The Lockout is finally over and a new CBA ratified. Organizations can resume transactions immediately. A few things are settled. NL and the Giants add a DH. Other items are still under negotiation including a possible temporary roster expansion and several other rule changes. MLB has a 45 day window to implement certain rule changes for 2023 including pitch clock, limitations on defensive positioning, increase in base size and....get this....automated ball/strike calling. Hmm.....seems like the umps union might have a say in the ball/strike thing. There is a big change in the draft with all 18 non-playoff teams entering a lottery for the top 6 picks. The old "draft and follow" system will return. This year's Rule 5 draft is cancelled(whew!). The two sides have an extended window until June 25 to negotiate an international draft and elimination of the Qualifying Offer starting in 2024. If they fail to reach an agreement, current rules for both will remain in place. Got all that? Good! While we wait for the Hot Stove to explode, let's take a look at some Giants prospects who have a chance for a midseason promotion to The Show:
Friday, March 11, 2022
Down on the Farm: Potential Midseason Rookies
Heliot Ramos OF- Ramos is just starting his age 22 season and is just starting his option clock so there is no rush but if a need arises and Ramos breaks out in AAA, he should be in line for an early promotion which is more likely if the Giants fail to sign another RH hitter such as Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos or Seiya Suzuki in the free agent rush.
Kervin Castro RHP- We mentioned him as a longshot to be on the Opening Day roster. Renewed roster limit of 13 pitchers makes that less likely so he will likely open in Sacramento and be in line for an early call back.
David Villar 3B- Villar quietly had a great season for AA Richmond last year. He definitely stays in the organization since the Rule 5 Draft is cancelled. But he's not currenly on the 40 man roster so is unlikely to open the season in the major leagues. He should be considered as soon as Evan Longoria suffers his annual extended injury. Villar could also be trade bait.
Diego Rincones OF- Another Rule 5 Draft eligible who isn't going anywhere. Could be an option for adding a RH OF bat if Heliot Ramos fails to gain traction in his AAA season.
Will Bednar RHP- It would be aggressive promoting, but I see Bednar in a similar mold as other college pitchers from elite programs who have pitched in the majors their first full pro season.
Sean Hjelle RHP- Hjelle is on the 40 man roster so may be in line in front of Bednar, but despite his carnival side-show size, he does not have Bednar's velocity or command.
RJ Dabovitch RHP- Dabovich has elite velocity and even more elite K rates last season. He could jump to the head of the reliever pack when it comes time to replenish the bullpen midseason.
Late-season callups are now limited by limitations on September roster expansion.
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Doc,
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on how the Giants should utilize the DH slot? While conventional wisdom usually calls for adding a player who's strictly a DH, like Nelson Cruz, who wields power but is defensively limited, what about using the DH slot as sort of a rotation? It'll allow for some versatility where different players could slot in as DH on different days. Therefore you'd have no one player who's strictly just a DH.
If you can find a Nelson Cruz who is an elite offensive force and who is willing to play only as DH, by all means I think that is the way to go. Nelson Cruz is a fairly unique player though. The downside to that is there are a limited number of roster spots and an exclusive DH takes up on of them. in 2020, the Giants used the DH to their advantage by rotating guys through depending on the situation. My guess is they will continue to take that approach.
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