as secondary pitches.  Although he does not put up big strikeout numbers he makes up for that with dominant groundball numbers with GB ratios around 2.00.  He started his first MLB game at the end of last season and pitched 3 shutout innings.  He only had 1 K and 1 BB but induced 7 groundball outs.

You can argue he does not deserve to be ranked this high but I have long believed he was an underrated prospect in the Giants system and I give him a few extra points for making the 40-man and for the MLB appearance however brief.  He has two option years left and will likely start this season back at AAA where his goal will be to stay healthy, polish his game and wait for an opportunity(he has some competition with The Carsons for that call up though).

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #4 James Tibbs III

 James Tibbs III OF.  DOB:  10/1/2002.  B-L, T-L.  6' 0", 201 lbs.  Drafted 2024 Round 1 #13 overall.

2023(Cape Cod League):  .303/.390/.472, 6 2B, 6 HR, 3 SB, 12.2 BB%, 21.3 K%, 164 PA.

2024(College):  .363/.488/.777, 18 2B, 28 HR, 8 SB, 18.1 BB%, 11.6 K%, 320 PA.

2024(A):  .415/.429/.512, 4 2B, 2.4 BB%, 26.2 K%, 42 PA.

2024(A+):  .134/.216/.239, 2 HR, 9.5 BB%, 33.8 K%, 74 PA.

Some analysts thought Tibbs was the best pure hitter in the 2024 draft class and he certainly tore it up for Buster Posey's old school, Florida St.  He hit well in the Cape Cod League to back it up.  He got off to blazing start for the A San Jose Giants in a small sample but then faceplanted after a promotion to A+.  I think a lot of people really downgrade him as soon as they see the BA in A+, but there's more to that story.  In his first 11 games for the Eugene Emeralds he went 1 for 41(BA= .024).  In his last 6 games he went 8 for 27(.296) with a double and 2 HR's.  

He should start 2024 back in A+ Eugene which is the appropriate level for his first full pro season and I think he will do just fine with a solid chance for midseason promotion to AA.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #5 Jhonny Level

Jhonny Level SS.  DOB:  3/29/2007.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 154 lbs.  International Amateur Free Agent Jan 2024.

2024(DSL):  .275/.393/.517, 11 2B, 3B, 10 HR, 18 SB, 14.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, 215 PA.

International bonus baby at $997 K.  Per MLB scouting report, Level is a fast-twitch athlete with arm and quickness ot stick at SS.  On video he looks wiry strong with room to grow into his frame.  Potential to hit for both average and power from both sides of the plate.  Pro debut a success(simply avoiding injury is a success for Giants top international prospects but he did a lot more than just play.  The stat line shows power, speed, plate discipline and contact. Not much to quibble with there.  He should start the 2025 season in the ACL although I would not rule out a jump all the way to full-season A ball.  Exciting player to follow.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #6 Rayner Arias

Rayner Arias OF.  DOB:  4/29/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 185 lbs.  International Amateur Free Agent Jan. 2023.

2023(DSL):  .414/539/.793, 6 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 19.7 BB%, 14.5 K%, 76 PA.

2024(ACL):  .250/.371/.364, 3 SB, 8 2B, 3B, 3 SB, 11.4 BB%, 25.7 K%, 105 PA.

Another upside play here.  Arias was one of the most highly ranked latin american prospects in the 2023 signing cycle and got a $2.7 M signing bonus.  He got off to a blazing start in the DSL and then, as with too many Giants international bonus babies, disaster struck.  His name disappeared from the boxscores and we later learned he suffered a wrist injury which ended his season.  He either had setbacks or a new injury and got a very late start on the 2024 season.  While his 2024 numbers are not terrible, they were not up to the expectations set with his DSL performance albeit in a small sample.  

Were it not for concerns with ongoing injury and lost development time Arias might well be ranked #1 on my list but I still have high hopes for him.  He should start 2025 with A San Jose Giants and needs a full healthy season to get his pro career back on track.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #7 Walker Martin

Walker Martin SS.  DOB:  2/20/2004.  B-L, T- R.  6' 2", 188 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 2.

2024(ACL):  .229/.413/.382, 6 HR, 4 SB, 21.2 BB%,  37.6 K%, 189 PA.

2024(A):  .202/.358/.333, 3 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 17.1 BB%, 46.3 K%, 123 PA.

