[BobK]

Sports Illustrated lists their top 100 Major League Players in the current issue.

29 Posey
36 Bumgarner
67 Longoria
79 Crawford
82 Belt    Wow
89 Cueto

[BobK]

Sports Illustrated lists their top 100 Major League Players in the current issue.

29 Posey
36 Bumgarner
67 Longoria
79 Crawford
82 Belt    Wow
89 Cueto

[barrister7]

was that part of the Swim Suit Issue?    :D

[barrister7]

was that part of the Swim Suit Issue?    :D

[BobK]

Already memorized that issue.  :P
The next one.    ;D

[BobK]

Already memorized that issue.  :P
The next one.    ;D

[BobK]

The Giant6s go into 2019 with a current payroll of $ 140M.  2018= $ 190M

Free Agents Pence, McCrutchen are at $ 33M, the Blancos and Hundley at $ 3M, That's $ 36M and the other difference are those without a 2019 contract and Cain who is at $ 7.5M this season only. 

[BobK]

The Giant6s go into 2019 with a current payroll of $ 140M.  2018= $ 190M

Free Agents Pence, McCrutchen are at $ 33M, the Blancos and Hundley at $ 3M, That's $ 36M and the other difference are those without a 2019 contract and Cain who is at $ 7.5M this season only. 

[wallendar]

No McCutchen?? 

Hmmmm.....

[wallendar]

No McCutchen?? 

Hmmmm.....

[BobK]

Not no yet.  Depends on his season.

[BobK]

Not no yet.  Depends on his season.

[barrister7]

Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

[barrister7]

Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

[BobK]

Cain was owed $21M as of last year at this time.    Cain and the Giants must have worked something out. 

I don’t believe the Giants are unique.  Look at free agent signings 8 years for Hosmer all on hope.   

[BobK]

Cain was owed $21M as of last year at this time.    Cain and the Giants must have worked something out. 

I don’t believe the Giants are unique.  Look at free agent signings 8 years for Hosmer all on hope.   

[CornFed]

Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

Is Marvin Bernard still on the payroll?  :P

[CornFed]

Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

Is Marvin Bernard still on the payroll?  :P

[wallendar]

Cain’s contract included a team option for 2018.  If the team chose not to exercise the option (and they didn’t), they were obligated to pay a $7.5 million dollar severance payment.  That is the payment referenced earlier in this string.

[wallendar]

Cain’s contract included a team option for 2018.  If the team chose not to exercise the option (and they didn’t), they were obligated to pay a $7.5 million dollar severance payment.  That is the payment referenced earlier in this string.

[lex24]

They prob look a little better if you go by position rankings. Per Buster Olney:  Posey (1). Bum (6). Longo (10) Craw (6). Panik was first listed on best of rest so let’s say 11.

Giants have a terrific defensive infield. Craw 3 gold gloves, Longo has a couple I think, Panik 1, Posey 1 or 2 I forget which. Belt is above average.

They should be significantly improved defensively in the OF with Cutch in RF and Pence moving to left. Jackson, Duggar, Hernandez and Blanco are all defensive upgrades to Span. Who simply couldn’t cover the territory.

Cueto is a major key to their starting staff. Do we get ‘16 or ‘17?  Samardzja is going to give you 200 innings and indegestion. He will look like an ace for a awhile then get lit up. But he’s a decent 3.

4 and 5 are major questions. Stratton closed well. But I don’t trust Sept. Metric on him is he has a great spin rate. Personally I think about half the metrics used are pure bs. That is one of them. My guess, though, is he’s 4

I like Blach. But he tailed off significantly. Tired? Or was he a one time through guy. He doesn’t have a go to pitch. That is his biggest issue. If he could improve his changeup he could be a very solid 5.

Holland and Suarez are the challengers. The former has the past success. But he’s been hurt and bad last couple. And they’d have to pay him considerably more to add him to the 25. He will have to show an awful lot to get a chance.

Bullpen improved with Watson. When will Smith be ready?  Big question. Osich and Okert were awful last year.  That’s two in a row for Osich. He gets one more chance.

RH side will be interesting. Is Melancon healthy?  I liked Law at times. But consistency and health are an issue. Strickland is the definition of a brain dead heaver. But he has a big arm. Hard to give up on that Reyes Montoya is a possibility. And then there is the Rule 5 pick up. Fernandez. When you hit 103 you open eyes. If  he looks good is spring he has a chance to stick. Not a Guerrin fan. But I suspect he sticks

Bench will be interesting. If you assume 8 Including Jackson as regulars (even if he is the 4th guy you know he’s on the roster) that leaves 4 spots. I’m assuming they break with 13 pitchers as they have almost no off days in April.

