Spring training 2018

[LHG]

With today being the start of spring training, I thought its time to start a new thread for all matters going on as the team gets shaped up to present its best 25 for Opening Day. The starting lineup, the backup catcher, 3/5s of the rotation and 5 or 6 bullpen pieces are locked up (not counting Watson). That leaves 6 to 8 spots up for grabs (depending on Will Smith's health and whether Tony Watson gets signed).

Here's who I see battling for these spots:

4th & 5th starters: Chris Stratton, Ty Blach, Tyler Beede, Andrew Suarez, Derek Holland, Joan Gregorio (long shot candidate)
7th & 8th (?) reliever: Julian Fernandez, Roberto Gomez, Derek Law, Reyes Moronta, Joan Gregorio, Jose Flores (long shot candidate)
Lefty reliever (possibly two spots, possible none): Steven Okert, Josh Osich, DJ Snelten, Ty Blach, Derek Holland
Backup infielder(s): Kelby Tomlinson, Pablo Sandoval, Miguel Gomez, Ryder Jones, Andres Blanco, Josh Rutledge, Chase d'Arnaud, Alen Hanson, Orlando Calixte (last 3 are long shot candidates)
4th & 5th (?) outfielder: Gorkys Hernandez, Jarrett Parker, Austin Slater, Mac Williamson, Gregor Blanco, Steven Duggar (long shot candidate)

A couple of questions have to be answered to determine the 5th outfielders spot and 8th reliever spot, mainly will the Giants be comfortable with 7 or 8 relievers. I assume that the Giants would go with two backup infielders and two backup outfielders if they roll with 7 relievers. However, if they carry a 13 man pitching staff, where would they skimp, on the infield or outfield?

 

[SFGRTB]

Good call, need a place to link dump:

 

[LHG]

Good call, need a place to link dump:

Makes more sense that the Giants suddenly are closely linked with Tony Watson. If they sign Watson I wonder which is more possible, tolerating a month of Osich/Okert or carrying just one lefty.

 

[calsnowskier]

Just mentioned on M&M, so I don’t have a link...

Sandoval has been ghosting Boch ever since the Longoria trade.

And just like that...

 

[SFGRTB]

Just mentioned on M&M, so I don’t have a link...

Sandoval has been ghosting Boch ever since the Longoria trade.

And just like that...

I'm not disputing what you heard, I'm sure they said it, but this came out this morning:

 

[calsnowskier]

The part about him being gone was my add.

They just talked about him not responding to any of Bochy’s attempts at communication since the trade.

 

[SFGRTB]

The part about him being gone was my add.

They just talked about him not responding to any of Bochy’s attempts at communication since the trade.

I got ya.... just thinking it's interesting timing. If this was true (Pablo ducking Bochy), then it's quite coincidental this flood of comments came out today as well.

 

[tzill]

All I want this year is:
1. relative health
2. Bum/JC/Buster/Dozens/Stamos/Longo/Cutch/Melancon to have career average seasons
3. Jiggy to be completely healthy
4. Belt to play 150
5. Herk to play 120
6. Duggar to be ready when he comes up

That's not much, right?

 

[LHG]

All I want this year is:
1. relative health
2. Bum/JC/Buster/Dozens/Stamos/Longo/Cutch/Melancon to have career average seasons
3. Jiggy to be completely healthy
4. Belt to play 150
5. Herk to play 120
6. Duggar to be ready when he comes up

That's not much, right?

 

[msgkings322]

All I want this year is:
1. relative health
2. Bum/JC/Buster/Dozens/Stamos/Longo/Cutch/Melancon to have career average seasons
3. Jiggy to be completely healthy
4. Belt to play 150
5. Herk to play 120
6. Duggar to be ready when he comes up

That's not much, right?

Actually it's not much. All I want this year is:

1. the Giants make the playoffs

 

[MarcoPolo]

Funny, my "All I want this year " involves Eva Longoria (no, that's not a typo).

 

[SFGRTB]

There's live baseball on the radio tomorrow

 

[SFGRTB]

This would be dope:

 

[SFGRTB]

 

[LHG]

Interesting to see McCutchen in this lineup. Seems all other regulars get to sit (except maybe Pence but I think he's got a platoon situation this year).

 

[LHG]

While MLB goes young, here's why the Giants are doubling down on players in their 30s

 

[LHG]

MLB Rumors posted a list of non-roster invitees across the 30 teams, with their potential MLB salaries (if part of their contract) and opt out date (if agreed to on signing). Here's the Giants' list:

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS | Depth Chart

• Trevor Brown, C
• Hector Sanchez, C
• Kyle Jensen, 1B/OF
• Andres Blanco, INF $1.1MM salary in Majors
• Chase d’Arnaud, INF
• Josh Rutledge, INF
• Orlando Calixte, INF/OF
• Alen Hanson, INF/OF
• Gregor Blanco, OF $1MM salary in Majors
• Derek Holland, SP $1.75MM salary in Majors
• Madison Younginer, RP
• Jose Valdez, RP

I find it interesting that no one had an opt out in their contracts.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I think that the Giants are known to release players who want to leave.

 

[calsnowskier]

Oof.

Not a good debut for Fernandez...

 

[LHG]

Oof.

Not a good debut for Fernandez...

I saw that but its early in the offseason. If he puts together a good couple of weeks, this outing will not be looked at very strongly.