10-16-2023, 09:21 AM
lex24 dateline='[url=tel:1697464126' Wrote: 1697464126[/url]']
Mick dateline='[url=tel:1697459244' Wrote: 1697459244[/url]']
Interesting article in The Athletic by Brisbee this a.m. Basically, if the Giants had signed Dansby Swanson (instead of Correa/nobody) at shortstop, or even Xander Bogaerts -- which I had advocated all season -- the Giants make the playoffs, based on the positive WAR (Bogaerts 4.4) vs. negative WAR (Crawford, -1.4).
And obviously, Arson Judge (4.5 WAR) would have gotten the Giants to the postseason. The Giants OF was terrible. Yaz (2.3 WAR), Slater (0.7), Conforto (0.7), Haniger (-0.3) and Matos (-0.4) were a net 3.0 WAR. If either Conforto or Haniger have a good season, the Giants are in the playoffs. Nolan Jones (traded to Rockies) was worth 4.3 WAR. Cody Bellinger (4.4 WAR). Christian Yelich (3.6 WAR). Two of those...we're in the playoffs. Or trade for former SF draftee Brian Reynolds (2.5 WAR).
At DH, Pederson (0.6) was a hot mess. I've wanted to get JD Martinez (1.9 WAR) for years, ever since I saw him in a few games for the Tigers.
Giants tried hard for Senga (4.5 WAR). Bassitt (2.5 WAR). Eovaldi (3.1 WAR), or Wheeler (4.0 WAR) would have been helpful. Instead, we have Stripling (0.1 WAR, and complaining about the way he was used - Mr. Stripling, if you want to be used better, you need to pitch better), DeSclafani (0.2 WAR), Wood (0.7 WAR) and Manaea (0.3 WAR).
Basically, every Giants free agent turned to mush. Every. Single. One. It says something that two of the mushees (Conforto and Manaea) are rumored to want out. Man, do I hope they leave.
Adding up WAR as a method of determining roster strength is what got Giants in trouble this off season. I remember stories about their great depth because hey just add up the WAR and add water…
Bogaerts certainly would have helped. But doing the WAR math dance is determinate of nothing. It’s a baseball team. Not a math equation.
Agree with you on wanting Manaea and Conforto to leave. Especially Conforto. Having Haniger, Slater, Conforto and Yaz all back is a depressing thought.
Signing Bogaerts to an 11 year $280 million contract at age 30 was among the worst signings of the off-season. The Giants made the right move by not going in that direction (and they got very lucky by listening to the physician who checked out Correa).
I also read Brisbee’s article and thought it was one of his worst. He took a very narrow view of the situation and reached a flawed conclusion. Like Lex, I am not a great fan of simply adding up WAR numbers to determine the strength of a team. The Padres had a terrible year despite being loaded with star players. It takes more than just throwing money and WAR numbers on the field figuring that should be enough.
The Giants failed because they lack a singular presence in the clubhouse and lineup every day surrounded by young, athletic teammates on an upward track in their careers.
Signing a bunch of mid-level, injury-prone veterans was a major mistake. Also, it didn’t help that the manager of the team was a guy who felt the team could police itself. You don’t need a micromanager to win but you do need a guy who the players respect and isn’t afraid to kick ass when necessary.