It’s a mix and match thing. Hundley  is a given. Leaves 3. One needs to be a guy capable of hitting an HR. Sandavol and Parker fit the bill. Plus both are lefties. Most closers are righties. My guess is they keep one.

One needs to play middle infield. Tomlinson and a couple guys they brought in that I know very little about. Blanco and some other guy. Again they’d have to pay more so I’m thinking Tomlinson has a brobdingnagian edge. Plus he can play third and the OF in a pinch.

That leaves one more spot between Duggar, Gorkys, Gregor Blanco and the infielders that Tomlinson beats out.

Part depends on whether the PH power bat is Parker or Pablo. I doubt they keep both. My bet is the latter. Nothing like Panda hats. And he can be the emergency catcher.  Plus Bochy loves “track records”.

I think they want Duggar to grab the other spot. Plus outfielder with speed. If he hits .250 and walks he’s of value.  He can platoon in CF with Jackson. Gorkys value dropped precipitously the second they signed Jackson.  Williamson has played himself off the radar. And I don’t think much of Parker.

So. I’m thinking: Duggar, Pablo, Hundley and Tomlinson.

If right here is my batting order:

Posey
Panik
Cutch
Belt
Longoria
Pence
Craw
Pitcher
Duggar/Jackson

I’m generally not a fan of pitcher at 8. But leading off Duggar is too much pressure. At 8 you waste his speed. Craw has hit well in front of pitcher. Posey is the team’s best OPS guy by a long shot. Get him more ab’s  Plus it allows them to break up right and left better

Thoughts?

EDIT:  Two guys I forgot about: Slater and Ryder Jones. I think the latter is a long shot. He’s young with options. Needs the AB’s. I like Slater a lot. And I could see him sticking if they go with 5 OF’s but that is doubtful. Even if Duggar doesn’t stick the 4th guy has to be able to play CF. So it brings Gregor and Gorkys into the mix.

If either a Pence or Cutch get hurt for an extended time ( and I&that happens it’s going to be a long season) I could see Slater getting called up and playing everyday. He and Shaw and two guys I believe they think could be everyday players beginning in ‘19.

Sports Illustrated lists their top 100 Major League Players in the current issue.

29 Posey
36 Bumgarner
67 Longoria
79 Crawford
82 Belt    Wow
89 Cueto

[lex24]

They prob look a little better if you go by position rankings. Per Buster Olney:  Posey (1). Bum (6). Longo (10) Craw (6). Panik was first listed on best of rest so let’s say 11.

Giants have a terrific defensive infield. Craw 3 gold gloves, Longo has a couple I think, Panik 1, Posey 1 or 2 I forget which. Belt is above average.

They should be significantly improved defensively in the OF with Cutch in RF and Pence moving to left. Jackson, Duggar, Hernandez and Blanco are all defensive upgrades to Span. Who simply couldn’t cover the territory.

Cueto is a major key to their starting staff. Do we get ‘16 or ‘17?  Samardzja is going to give you 200 innings and indegestion. He will look like an ace for a awhile then get lit up. But he’s a decent 3.

4 and 5 are major questions. Stratton closed well. But I don’t trust Sept. Metric on him is he has a great spin rate. Personally I think about half the metrics used are pure bs. That is one of them. My guess, though, is he’s 4

I like Blach. But he tailed off significantly. Tired? Or was he a one time through guy. He doesn’t have a go to pitch. That is his biggest issue. If he could improve his changeup he could be a very solid 5.

Holland and Suarez are the challengers. The former has the past success. But he’s been hurt and bad last couple. And they’d have to pay him considerably more to add him to the 25. He will have to show an awful lot to get a chance.

Bullpen improved with Watson. When will Smith be ready?  Big question. Osich and Okert were awful last year.  That’s two in a row for Osich. He gets one more chance.

RH side will be interesting. Is Melancon healthy?  I liked Law at times. But consistency and health are an issue. Strickland is the definition of a brain dead heaver. But he has a big arm. Hard to give up on that Reyes Montoya is a possibility. And then there is the Rule 5 pick up. Fernandez. When you hit 103 you open eyes. If  he looks good is spring he has a chance to stick. Not a Guerrin fan. But I suspect he sticks

Bench will be interesting. If you assume 8 Including Jackson as regulars (even if he is the 4th guy you know he’s on the roster) that leaves 4 spots. I’m assuming they break with 13 pitchers as they have almost no off days in April.

