(01-10-2023, 04:07 PM)Mick Wrote: Seriously outdated, predicted New and Updated WAG at SF Giants Opening Day Roster:
1. Wilmer Flores, 1B, R
2. LaMonte Wade, 1B, L
3. David Villar, 3B, R
4. Brandon Crawford, SS, L
5. J.D. Davis, 3B, R
6. Thairo Estrada, UT, Spot OF, R
7. Joc Pederson, DH, Spot OF, L
8. Mike Yastrzemski, OF, L
9. Mike Conforto, OF
10. Mitch Haniger, OF
11. Austin Slater, OF, R
12. Joey Bart, C, R
13. Blake Sabol, C
14. Logan Webb, SP
15. Anthony DeSclafani, SP
16. Alex Cobb, SP
17. Alex Wood, SP
18. Ross Stripling, SP
19. Sean Manaea, LRP
20. Jakob Junis, LRP
21. Camilo Doval, RP
22. Taylor Rogers, RP
23. Tyler Rogers, RP
24. John Brebbia, RP
25. Scott Alexander, RP
26. Luke Jackson, RP
Tristan Beck, Isan Diaz, Jose Cruz, Sean Hjelle, Sammy Long, Marco Luciano, Luis Matos, Heliot Ramos, Randy Rodriguez, Thomas Szapucki, Cole Waites, Keaton Winn, Brett Wisely all start the season in Sacramento or get traded. Team cuts ties with Yunior Marte, senior citizens La Stella, Longoria and Belt.
Giants will add a backup catcher. Villar probably breaks camp. But he does have options. So, possible he goes down and Davis/Flores start season at 3B. Especially if Sabol sticks as utility player. Szapucki is out of options. Giants like his arm. Jackson may not be ready to start season. Ditto DeSclafani. That would open a spot for Szapucki. Estrada will be everyday 2b, not utility player. Flores will be the utility player.
Merc writer did analysis of this years roster vs last years based on WAR. Conclusion - about 2 games worse. I’m no fan of WAR. But I do think it’s a bit worse overall. Losing a true ace makes a major difference.
Giants have improved corner OF, if Conforto is healthy. IF considerably worse. Especially defensively.
Starting Pitching - Webb, Cobb and a bunch of 4/5/6 starters. At least we won’t (or shouldn’t be) subjected to a slew of bullpen games. Manaea a key. He was awful last year. If he can be solid that would help.
Team still slower than mud. Infield defense a major question, especially with a staff that throws a lot of ground balls. On the excitement meter - low.