Martin is purely an upside play here.  He's got great size and athleticism as a former 2-sport star in HS.  He's behind the curve development-wise due to lack of strong competition in HS and a late start to his pro-career apparently due to injury.  So far a high walk rate is negated by an astronomical K rate which limits his game power due to extremely low contact rates.  The upside is he still has 3 years of development before he must be added to the 40-man roster or exposed to the Rule 5 Draft.  

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #8 Carson Whisenhunt

Carson Whisenhunt LHP.  DOB:  10/20/2000.  6' 3", 209 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 2.  

2024(A):  0-0, 0.00, 5 IP, 10.80 K/9, 5.40 BB/9.

2024(AAA):  3-5, 5.42, 104.2 IP, 11.61 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, 4.58 xFIP.

The Whiz features what some analysts call the best changeup in all of baseball and Fangraphs rates as an 80 pitch.  His fastball has enough velocity(92-94 touching 96) to set it up but the FB sometimes lacks life and command.  He also has an average-ish slider to give him a 3-pitch mix but the changeup is his dominant pitch.  He missed much of the 2023 season with an elbow sprain but was mostly healthy in 2024.  As with many pitchers he struggled with the pitcher-unfriendly ballparks and tight strike zone in the PCL.  Projection systems like him and forecast an ERA in the mid-3's at the MLB level.  Reading his scouting reports reminds me of how awesome Noah Lowry's changeup was before he lost the feel for it due to a nerve injury.

Hot Stove League Update: Giants Make Minor Trade And A Minor League Deal

The Giants today acquired Osleivis Basabe IF from the Rays for cash.  The Rays DFA'd Basabe earlier in the week:

Osleivis Basabe IF.  DOB:  9/13/2000.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 165 lbs.  

2023(AAA):  .296/.351/.426, 4 HR, 16 SB, 7.3 BB%, 15.5 K%, 426 PA.

2023(MLB):  .218/.277/.310, HR, 6.4 BB%, 26.6 K%, 94 PA.

2024(FCL):  .270/.404/.541, 2 HR, 2 SB, 19.1 BB%, 2.1 K%, 47 PA.

2024(AAA):  .248/.293/.336, 5 HR, 4 SB, 4.9 BB%, 18.0 K%, 330 PA.

Basabe is a longtime minor leaguer since originally signed as an international free agent in 2018 by the Rangers.  He was acquired by the Rays in 2020 by trade and as recently as 2023 was listed in Rays top 10 prospects lists.  Basabe is rated as a solid defensive player who can hold down SS.  He's put up decent offensive numbers in the minors but his swing-heavy approach may not hold up at the MLB level a la Casey Schmitt.  Basabe will joint the competition and depth chart for reserve MI.  He has one option year.  Oh, and he is Luis Matos' cousin as almost everybody seems to be.  Also cousin for Forever Giant Alexander Basabe.

The Giants also signed Lou Trivino RHP to a minor league deal.  Trivino last pitched in the majors in 2022 and has battled injuries since.  He recently had a throwing session for scouts which the Giants attended.  Bob Melvin managed Trivino in Oakland where he was a serious reliever and racked up 22 Saves in 2021.

Blast From The Past: A Look Back At The 2010 Opening Day Roster

 I am thinking about writing a book about the 2010 Giants and was looking back at some of my posts from early in that season.  Other than Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, I find it almost shocking how bad that Opening Day roster was.  So here is part of my NL West Preview post from April 4, 2010(it's archived to the left if you want to read the entire post):

San Francisco Giants:

Lineup

CF Aaron Rowand
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Aubrey Huff
LF Mark DeRosa
C Bengie Molina
2B Juan Uribe
RF Nate Schierholtz

Bench

John Bowker, Andres Torres, Eugenio Velez, Eli Whiteside, Travis Ishikawa

Rotation

Tim Lincecum
Barry Zito
Matt Cain
Jonathan Sanchez
Todd Wellemeyer

Bullpen

Brian Wilson(closer), Jeremy Affeldt, Sergio Romo, Brandon Medders, Dan Runzler, Waldis Joaquin, Guillermo Mota(likely).

