Hey team! We've wrapped up our Hot Stove League Coverage and DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects. We await the first exhibition games of spring training. We find ourselves in the silly time when we're trying to figure out roster spots and predict Rafael Devers is going to hit 50 home runs(I think it was Glen Kuiper who predicted that) from live batting practices. So we've got a couple of days with nothing to write about except parsing some comments the manager made to the press. So, let's open it up. You are all welcome to post your thoughts and burning questions in the comment section. I will do my best to answer or respond. As always it's my blog and I reserve the right to hit the button on comments I deem less than constructive.
Otherwise, let's hear it.
It appears that 2026 will bring the Robo-Ump challenges to MLB as a regular feature. It appears that they are also going to get rid of the rectangular strike zone box on the telecasts. What impact might this have on gameplay or gamesmanship in your opinion?
ReplyDeleteGood question. Hard to say until we see it in action. I watched an extended interview of Buster Posey by Glen Kuiper on The Youtube. Based on that I would say Buster takes it very seriously. He said he already has the analytics department looking at what situations where a contested ball/strike comes up are the highest leverage and strongly hinted they plan to keep their powder dry for those situations. I saw another interview with Adrian Houser by Alex P where Houser said he plans to leave it completely up to the catcher because they are in a better position to judge and are more objective.
DeleteWhether the batter checked his swing is not any part of this, right?
ReplyDeleteIs just about where the pitch was – a called ball or strike – when the batter did not swing?
Not sure. Any other readers have some insight?
DeletePer Google AI it appears the challenge system only applies to location in or out of the strike zone.
DeletePredict how many career MLB IP will be accumulated among the mid-minors LHPs: Whittman, Choate, Bertrand, Lonsway, Carmouche, Zwack, Wynja?
ReplyDeleteI'd say those guys are all closer to being released than pitching in the majors so I'll take the under on 100 innings for all 7 combined.
DeleteSchmitt and/or Koss and/or Fitzgerald?
ReplyDeleteIs it "power" or "defense" or "versatility"?
Will Spring Training be fully determinative?
Is there only room for 2 of the 3?
Plenty of reasons to like both Schmitt and Koss. Schmitt seems to have more power potential but Koss seems to have a better all-around game with possibly a bit better range at shortstop. There is a path for both Schmitt and Koss to make the team if the Giants carry just one reserve OF but that would likely mean both Matos and Encarnacion get DFA'd.
DeleteI am not seeing room for Fitz to make the team.
DeleteLets get some lineup projections out there. I’ve heard a few iterations but I think this is the one I would like to see opening day:
ReplyDeleteArreaz 2B
Adames SS
Devers 1B
Chapman 3B
Eldridge DH
Ramos LF
Lee RF
Bader CF
Bailey C
I would flip Lee and Eldridge but otherwise that looks about right.
DeleteI say, by the end of the season, Birdsong will be the closer. And be very successful in the role.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say Blade Tidwell. Dude is a monster!
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