13. Drew Gilbert OF. DOB: 9/27/2000. B- L, T- L. 5' 9", 195 lbs. 40-man Roster, 3 Options.
2025(AAA- Mets): .243/.347/.430, 17 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR, 4 SB, 11.4 BB%, 16.6 K%, 361 PA.
2025(AAA- Giants): .500/.650/.857, 2B, 2 3B, 2 SB, 30.0 BB%, 15.0 K%, 20 PA.
2025(MLB- Giants): .190/.248/.350, 5 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 6.4 BB%, 18.3 K%, 109 PA.
Drew Gilbert is a classic old-school high-energy, top-of-the-order, hustling over-achiever type player who often has nicknames like Nails, Mad Dog, Scrappy. Howard Cosell would call him a "pepper pot." Former #28 overall draft pick out of Tony Vitello's shop at Tennessee. Although the BA was unimpressive in his first, the secondary numbers were actually quite good and he was a plus defender who appeared at all 3 OF positions, mostly RF. Strong opportunity to emerge from spring training as the 4'th OF on the Opening Day roster unless the Giants think he still needs daily PA's to further develop his hitting.
Forever Giant Wade Meckler is expected to get a shot for the Angels in CF this Spring.
ReplyDeleteQuestion posed on Google A.I. overview:
ReplyDeleteCan Giants infield coach Ron Washington, with his impeccable reputation as a "fielding sage" having previously turned players into top-tier defenders, such as Marcus Semien (converting him from a shaky shortstop to a gold-glove caliber second baseman) and Matt Chapman, make Luis Arraez into a "passable" second baseman for the 2026 season?
Arraez made second base a priority, turning down other, more lucrative offers which did not promise him a defensive position, and he is motivated to prove his value defensively.
Success will stabilize the SF infield and reflect well upon the perspicacity of Buster and his management team.
Now, can Harrison Bader help with the shortcomings of Ramos and Lee and turn the outfield around after ranking as one of the worst outfield defenses in MLB last season?
Other than catcher, this is a solid offensive team able to improve upon their average 4.22 runs per game turned in last year.
If a team scores 4 or fewer runs, they are significantly more likely to lose, with one study showing a win percentage of just 30.1% for National League teams and 26.4% for American League teams when scoring 4 or fewer, but, in contrast, scoring 5 or more runs shifts the win percentage to over 80% for both leagues (Google A.I.).
It would seem that the Giants, with the additions of Bader and Arraez and a full season of Devers, will score more than 4.22 runs per game.
Last year they scored 5 or more in 66 games, going 49-17. With this offense, they should do better.
I agree very much with this and I appreciate OP did not need to mention Bryce Eldridge, since I think the kid is going to be a star, but needs to get everything set before facing daily MLB pitching.
DeleteThis offense is set up to be OK without Bryce at 1B/DH to start the season. I would bet good money he'll be there to provide a major boost to the team when Playoffs are around the corner.
On topic: I like Gilbert a lot. Great, great energy. Let's hope that bat comes to life and stays that way, he's an awesome CF!
Sadly, Meckler got released this afternoon by Angels ...
ReplyDeleteOutrighted to AAA I believe.
DeleteI saw nothing last year to suggest that the pepper pot can hit ML pitching.
ReplyDeleteThen you completely ignore secondary stats.
DeleteQuite so. Just considered the evidence of my eyes. I will hope that the stats prove out.
DeleteI thought he looked promising on my eye test.
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