DL Freddy Sanchez

Summary: The Giants have the worst lineup in the division, by far. The question is whether it is enough less bad than last year to support the pitching into the playoffs. Sandoval could be a superstar, but has to prove last year wasn't a fluke. Schierholtz could emerge as a solid hitter, but might not even keep his job all season, heck, he might not even be the starting RF on opening day! If every hitter in the lineup has at least a career average year, it just might be good enough. That's a fairly long bet though. The pitching staff is the best in the division if not in all of baseball. We all know about LIncecum and Cain, but Sanchez is poised to be every bit as good if he can just stay within himself and keep the walks down. Zito is an innings eater. He needs to at least equal last year's performance and Wellemeyer has to be a steady #5 but it's a very nice rotation. Wilson is an established closer now with Affeldt a solid setup man. Runzler and Joaquin both have shutdown stuff. It's the best bullpen in the division too.

Predictions

1. San Francisco Giants!
2. Colorado Rockies
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. San Diego Padres

This is an underrated division and the top 4 teams are really very close. They say pitching is 70% of the game. If that is true, the Giants have by far the best pitching in the division, and will overcome a bad hitting lineup that will be marginally improved from last year. Every team except the Padres has a legitimate case to be #1, but each team needs a lot of things to break right to win.

(Current Comments):  John Bowker started in RF on Opening Day.  I forgot Todd Wellemeyer was the #5 SP.  He was long gone by the end of the season.  Bengie Molina was traded to make room for Buster.  Bumgarner came up and replace Wellemeyer and was great.  Aubrey Huff and Juan Uribe far exceeded expectations as did Andres Torres who had his one and only good season. Sabes bolstered the team with some savvy midseason acquisitions including Pat Burrell and Cody Ross.  I think that was the year he brought in Javy Lopez too.  Barry Zito had a terrible season and was infamously left off the postseason roster.  Rowand was terrible and I don't think Pablo had a particularly good season either.  Ironically the Padres proved to be the biggest challenge to a division championship. I think it came down to the final game of the season or close to it.

What do you think of this roster and my predictions?  I dare you to tell me with a straight face there was any reason to think this team could win the World Series.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #9 Carson Ragsdale

Carson Ragsdale RHP.  DOB:  5/25/1998.  6' 8", 225 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 4(Phillies).

2024(AA):  3-3, 3.49, 67 IP, 12.09 K/9, 4.16 BB/9.

2024(AAA):  2-4, 5.03, 53.2 IP, 9.56 K/9, 4.36 BB/9.  

 Carson Ragsdale is a guy I followed before the 2020 draft because I am always intrigued by tall pitchers and he's tall at 6' 8".   I was obviously happy when the Giants got him from the Phillies for Sam Coonrod.  Memba him? Unfortunately Ragsdale ran into injury issues.  He missed all of 2022 after undergoing surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and then most of 2023 with an elbow injury.  He was healthy in 2024 and pitched well in AA.  He struggled in AAA which is not unusual.  In addition to several extremely hitter-friendly ballparks, the PCL uses electronics to enforce a reduced strike zone.  Just an extremely tough league for pitchers.  He did have one memorable 11 K performance in August 2024.  He was added to the 40-man roster in November and has 3 option years.  He'll most likely start 2025 back in Sacramento and hope for an MLB opportunity.

Hot Stove League Update: Alonso Finally Signs With Mets And Gets A Haircut

Well, we can finally stop debating about whether the Giants should sign Pete Alonso.  He is finally, officially going back to the Mets for a a little over half of what he turned down in the past.  The deal is what we've come to expect from Scott Boras clients after he's badly misread the market:  2 yr/$54 M.  It includes $10 M signing bonus and a player option for 2026.  He reportedly will make $30 M in 2025.  Here's where the numbers don't completely add up.  MLBTR reports the player option would be for $24 M but $30 M + $24 M + $10 M = $64 M.  So, we'll need some clarification on this.

That's probably a reasonable price for Alonso but would not fit into the Giant payroll structure due to the QO hit, CBT tax hit and the hated opt-out, although again, the front-loading of the contract makes the opt-out a bit more palatable.  Again, I am excited to see what Juan Encarnacion, Luis Matos and Marco Luciano can do with their opportunities in 2025.

I think it's worth mentioning that this is the second year in a row where Scott Boras appeared to misjudge the market on not just one, but several players.  Last year it was the "Boras Four". This year's it's the Boras Three", Jack Flaherty, Alonso and Alex Bregman(in fairness, we don't know what Bregman will ultimately get but with less than 10 days before spring training camps open, his market is not looking great).  For Alonso's part, he once turned down a $100 M extension a year ago and Jon Heyman reports he turned down a 3 yr/$71 M deal earlier this offseason.  That was a bigger guarantee but the current contract holds open the possibility that he could ultimately make more than $71 M over the next 3 seasons.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #10 Carson Seymour

Carson Seymour RHP.  DOB:  12/16/1998.  6' 6", 260 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 6(Mets).

