2016/2017 Off-Season Thread

[calsnowskier]

According to MLBTR, the Giants Arb eligible players should be payed as follows for 2017...

• Eduardo Nunez (5.090) – $4.4MM
• Conor Gillaspie (4.028) – $900K
• George Kontos (3.171) – $1.7MM
• Will Smith (3.155) – $2.3MM
• Cory Gearrin (3.136) – $1.1MM
• Ehire Adrianza (2.131) – $508K

According to Cots, EA is not arb eligible until next off-season, though. When it comes to contract status, I tend to trust Cots, but I really dont know which is right.

 

[Mays-Fan]

Maybe I am just not communicating well. I like Belt. I just think he is not a good enough FIRST BASEMAN to lock down. Especially when we don't have what a traditional first baseman provides elsewhere (Bonds, Kent and Aurilia made Snow a possibility).

The fact that Belt was the best hitter on this team is completely immaterial. The first baseman SHOULD be the best hitter on a team. The issue is that the team has no good hitters, not that Belt is the best of them.

Who would we take at first base right now over belt? In no particular order...

Goldschmidt
Rizzo
Votto
Cabrera ($$ is a legit issue)
Freeman
Abreu (??)
AGone (??)
Davis (??)
Hosmer (??)

That is 4 guys who, I think, we can all agree we would take over belt, all things considered, moving forward (Goldy, Rizzo, Votto, Freeman). There are another 2 or 3 guys who we would be at least happy to be "stuck with" (Miggy, Abreu, AGone). Then there are a bunch of kids who I can't name because I am not a paid scout who may get into the convo as well (Bird, Shaw?). Next you have the guys who can be picked up for next to free at the end of the FA period on 1-year contracts (historically - Huff, Larouch(sp?)).

Just keep in mind that if you want to pick up a free agent that is allegedly better than Belt, you are not only going to have to overpay, you are going to have to WAY overpay to win the auction.

The only problem that needs fixing is the bullpen, and an OF because we lose Blanco and Pagan.

I'm OK with the SPs, and the infield. I'm good with Nunez and Gillespie at 3b.

We need a reliable closer. That's what killed us this year.

 

[stanford the manford]

FYI....Giants president and CEO Larry Baer note to the team’s season-ticket holders.

“I hoped we would still be playing right now. We all did. Tuesday’s loss was about as tough as it gets in baseball. Yet I find myself thinking about how proud I am of this team who — despite the ups and downs of the second half – battled their way into a wild card berth and were among the four National League teams still playing in October. That says a lot about the character of our players, coaches, front office and, of course, our fans.

Though we exited the playoffs earlier than we hoped, I’m proud that once again our team, led by future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy, never stopped fighting. If anything illustrates what Bochy calls ‘champion blood in their DNA,’ it is their success in do-or-die games. Their streak of 10 straight victories in elimination games is the longest in Major League history. In all of sports, only the Boston Celtics have more.

And we head into the off season in a much stronger position than we were at this time last year. Our needs are clear, which I’ll get to in a moment. But our strengths are also clear — namely a foundation of talented, battle-tested, mostly homegrown players and an elite starting rotation.

The final weeks of the season encapsulated so many of the reasons we’re energized about diving into the work of putting another playoff caliber team on the field in 2017. There were enough gritty, inspiring performances to fill a highlight reel.

There was Matt Moore, who arrived in a mid-season trade, coming within one out of throwing a no-hitter against the Dodgers in late August and then staring down the Cubs for eight innings in the National League Division Series Tuesday night, giving up just two hits.

There was Conor Gillaspie emerging as yet another example of the Giants summoning surprise performances from players up and down the lineup. With the team battling for a Wild Card berth, Conor dove into a photographer’s well, flipped over a television camera and popped up with the foul ball in his glove. He was our hottest hitter during the final week of the regular season and batted .421 with six RBI during the postseason. Against the Mets in the Wild Card game, he broke the 0-0 tie in the ninth with a three-run homer to win the game. He came through again with a two-run triple off Aroldis Chapman on the way to winning Game 3 against the Cubs.There was rookie Ty Blach making a strong case for a spot in the 2017 rotation. He pitched eight shutout innings against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in that final weekend and was an inspiration to us all. Then — stepping into the frying pan of Monday’s tense Game 3 – he coolly threw two scoreless innings to earn the win in the 13th inning.

There was Derek Law, with a 2.13 ERA in his rookie season, shutting down the Cubs for two innings Monday night then cheering wildly and waving a rally towel in the dugout like a kid in the bleacher seats.

