At the beginning of last season, the Giants looked like they a strong 1-3 at the top of their starting rotation with competition for the #4 and #5 spots. All 3 of the top 3 missed large parts of the season. Madison Bumgarner is now back as the #1, but Johnny Cueto is out for most, if not all, of 2019 and Jeff Samardzija future is uncertain at best. While all that was going on, one of the best parts of 2018 for me was how young pitchers from the minor leagues stepped up and stood in the gap. The big question for the Giants is how much they can count on those young pitchers maintaining their performances into next season. Here's the depth chart:
1. Madison Bumgarner
2. Dereck Rodriguez
3. Andrew Suarez
4. Chris Stratton
5. Ty Blach
Tyler Beede is still on the 40 man roster, but is coming off a disastrous season making it impossible to list him on any depth chart. Casey Kelly got released today and is now a free agent, while Tyler Herb cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA, so at least he is still in the organization.
AAA: Shaun Anderson has pitched his way to the threshold of the majors and will very likely get a chance to make his MLB debut in 2019. Tyler Herb will get some more salt and try to put himself in position to be re-added to the 40 man roster.
AA: Logan Webb might be the Giants top pitching prospect. He will likely start the season in Richmond and try for a midseason promo to AAA. What happens after that depends how he performs and the Giants needs at the MLB level. Conner Menez is a big lefty with a strikeout pitch, but needs to polish up his game. Garrett Williams is trying to find his control and command in the Arizona Fall League.
Free Agents: This season's free agent pitching crop doesn't have the marquee names like Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but is actually much deeper than the the hitters with a wide range of intriguing possibilities. Look for the Giants to re-sign Derek Holland and sign another veteran FA to give them more depth in the rotation.
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What do you think of Kyle Goings (Cove Chatter) suggestions for changing in the Giants 2019 pitching staff? Specifically, trading Panik and Strickland to the Yankees for Sonny Gray; signing reliever Tyler Clifford; resigning Derek Holland, and assorted trades which send Stratton, Okert, Anderson and Melancon for some offensive help.
ReplyDeleteI was initially excited about Sonny Gray and there are definitely numbers that make you think he is a great bounceback candidate. Then I keep going back to that BB/9 and I'm not so sure. I'm planning a post on Gray and might write it up as a smackdown.
DeleteNo way in the world would the Yankees require both Panik and Strickland for Gray. They could probably get him in exchange for shark or tomlinson. The Yankees really want to get rid of Gray.
DeleteI also believe that Panik and Strickland might be too much for Gray, but Goings thinks otherwise.
DeleteMock trades are so tricky. Honestly, none of us really have any idea how GM's view/value players around the league. I just try to look at how the money matches up, & whether I believe a certain player fits what a specific team is looking for.
DeleteFWIW, I do know with 100% certainty the Yankees wouldn't give up Sonny Gray, or any player, for Shark or (released yesterday) Kelby.
Thanks for the mention Pete. I appreciate you taking the time to read my modest proposal. And DrB, I'm enjoying all of your offseason work!
Cove Chatter
Thanks, Covechatter. Stop by more often!
DeleteCurious as to your opinion of Melvin Adon. Adon appears to be the most dominant relief pitcher in the Arizona Fall League. He has thrown 6.1 innings allowing 2 runs ( 1 earned on a home run)on 3 hits while not issuing a walk. During this stretch , Adon has struck out 13 which is an average of 2+ strike outs and inning.
ReplyDeleteHas the pitching coaches (Fultz and Ebert) with Scottsdale solved his control issues?
Is he another Hunter Stickland or a true potential closer?
We'll get to Adon in Part 2. Possibly the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the organization but battled command issues in 2018.
DeleteYou left Samardzija out of your depth chart. Do you put him in the Beede (should not be considered for the list) category? Or just not a better bet than Ty Blach? I suspect his contract and so-called track record have him in conversation for a 5th spot on the rotation - or at least spring training to win that 5th spot, with an organizational hope that he can re-establish himself as an "innings eater" in the 3-5 spot in a Major league rotation. Or are you moving him to long relief and out of starting?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can put Samardzija on any depth chart until he proves he's healthy.
DeleteWhat kind of team control do the Giants have over Dereck R.? I assume he is not a Free Agent after the completion of the 2018 season..
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is 2018 was year 1 of the full 6 years of contract control for Young Dereck.
DeleteThe wildcard for that rotation to be GOOD is returning Holland or a rejuv'd Shark -- OR both, then it is better than good.
ReplyDeleteD-Rod will probably regress a little but Suarez will improve with confidence.
Optimistic with the good Stratton, pessimistic with the bad -- just hope for more good than bad -- 51%.
With Blach you get Blach -- once through the lineup and then batten down.
Nothing will help the pitching as much as 4 runs scored and a reliable defense: fix the corner OFers and medicate the IFers.
OT: Giants Alum Eduardo Nunez just hot a pinch hit 3 run bomb at Fenway. Happy for him - he plays with joy.
ReplyDeleteThere were times when Nunez was playing for the Giants that he seemed to be the only guy who wanted to be out there. Loved how he played with enthusiasm.
DeleteHe was electric. Fun to watch on the bases. His defense is a bit of adventure. I think if he had a set position, it might help improve that a bit. Anyway, good on Eduardo!
DeleteGiants still have Anderson and Santos.
Delete