[lex24]

Zaidi has been responsible for SF’s draft since 2019 (6 years).  It‘s unfair to hold him accountable for the classes prior to that. 

Given the length of time it takes a professional baseball player to mature from draft pick to the major leagues, I think we should only be reviewing the classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 to determine the success or failure of the Zaidi’s tenure (as it pertains to talent identification).  

Top five picks:

2019: 

1. Hunter Bishop.  Time is definitely not on the side of Bishop.  His ability to stay healthy has been a significant hindrance re: his road to the majors.  
2. Logan Wyatt.  I doubt we will ever see him in The Show.
3. Grant McCray.  I don’t see him as a regular.  However, I do think he will be a guy who can be upon as a reserve member of the OF group.
4. Tyler Fitzgerald.  The Giants starting SS for years to come.  
5. Garrett Frechette.  I admit to being completely unfamiliar with him. 

2020:

1. Patrick Bailey.  A sterling selection.  A Gold Glove-level receiver.  Obviously, he has to figure out a way to maintain his stamina through the second half of the season to become a sustained threat at the plate. 
2. Casey Schmitt. The start of his career portends a future as a utility infielder.
2. Jimmy Glowenke.  There’s little to no chance we will ever see him play at Oracle.
2. Nick Swinney.  Another, little to no chance guy.
3. Kyle Harrison. A future star.  If he stays healthy, he will have a long, successful career.
4. R.J. Dabovich. See Glowenke.
5. Ryan Murphy. See Swinney.

2021.

1. Will Bednar.  Unfortunately, the start of his professional has been derailed by injuries.  Whether he ever makes it to SF is “to be determined” (I would suggest it is unlikely a this point).  
2. Matt Milkulski - The Fordham Flash has hit a brick wall in his development.  I don’t hold out much hope for him. 
3. Mason Black - He has certainly had a poor year both at Sacramento and during his time in SF.  Next year will answer the question.  Does he have a big league future?
4. Eric Silva - He was traded to Detroit in the deal that brought back Mark Canha.
5. Rohan Handa - I am not familiar with this draft choice. 

Since 2021, the #1 guy to keep an eye on is 19 year-old Bryce Eldridge.  He is a 2023 first round selection who has already bumped up to High A where he is teammates with SF’s 2024 #1 selection, James Tibbs from Florida State.

Eldridge may be their best pure hitting prospect since Will Clark.  Signed as a two-way, he quickly gave up pitching. 6’7 with a very short quick left handed stroke.  Tremendous power.  Recently hit a 460 foot HR to left center. He’s tearing up High A at 19.  Someone to be excited about. Should start ‘25 at Richmond. Not inconceivable that he’s on the roster some point during the season.

Very disappointing season. So, how bout next year? Possibilities:

OF. Ramos, Lee, Yaz (although he could be traded) Matos McCray Meckler Bishop.

Inf. Wade Flores ( team could buy him out) Estrada Fitz Luciano Schmitt Wisely (Chapman?)

C. Bailey. Murphy. Sabol

SP. Webb Harrison Ray Birdsong Hicks Whisenhunt (has not had a good year) Seymour, Ragsdale, Black. Roupp (Snell?)

RP. Taylor, Tyler, Walker, Hjelle, Miller, Beck, Rodriguez, Doval, Bivens, Winn (if healthy - he has to be moved to the pen). Some of those listed as starters could begin in pen.

Bottom line: Not thrilling. Zaidi has his work cut out. Job 1- sign Chapman. He wants to stay and he’s been one of the best players in the National League this year. They let him go and the infield looks like an absolute mess. Particularly if Fitzgerald is an illusion.

[lex24]

Zaidi has been responsible for SF’s draft since 2019 (6 years).  It‘s unfair to hold him accountable for the classes prior to that. 

Given the length of time it takes a professional baseball player to mature from draft pick to the major leagues, I think we should only be reviewing the classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 to determine the success or failure of the Zaidi’s tenure (as it pertains to talent identification).  

Top five picks:

2019: 

1. Hunter Bishop.  Time is definitely not on the side of Bishop.  His ability to stay healthy has been a significant hindrance re: his road to the majors.  
2. Logan Wyatt.  I doubt we will ever see him in The Show.
3. Grant McCray.  I don’t see him as a regular.  However, I do think he will be a guy who can be upon as a reserve member of the OF group.
4. Tyler Fitzgerald.  The Giants starting SS for years to come.  
5. Garrett Frechette.  I admit to being completely unfamiliar with him. 

2020:

1. Patrick Bailey.  A sterling selection.  A Gold Glove-level receiver.  Obviously, he has to figure out a way to maintain his stamina through the second half of the season to become a sustained threat at the plate. 
2. Casey Schmitt. The start of his career portends a future as a utility infielder.
2. Jimmy Glowenke.  There’s little to no chance we will ever see him play at Oracle.
2. Nick Swinney.  Another, little to no chance guy.
3. Kyle Harrison. A future star.  If he stays healthy, he will have a long, successful career.
4. R.J. Dabovich. See Glowenke.
5. Ryan Murphy. See Swinney.

2021.

1. Will Bednar.  Unfortunately, the start of his professional has been derailed by injuries.  Whether he ever makes it to SF is “to be determined” (I would suggest it is unlikely a this point).  
2. Matt Milkulski - The Fordham Flash has hit a brick wall in his development.  I don’t hold out much hope for him. 
3. Mason Black - He has certainly had a poor year both at Sacramento and during his time in SF.  Next year will answer the question.  Does he have a big league future?
4. Eric Silva - He was traded to Detroit in the deal that brought back Mark Canha.
5. Rohan Handa - I am not familiar with this draft choice. 

Since 2021, the #1 guy to keep an eye on is 19 year-old Bryce Eldridge.  He is a 2023 first round selection who has already bumped up to High A where he is teammates with SF’s 2024 #1 selection, James Tibbs from Florida State.

Eldridge may be their best pure hitting prospect since Will Clark.  Signed as a two-way, he quickly gave up pitching. 6’7 with a very short quick left handed stroke.  Tremendous power.  Recently hit a 460 foot HR to left center. He’s tearing up High A at 19.  Someone to be excited about. Should start ‘25 at Richmond. Not inconceivable that he’s on the roster some point during the season.

Very disappointing season. So, how bout next year? Possibilities:

OF. Ramos, Lee, Yaz (although he could be traded) Matos McCray Meckler Bishop.

Inf. Wade Flores ( team could buy him out) Estrada Fitz Luciano Schmitt Wisely (Chapman?)

C. Bailey. Murphy. Sabol

SP. Webb Harrison Ray Birdsong Hicks Whisenhunt (has not had a good year) Seymour, Ragsdale, Black. Roupp (Snell?)

RP. Taylor, Tyler, Walker, Hjelle, Miller, Beck, Rodriguez, Doval, Bivens, Winn (if healthy - he has to be moved to the pen). Some of those listed as starters could begin in pen.

Bottom line: Not thrilling. Zaidi has his work cut out. Job 1- sign Chapman. He wants to stay and he’s been one of the best players in the National League this year. They let him go and the infield looks like an absolute mess. Particularly if Fitzgerald is an illusion.