There was Joe Panik, hampered by injuries for much of the season, batting .462 in the postseason. Denard Span set the table during the NLDS with some critical and timely hits.

Our starting pitching features All-Stars Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto at the top of the rotation. Bumgarner recorded more than 200 strikeouts for the third straight season, joining Juan Marichal, Christy Mathewson, Amos Rusie and Tim Lincecum as the only Giants ever to do so. Cueto finished third in innings pitched (219.2), tied for third in wins (18), fifth in ERA (2.79) and sixth in strikeouts (198). Jeff Samardzija posted a 2.45 ERA in his last 10 starts, lowering the starting staff’s ERA to 3.71 for the season, the fifth best in the big leagues.

Our defense was outstanding in 2016, the best in baseball. Led by All-Stars Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and Buster Posey in the infield, and our inspirational leader Hunter Pence in right, the Giants defense had the highest fielding percentage (.988) in all of baseball. They set the longest errorless streak in National League history with a late-summer stretch of 17 consecutive games.

The primary and obvious focus in the off-season is to fortify the bullpen. As we were reminded this week, no team can win without a strong, reliable bullpen. Under the outstanding leadership of Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans, we will actively pursue options, whether through free agency or trades, to add to our young arms.

In short, we will pursue every opportunity and commit the necessary resources to field the best possible team to get back to the playoffs in 2017.

When the historic streak came to an end this week, we were reminded that champion’s blood is, more than anything, about character. We saw it in the clubhouse after Tuesday’s defeat. There was no retreat from addressing the media, no finger-pointing. The players faced their disappointment with grace, reflection and resolve. They said they would double-down on preparation, that they’d never forget how awful this felt. They hugged and consoled and thanked one another. As always, they had each other’s backs.

And as always, you had theirs. Despite the ups and downs of the season, they could look up into the stands and see wave upon wave of orange and black. A full house every game. You make it clear: We’re all in this together. Every player is so grateful to play in front of the best fans in baseball.

Thank you for another incredible season and I am already counting the days til pitchers and catchers report.

Sincerely,

Larry”

 

[1phlapdown]

Just keep in mind that if you want to pick up a free agent that is allegedly better than Belt, you are not only going to have to overpay, you are going to have to WAY overpay to win the auction.

The only problem that needs fixing is the bullpen, and an OF because we lose Blanco and Pagan.

I'm OK with the SPs, and the infield. I'm good with Nunez and Gillespie at 3b.

We need a reliable closer. That's what killed us this year.

Some want an outfielder who hits homers and that's ok, but if we had anyone who could close with any consistency we'd still be in the phuckin playoffs!!!!!! Hell we would have taken the division and it wouldn't have been close. And the other slots in the 'pen are almost equally as important...

I know some here think Boch had an off year, but really, I think he got to the point where what ever decision he made was going to be the bad one.

 

[msgkings322]

Some want an outfielder who hits homers and that's ok, but if we had anyone who could close with any consistency we'd still be in the phuckin playoffs!!!!!! Hell we would have taken the division and it wouldn't have been close. And the other slots in the 'pen are almost equally as important...

I know some here think Boch had an off year, but really, I think he got to the point where what ever decision he made was going to be the bad one.

Well we woulda made game 5 anyway.

Obviously the bullpen is the most important thing but we need some power in the lineup.

 

[tzill]

Fair arguments.

But I brought in Abreu and Davis in, not based on their OPS's, but to show that there are players lower on the list that would have an argument for being "better" than Belt in a moving forward scenario. Abreu had a bad year, but he has the track record of being better. Belt has the track record of being worse. Moving forward, would you rather have belt (with his contract) or Abreu (with his contract)? I am not saying it is a clear cut answer. Just posing the question.

I hear you. I'd honestly rather have Belt, but I value defense more than most.

 

[tzill]

on belt i agree that he's not going anywhere. when he's cold, might as well sit him down for a month until he warms up.

you are right on span, 2 more years. hopefully he'll remain productive. he works pitchers as well as anyone and that is valuable either as an everyday player or pinch hitter.

Ummm...err...ummm???

 

[tzill]

The Giants of the past have been willing to let players walk after non-championship years, though. So I think it is safe to expect all of our pending FAs to walk. MAYBE late in the FA market, Romo, Casilla (very doubtful) or Pagan may be brought back, but I just dont see any of our FAs returning.

As for kids ready to step up, we really dont have much. Osich, Okert, Blach and McParker are all guys who have been to the bigs and will continue to shuttle (not Parker, as he is out of options). I think that Stratton, Blackburn, Beede, Arroyo, Rogers and Slater are all guys who will start that process this year, with Arroya, Slater and Beede all having the best shots at sticking.