2024(AA):  7-10, 4.82, 134.1 IP, 8.84 K/9, 4.02 BB/9, 2.04 GB/FB. 

We are into the top 10 and starting a run of Carsons.  Carson Seymour has a chance to end up as the centerpiece of the 2022 trade that sent Darin Ruf to the Mets for J. D. Davis 3B, Thomas Szapucki LHP, Seymour and Nick Zwack LHP.  Zwack is still listed on the AA Richmond roster. Szapucki elected free agency in Nov 2024.  Seymour is a jumbo-size RHP who with a classic sinker-slider, 2-pitch mix and relies on dominant groundball ratios.  Fangraphs lists his FB velocity at 94.5 MPH(his 4-seamer is half a tick higher but he rarely throws it).  His secondary pitch is a slider that Fangraphs grades as a 70.  There is a strong trend away from pitcher who pound the zone with sinkers in the launch-angle era and you generally want to see a viable third pitch from starting pitchers so Seymour has those headwinds to overcome.  He was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, but will likely start the season in AAA Sacramento.  As an aside, every time I see his name I am reminded of the sea lion named Seymour who did a stunt show at Sea World when my kids were young.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #11 Mason Black

Mason Black RHP.  DOB:  12/10/1999.  6' 3", 230 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 3.

2024(AAA):  5-6, 4.59, 84.1 IP, 9.28 K/9, 4.16 BB/9.

2024(MLB):  1-5, 6.44, 36.1 IP, 7.68 K/9, 3.72 BB/9.

Black had a rough introduction to the major leagues in 2024 but did have a couple of really good starts.  Looking at his pitch selection and values on Fangraphs, he was exclusively sinker-slider in 2023 and added a 4 seam FB in 2024 which produced a pitch mix of 1/3 each 4-seam, sinker, slider.  Interestingly the 4-seam was his least effective pitch.  His average velocity for both the 4-seam and sinker were about 92.5 MPH.  He also threw a changeup but less than 5% of pitches.  Projections like him a lot better for 2025 with ERA's in the mid-4's.  Look for him to tweak his pitch mix in spring training and start the season on AAA.  He still has 2 options years.  He may need to develop the changeup more if he wants to remain a SP.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #12 Diego Velasquez

Diego Velasquez SS/2B.  DOB:  10/1/2003.  B-S, T-R.  6' 1", 150 lbs.  International Amateur Free Agent Jan 2021.

2024(A+):  .274/.357/.389, 16 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 18 SB, 10.1 BB%, 17.0 K%, 318 PA.

2024(AA):  .313/.389/.374, 4 2B, 3B, HR, 9.4 BB%, 17.1 K%, 170 PA.

Before we get started with our profile, I saw Velasquez play for the A San Jose Giants in 2023 and let's just say he doesn't weigh 150 lbs.  Velasquez signed a $900 K bonus in 2021.  He was immediately assigned to the Arizona complex.  His numbers for his first two pro seasons were not impressive but in 2023 he batted .298 with 8 HR over a full season with A level San Jose at age 19.  He moved up to A+ for his age 20 season and put up similar numbers and got a mid-late season promotion to AA where he hit .312.  Now, AA Richmond and Norwich before that have a long history of dashing the dreams of many Giants hitting prospects so I am impressed with a switch-hitting middle infielder who bats .312 there.

Velasquez is a prospect you don't hear much chatter about. The raps on him are he looks a bit chunky for a shortstop and he doesn't hit for enough power for a lesser defensive position.  He's still young, though with plenty of time for power to come.  Unfortunately he will run into the now-familiar dilemma for international prospects in that he will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft after his age 21 season.  I would think he will start this season back in AA Richmond but should be somewhere on the Giants middle-infield depth chart for a potential call up although things would have to go far south for that development. 

Hot Stove League Update: Tigers Sign Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty RHP who many analysts and fans thought would make a nice addition to the Giants starting rotation signed with the Tigers, the team he started the 2024 season with, for 2 years/$35 M.  The contract is heavily frontloaded with $25 M coming in 2025 and just $10 M guaranteed for 2026.  It does contain and opt-out after the first season and the 2026 salary escalates to $20 M if he makes at least 15 starts in 2025.  

