Other than YtY at the top, the RF depth chart is identical to LF so we'll move on to Starting Pitcher(or Bulk Innings in Kapspeak).
Despite the impending free agency of Carlos Rodon LHP, the Giants have 6 starting pitchers on their MLB depth chart going into the Hot Stove Season which is 5 more than last season. Add in Kyle Harrison LHP who FZ has already said he expects to be in the majors early in the season and they have 7.
Logan Webb RHP- 15-9, 2.90, 192 IP, 49 BB, 163 K. Webb was credited with more Wins, had a lower ERA and pitched over 40 inning more than 2021 although his K rate was lower and FIP higher. Still, a darn impressive follow up campaign. The only nagging doubt being a small but significant drop in velocity.
Alex Cobb RHP- 7-8, 3.73, 149.2 IP< 43 BB, 151 K, FIP= 2.80, xFIP= 2.89. That's near ace level pitching. Although the gap between his ERA and FIP got narrower as the season progressed, it's still a remarkable difference.
Alex Wood LHP- 8-12, 5.10, 130.2 IP, 30 BB, 131 K. Wood has had an up and down career generally associated with whether he is healthy or injured. He finished the season on the 60-day IL. You have to wonder how many full-seasons of pitching he has left in the tank.
Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 0-2, 6.63, 19 IP, 4 BB, 17 K. DeSclafani had a bad ankle at the end of the 2021 season and it was still bothering him in 2022. He was shut down for surgery after 5 ineffective starts. If the surgery was successful he is a solid #4/4 SP for 2023.
Sean Hjelle RHP- 1-2, 5.76, 25 IP, 8 BB, 28 K. Hjelle seems to be the forgotten man in 2023 rotation projections. The ERA is ugly but over his last 3 appearances he allowed just 3 ER in 13 IP with 3 BB, and 13 K's. Whether it's in the starting rotation or a "bulk inning" role after on opener, this kid is ready to give 4-5 innings every 5 days. Could be the odd man out due to options.
Jakob Junis RHP- 5-7, 4.42, 112 IP, 25 BB, 98 K. The overall line doesn't look too bad but the second half was a struggle. FZ says he sees him in more of a "swingman" role. Out of options so has to stay on the active roster or be exposed to waivers. Also arbitration eligible. I see the Giants trying to sign him pre-arbitration but if they can't, I could seen them non-tendering him too.
From the bullpen, I could see Thomas Szapucki LHP being stretched out to a bulk inning role.
Notable Minor Leaguers:
AA Kyle Harrison LHP- 4-3, 2.71, 113 IP, 49 BB, 186 K. Arguably the Giants #1 overall prospect. He seems to be on the Bumgarner development track which means we should see him in the majors in 2023. FZ says likely sooner than later. Has another year before he's Rule 5 Draft eligible so won't be added to the 40 man roster until he is actually called up and placed on the Active Roster.
AA Landon Roupp(2 levels) RHP- 10-3, 2.60, 107.1 IP, 152 K. Fast mover who could be ready by midseason.
A+ Mason Black RHP(2 levels)- 6-4, 3.21, 112 IP, 36 BB, 136 K. Third round pick from 2021. Another potential fast mover.
A+ Trevor McDonald RHP(2 levels)- 6-3, 2.31, 101.1 IP, 42 BB, 120 K. HS draftee from 2019 so has another year pre-Rule 5 eligibility. I saw him pitch in May this season. He got knocked around but his stuff looked good. He broke out after that. If he continues his current trajectory should be a no brainer for the 40 man next year this time.
A+ Carson Seymour RHP(3 teams)- 7-8, 3.08, 111 IP, 31 BB, 135 K. J.D. Davis for Darin Ruf was a clear win for the the Giants. Add in Seymour, Szapucki and Zwack....well, it's hard to fathom how lopsided this trade is. Seymour may turn out to be the centerpiece. Met's 6'th round draft pick in 2021. has 2 more seasons before eligible for Rule 5 Draft.
A Carson Whisenhunt LHP(2 levels)- 0-0, 0.00, 7.2 IP, 1 BB, 14 K's. Top tier college pitcher who fell to second round probably only because he missed the 2022 college season with a suspension. Potential to be a very fast mover in the system.
A Eric Silva RHP- 3-7, 5.88, 85.2 IP, 39 BB, 99 K's. 4'th round draft pick from 2021 out of HS. Above-slot bonus. A bit undersized for a SP and may have worn down over a full pro season but has time to get stronger and develop. When he's rested, the stuff is there.
A Will Bednar RHP- 1-3, 4.19, 43 IP, 22 BB, 51 K. Bednar looked like a first round draft pick at times but was plagued by bouts of wildness and his velocity was down from what we expected. Missed the second half of the season with an undisclosed injury. More struggles in the Arizona Fall League. Gotta wonder if he's trying to pitch through UCL damage. Too early to give up on him but very disappointing first full pro season.
R Reggie Crawford LHP- Crawford did not pitch in 2022 post TJ surgery but had a triple-digit FB before the injury. Giants drafted him as a 2-way player and he got some PA's as a DH post-draft. Widely expected that pitcher will be his primary position.
Despite the depth on paper, there are enough question marks that if the Giants seriously want to compete in 2023, they should add at least a mid-rotation SP via trade or free agency. Re-signing Rodon or adding an equivalent talent would be even better but of course that will be costly.
Severino seems like a guy FZ would take a flyer on and a 1 year prove it contract could benefit both. I also think there is a chance that MadBum has something left in him and his contract along with a prospect like Stone Garrett could be interesting. Would love to see them take La Stella off our hands and we take MadBum and Garrett but might be hoping for too much.
ReplyDeleteCarlos Rodón wasn't always happy last year whether it was with Kapler, his teammates, or the organization, but if the Giants make a competitive offer, but not too high or too long (whatever that is), he might take it assuming they also address some serious hitting deficiencies.
ReplyDeleteFZ should improve the relief core in front of Doval – preseason or with the Churn.
Correa, like Rodón, won't cost SF as there won't be QOs for them, so if they go for another high profile hitter, the overall penalties won't be exorbitant.
Most likely, FZ will kick Judge's tires, but that will be a bridge too far. If they can get Rodón and Correa, Nimmo would be just fine and fill a need.
How 1B and 3B work out will be interesting.
I want to see Reggie Crawford get a chance to pitch and hit full time. I think fans will love this kid!
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