It’s a mix and match thing. Hundley  is a given. Leaves 3. One needs to be a guy capable of hitting an HR. Sandavol and Parker fit the bill. Plus both are lefties. Most closers are righties. My guess is they keep one.

One needs to play middle infield. Tomlinson and a couple guys they brought in that I know very little about. Blanco and some other guy. Again they’d have to pay more so I’m thinking Tomlinson has a brobdingnagian edge. Plus he can play third and the OF in a pinch.

That leaves one more spot between Duggar, Gorkys, Gregor Blanco and the infielders that Tomlinson beats out.

Part depends on whether the PH power bat is Parker or Pablo. I doubt they keep both. My bet is the latter. Nothing like Panda hats. And he can be the emergency catcher.  Plus Bochy loves “track records”.

I think they want Duggar to grab the other spot. Plus outfielder with speed. If he hits .250 and walks he’s of value.  He can platoon in CF with Jackson. Gorkys value dropped precipitously the second they signed Jackson.  Williamson has played himself off the radar. And I don’t think much of Parker.

So. I’m thinking: Duggar, Pablo, Hundley and Tomlinson.

If right here is my batting order:

Posey
Panik
Cutch
Belt
Longoria
Pence
Craw
Pitcher
Duggar/Jackson

I’m generally not a fan of pitcher at 8. But leading off Duggar is too much pressure. At 8 you waste his speed. Craw has hit well in front of pitcher. Posey is the team’s best OPS guy by a long shot. Get him more ab’s  Plus it allows them to break up right and left better

Thoughts?

EDIT:  Two guys I forgot about: Slater and Ryder Jones. I think the latter is a long shot. He’s young with options. Needs the AB’s. I like Slater a lot. And I could see him sticking if they go with 5 OF’s but that is doubtful. Even if Duggar doesn’t stick the 4th guy has to be able to play CF. So it brings Gregor and Gorkys into the mix.

If either a Pence or Cutch get hurt for an extended time ( and I&that happens it’s going to be a long season) I could see Slater getting called up and playing everyday. He and Shaw and two guys I believe they think could be everyday players beginning in ‘19.

Sports Illustrated lists their top 100 Major League Players in the current issue.

29 Posey
36 Bumgarner
67 Longoria
79 Crawford
82 Belt    Wow
89 Cueto

[lex24]

Zito doesn’t fit the paying their stars line. The problem with Zito is they paid considerably more than anyone else would have. Still 2012 playoffs and WS.  Almost enough to justify the signing.

I had no problem with either the Cain or Pence signings. Cain had been as dependable a starter as there was in baseball. He had the size and delivery to suggest longevity. Then he hurt his elbow and never recovered.  So it didn’t work out but it was justified.

Pence had been a remarkably consistent good to very good player with an Ironman rep and a leader on 2 WS winners. Then he gets  hit with a pitch in spring and the injury bug goes from there.

[quote author=barrister7 link=topic=18773.msg224562#msg224562 date=1519343723]
Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

Is Marvin Bernard still on the payroll?  :P
[/quote]

[lex24]

Zito doesn’t fit the paying their stars line. The problem with Zito is they paid considerably more than anyone else would have. Still 2012 playoffs and WS.  Almost enough to justify the signing.

I had no problem with either the Cain or Pence signings. Cain had been as dependable a starter as there was in baseball. He had the size and delivery to suggest longevity. Then he hurt his elbow and never recovered.  So it didn’t work out but it was justified.

Pence had been a remarkably consistent good to very good player with an Ironman rep and a leader on 2 WS winners. Then he gets  hit with a pitch in spring and the injury bug goes from there.

[quote author=barrister7 link=topic=18773.msg224562#msg224562 date=1519343723]
Good Gawd, are we still paying Cain?  I thought that ship had sailed.  I guess it is true that the Giants award their stars for past performance.  It just seems like they always pay for years past these players prime activity.  Or it it that I am unable to to rid my mind of Zito?        :-X

Is Marvin Bernard still on the payroll?  :P
[/quote]

[Phogge]

Cutch? Longo? We can be more creative Lex. Something like your pen name, after all these guys are post 30. Did anybody in Tampa call him Eva?

[Phogge]

Cutch? Longo? We can be more creative Lex. Something like your pen name, after all these guys are post 30. Did anybody in Tampa call him Eva?