Because of the way the contract is frontloaded, it is a little less onerous than most opt-out contracts.  Best case scenario for the Tigers is he pitches like an ace again, and it ends up being a 1 years contract for $25 M or they could even trade him at the deadline again and get even more young talent in return.  Worst case scenario is he is a complete bust and/or gets hurt and he comes back for $10 M next season.  Not so great would be if he pitches exactly 15 games and they have to pay $20 M in 2026 for a player you would not ordinarily offer that much for.

You may be thinking that in spite of the opt-out, this isn't such a terrible deal from a team perspective and why didn't the Giants sign him.  Well, a week ago Flaherty was on a podcast where he said he loved pitching for the Tigers, didn't want to be traded at the deadline and would love to go back so most likely he would not have take this deal from the Giants even if Buster Posey relented on his reported vow to just say no to opt-outs.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #13 Lisbel Diaz

Lisbel Diaz OF.  DOB:  7/19/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 201 lbs.  International Amateur Free Agent July 2023(Cuba).

2023(DSL):  .312/.386/.455, 3 HR, 8.0 BB%, 11.4 K%, 88 PA.

2024(ACL):  .329/.411/.539, 4 2B, 4 HR, 8.9 BB%, 16.7 K%, 90 PA.

2024(A):  .279/.333/.433, 12 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 8 SB, 5.5 BB%, 18.8 K%, 255 PA.

If there is one prospect I think I may have too low on my Top 50 Giants Prospects list, it's Lisbel Diaz.  Young for level contact hitter with emerging power.  Might need to tone down aggression at the plate and needs to get more balls in the air, but he has 3 years of development before Rule 5 eligibility and is likely to play at A+ at age 19 so has plenty of time to work on these issues.  His big test will come at AA where he probably won't play until 2026 but don't bet against him forcing a promotion this season.  Highlight of 2024 season was a 5-hit game 8/25.

Hot Stove League Update: Does Buster Posey Have Zero Tolerance For Opt-Outs?

There is an article up on Fansided.com authored by someone named Zachary Rotman who quotes former GM Jim Bowden from a podcast called Foul Territory.  Here is the Bowden quote:  "Buster Posey is completely opposed to opt-outs.  He does not want them.  That's a real, philosophical, in-cement viewpoint that he has right now in his first year running the Giants."

I wish I had a more reliable source for this but it does fit with the tea leaves I am reading, so am not at all surprised.  Since Scott Boras seems to insist on opt-outs for almost all of his free agent contracts and since a high percentage of top-talent free agents are Scott Boras clients, this may play a bigger role in the Giants relative lack of free agent activity than penurious owners or negative player perceptions of the organization. 

BTW, if this is truly Buster Posey's position, I fully support it.  IMO, opt-outs are a big reason why the Giants as an organization failed to gain traction in the FZ era.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #14 Wade Meckler

Wade Meckler OF.  DOB:  4/21/2000.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 178 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 8.

2024(ACL):  .228/.343/.263, 5 SB, 13.4 BB%, 19.4 K%, 67 PA.

2024(A):  .235/.339/.314, HR, 13.6 BB%, 16.9 K%, 59 PA.

2024(A+):  .429/.526/.500, SB, 21.1 BB%, 15.8 K%, 19 PA.

2024(AA):  .324/.405/.378, 11.9 BB%, 23.9 K%, 42 PA.

2024(AAA):  .280/.366/.423, 8 HR, 3 SB, 9.7 BB%, 12.8 K%, 196 PA.

Meckler is a good athlete but physically small.  Great hit tool but lacking in power coming out of college.  He rocketed through the system in 2023 and got rushed up to the majors and was physically overwhelmed by MLB pltching.  He worked on getting stronger but got a late start to the 2024 season and missed time due to injury in June and spent most of the season rehabbing in the lower minors.  He finally got back to AAA on 8/1.  Then something interesting happened.  The stronger version of himself showed up and he hit 8 HR's over his next 44 games.  So, if you add significant power to his already excellent contact skills and plate discipline, you have a pretty exciting hitter.  

Meckler is part of a logjam of young players who FZ rushed through the system.  A big part of Buster's initial challenge is to sort out which of those players are part of the Giants future core and which aren't.  I hope Meckler gets another shot at MLB PA's at some point but probably starts 2025 in AAA.