It's pretty much impossible to do a depth chart on all relievers, especially when you get down into the minor leagues, but there is usually a fairly clear hierarchy of Closers. let's break it down:
MLB:
Ryan Walker RHP: 10-4, 1.91, 80 IP, 11.14 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, 10 Saves, 14 SvO.
Camilo Doval RHP: 5-3, 4.88, 59 IP, 11.90 K/9, 5.95 BB/9, 23 Saves, 28 SvO.
Interesting that while Walker was the far better pitcher in 2024, he only blew 1 less Save in half the number of opportunities. There was that one game late in the season where Doval appeared to have no total loss of control of the strike zone then after a prolonged discussion between Melvin and the Umps over some technicality Doval suddenly start throwing strikes again. I would say the Closer role is Walker's to lose but feel there is a high probability of Doval regaining it during the season. The Giants should tender Doval a contract and they should not trade him as they would almost certainly be selling low on a high-ceiling talent. If forced to name a third string, I think I would go with Landon Roupp RHP if he is not in the rotation. Jordan Hicks RHP is also a possibility if he is not in the rotation. Spencer Bivens RHP led the AAA River Cats in Saves so he may be a possibility too.
AAA:
Tyler Myrick RHP: 3-2, 3.18, 34 IP, 19 BB, 37 K, 7 Saves, 8 SvO.
Myrick had a strong minor league season and seems poised for a call up sometime in 2025.
AA:
Nick Garcia RHP: 0-2, 1.54, 35 IP, 14 BB, 40 K, 5 Saves, 5 SvO.
Garcia was drafted in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft last year. Would the Giants add him to the 40 man roster to protect him from the major league phase this year?
A+:
Cameron Cotter RHP: 6-4, 2.27, 47.2 IP, 9 BB, 48 K, 5 Saves, 9 SvO.
Hunter Dula RHP: 1-2, 3.19, 36.2 IP, 12 BB, 37 K, 5 Saves, 8 SvO.
A:
Cole Hillier RHP: 4-4, 3.70, 58.1 IP, 34 BB, 62 K, 6 Saves, 10 SvO.
Trent Harris RHP: 3-1, 1.14, 31.2 IP, 12 BB, 44 K, 4 Saves, 4 SvO.
This has nothing to do with closers, but did you see the Sunday Fangraphs piece about Bryce Eldridge? I am hopeful that we have a star in the making for the Giants for many years. Two sides to his development. One is that the he should be brought up slowly. Let him develop (see Joey Bart's development). The other is that we have a stud on oiur hands and get him up sooner rather than later. Will Clark came up at 22. Juan Soto was 19 and had an OPS of .923. Jackson Churio, Brewers, was 20 last year (.791 OPS). Jackson Merrill (.826 OPS)was 20 also and had a great year with the Padres. JamesWood with the Nats (.791 OPS). I would think that he should start in AAA and get a bit more seasoning. If he mashes in Sacramento then bring him up.
ReplyDeleteEldridge only spend a couple weeks at AA so that's where I would start him out next season and give him at least 200 PA's there. Once he's proven himself there then yes, as soon as he rakes the PCL, bring him up. I feel like the PCL ruins hitters who stay there too long because it's too easy to hit, especially for power there.
DeleteEldridge was moved up to AAA so that he could play a few more games not because he graduated from AA. I agree that he should start at AA.
ReplyDeleteHicks should not be in the rotation. Need to
ReplyDeletekeep this guy healthy considering how many years Farhan invested in him. Him in the rotation is destined to cause him injuries. I think Posey knows this and we won’t see Hicks in the rotation.
Regarding Dovals season, I continue to be amazed as to how consistenly good their core 4 was back in their championship years: Casilla lopez, Romo and Affeldt
ReplyDeleteIMO, the Core Four deserve induction in the Hall of Fame as a group. They were together for all 3 championships and I am pretty convinced the Giants don't win any of them without any one member of the core four.
DeleteAnd those '10-'14 years also saw multiple impressive bullpen seasons by each of Brian Wilson, Ramon Ramirez, George Kontos, Yusmeiro Petit, Jean Machi (& at end of that run Hunter Strickland showing up)
DeleteHicks was very good before he ran out of gas. If he can be stretched out, he is as good as SF has.
ReplyDelete