I think all six are gone. The only one who miiiiiight stay is Romo, and only then if he gave us a steep hometown discount. I doubt he will. He's going to be a doyer.

 

[tzill]

I missed this tidbit from yesterday, but apparently Kontos will, in fact, be tendered.

Yup. I think the bullpen locks are:

Law/Strick/Smith/Okert

Maybe coming back:

Kontos/Gearrin

That leaves 2-3 spots open, which could end up being:

Loser of the Cain/Blach 2017 ST showdown
Melancon
Ziegler

IMO this bullpen would be enough to win the WS.

 

[calsnowskier]

Yup. I think the bullpen locks are:

Law/Strick/Smith/Okert

Maybe coming back:

Kontos/Gearrin

That leaves 2-3 spots open, which could end up being:

Loser of the Cain/Blach 2017 ST showdown
Melancon
Ziegler

IMO this bullpen would be enough to win the WS.

Would they put Blach in the bully, or start him in Sacto? I would almost expect Stratton to be the long man over Blach. At this point, Blach is the higher prospect, so you protect his clock more and work his development better. While I like Stratton more than most, I still acknowledge his prospect ship likely sailed a while back.

 

[calsnowskier]

I think all six are gone. The only one who miiiiiight stay is Romo, and only then if he gave us a steep hometown discount. I doubt he will. He's going to be a doyer.

That's just depressing.

Thanks for ruining my weekend.

 

[SFGRTB]

Would they put Blach in the bully, or start him in Sacto? I would almost expect Stratton to be the long man over Blach. At this point, Blach is the higher prospect, so you protect his clock more and work his development better. While I like Stratton more than most, I still acknowledge his prospect ship likely sailed a while back.

Don't forget Suarez, he's probably the long man right now, if they decide to have one.

 

[SFGRTB]

Yup. I think the bullpen locks are:

Law/Strick/Smith/Okert

Maybe coming back:

Kontos/Gearrin

That leaves 2-3 spots open, which could end up being:

Loser of the Cain/Blach 2017 ST showdown
Melancon
Ziegler

IMO this bullpen would be enough to win the WS.

I really like Smith too (I know you and a few other do as well), he could be a great asset if Bochy get's his head out of his ass and uses him proper. Watching Miller today just shows how valuable that can be.

Also, I wouldn't call Okert a lock. He'll battle with Osich.

 

[calsnowskier]

I really like Smith too (I know you and a few other do as well), he could be a great asset if Bochy get's his head out of his ass and uses him proper. Watching Miller today just shows how valuable that can be.

Also, I wouldn't call Okert a lock. He'll battle with Osich.

In 2 games...

3.2 IP, 10 K

Holy shit!

 

[1phlapdown]

Well we woulda made game 5 anyway.

Obviously the bullpen is the most important thing but we need some power in the lineup.

We wouldn't have been facing the freakin' Cubs.

 

[calsnowskier]

In 2 games...

3.2 IP, 10 K

Holy shit!

3 games...

5 IP, 13 K

 

[SFGRTB]

Josh Osich underwent left knee surgery recently. Said he tore his patellar tendon 2 weeks into the season. Could explain his poor year. It'll probably be a 4+ month recovery period. Probably puts his chances to start the season in San Francosco in jeopardy, even if he's healthy.

 

[LHG]

Josh Osich underwent left knee surgery recently. Said he tore his patellar tendon 2 weeks into the season. Could explain his poor year. It'll probably be a 4+ month recovery period. Probably puts his chances to start the season in San Francosco in jeopardy, even if he's healthy.

Would have been nice if he dealt with it 2 weeks into the season. When do players start to understand that injuries lower their production? Going on the disabled list and dealing with the problem helps the team, not pretending like it isn't there.

 

[SFGRTB]

This to me looks like Gregor Blanco has been told he's not coming back. Good Giant, vital to our 2012 and 2014 runs and obviously made one of the greatest catches in recent memory. He will be missed, despite the bitter ending this season.

Thanks for everything San Francisco this is my home and always will be ️️ my dreams are here and I hope I keep having amazing journey in SAN Francisco #staystrong#sfgiants #giantsforever @sfgiants

 

[calsnowskier]

This to me looks like Gregor Blanco has been told he's not coming back. Good Giant, vital to our 2012 and 2014 runs and obviously made one of the greatest catches in recent memory. He will be missed, despite the bitter ending this season.

I hope he signs with a NL team so he can come back to AT&T and get a nice standing O.