[barrister7]

Lex, you made my morning with the Smardzja "indigestion" line.  Perfect description.  Since I am always a half full glass type of person whether it is Stanford or the Giants, the start of the season fills me with hope.  Everyone starts out undefeated!!!!!!

[barrister7]

Lex, you made my morning with the Smardzja "indigestion" line.  Perfect description.  Since I am always a half full glass type of person whether it is Stanford or the Giants, the start of the season fills me with hope.  Everyone starts out undefeated!!!!!!

[BobK]

Giants lose 6-5 today.  The Panda homers

[BobK]

Giants lose 6-5 today.  The Panda homers

[BobK]

https://www.mlb.com/news/san-francisco-g...-267261130

The Giants top 30 prospects

[BobK]

https://www.mlb.com/news/san-francisco-g...-267261130

The Giants top 30 prospects

[qwerty49]

Thanks for the link BobK! Wouldn’t it be great to see both Ramos and Shaw sooner rather than later.

[qwerty49]

Thanks for the link BobK! Wouldn’t it be great to see both Ramos and Shaw sooner rather than later.

[Mick]

I know it's just spring training, but after four games, Giants hitters are crushing it.  Team slash line of
.331/.387/.545/.940.  Team has scored 30 runs in four games, averaging 7.5 runs per game.  Six home runs, 18 extra base hits.

So that's the good news.  On the less pleasant side, the team is 1-3, and the pitchers have given up 24 runs in those same four games.  19 pitchers have a 1.5 WHIP or worse, 10 pitchers are 1.0 or better.  Seven errors in four games.  Runners have stolen 80% on our catchers.

Some good news.  Okert, Osich, Law, Gearrin, Blach, Slania, Suarez, Valdez and Stratton all looking good.  Duggar as expected, hitting .250, with a home run, and fielding well.

Fingers crossed.

[Mick]

I know it's just spring training, but after four games, Giants hitters are crushing it.  Team slash line of
.331/.387/.545/.940.  Team has scored 30 runs in four games, averaging 7.5 runs per game.  Six home runs, 18 extra base hits.

So that's the good news.  On the less pleasant side, the team is 1-3, and the pitchers have given up 24 runs in those same four games.  19 pitchers have a 1.5 WHIP or worse, 10 pitchers are 1.0 or better.  Seven errors in four games.  Runners have stolen 80% on our catchers.

Some good news.  Okert, Osich, Law, Gearrin, Blach, Slania, Suarez, Valdez and Stratton all looking good.  Duggar as expected, hitting .250, with a home run, and fielding well.

Fingers crossed.

[wallendar]

Given how little the regulars have played, I can’t get too excited about the offense.  On the other hand, I am not concerned about the pitching because the guys who will probably break camp with the team are doing ok.  Overall, I am looking forward to seeing if Blach and Stratton can continue to pitch well and whether the Longoria and McCutchen can show us that age is a state of mind... 

[wallendar]

Given how little the regulars have played, I can’t get too excited about the offense.  On the other hand, I am not concerned about the pitching because the guys who will probably break camp with the team are doing ok.  Overall, I am looking forward to seeing if Blach and Stratton can continue to pitch well and whether the Longoria and McCutchen can show us that age is a state of mind... 

[Mick]

Longo had his starting debut and hit a homer as the Giants beat the Rangers 9-4.  Panik went 2 for 2 in leadoff spot and was replaced by Duggar who went 2 for 2 in leadoff (now hitting .400 and .375 respectively in the spring).  Shaw went 2 for 2.

In the other split squad game, the Giants walloped the Indians 13-4, banging out 19 hits.  New CF Jackson batted leadoff and went 2 for 2, and his replacement (someone named Perez) went 4 for 4.  Williamson went 3 for 4.  Beede gave up an HR in three innings as his only hit.

All told, both Giants teams hit seven home runs total on the day (Longoria, Shaw, Williamson, Schroder, Davis, Sands).

[Mick]

Longo had his starting debut and hit a homer as the Giants beat the Rangers 9-4.  Panik went 2 for 2 in leadoff spot and was replaced by Duggar who went 2 for 2 in leadoff (now hitting .400 and .375 respectively in the spring).  Shaw went 2 for 2.

In the other split squad game, the Giants walloped the Indians 13-4, banging out 19 hits.  New CF Jackson batted leadoff and went 2 for 2, and his replacement (someone named Perez) went 4 for 4.  Williamson went 3 for 4.  Beede gave up an HR in three innings as his only hit.

All told, both Giants teams hit seven home runs total on the day (Longoria, Shaw, Williamson, Schroder, Davis, Sands).