[Mick]

1733098469[/url]']

1733071807[/url]']
[quote="Mick" pid='423956' dateline='1732997053']
Kinda feel the same way about Buster Posey taking over the SF Giants. Great player, no administrative or coaching experience, lots of buy-in from fans and owners. Posey's made a lot of headscratching choices, IMHO, mainly connected to hiring insiders of a team that hasn't finished above .500 in three years.

I also feel kind of the same about Luck and Posey.  But to me it’s positive.  Both incredibly respected, smart, great competitors. Posey has a deep attachment to the Giants and a desire to win.  Luck same either Stanford.  Both have legacies to protect and to enhance.

Haven’t seen any “head-scratching“ moves from Posey.  But we can leave that for the Giants thread.

Good call, so I moved it to the Giants thread. 

Buster Posey was named president of baseball operations on September 30. And his first move, getting Matt Chapman signed, was a very strong one. In no particular order, I consider these to be somewhat head scratching:

1. Jeff Berry, who was Buster's agent, was signed as an advisor. If he turns out like Bob Myers, great.

He's only in an advisory role.  Buster has known him forever and trusts him.  Plus as an agent, he has good contact with players and negotiating. Myers was GM.  Not equivalent.  But agree on the sentiment!

2. Bobby Evans hired as advisor. Given that Evans was GM from 2015-2018 and supervised years of drafts that flat out sucked, I do wonder about it.

Not a good GM, but had been a part of Giants drafts and player development during the run.  Just cause he’s not a good No 1 doesn’t mean he’s not a good baseball man. 



3.Ex-Bronco, Randy Winn, is the new VP of player development. As an SCU guy, I'm very happy about it. Hope he has the skill set to do so.

A whole new position.  Haines remains as Dir of Player Development.  Baggerly indicated Haines had way too much on his plate.  Winn is highly respected.  A little unclear to me exactly what his role will be.  The positive to me is the emphasis it places on player development.

4. They're keeping Pete Putila, former GM. Why keep him? He didn't do well.

Putila is gone.  

5. They replaced Bryan Price as pitching coach with JP Martinez, who was their assistant pitching coach. Now this may be a great move...Martinez has been with the Giants for two different managers and two different presidents of baseball operations and the Giants ERA is 4th in MLB if you go back four years. So maybe this is a great move.

Dont know if Pryce retired on was fired.  I’m guessing here, but suspect Melvin thinks highly of JP - and I’m betting Webb had some input.

6. They kept Pat Burrell as hitting coach. Justin Viele left for the Texas Rangers to reunite with Donnie Ecker. Those two did great things on the Giants hitting in 2020 and 2021. Ramos gave credit to Viele for hi breakout 2024 year. They are looking at internal candidates Damon Minor and Travis Ishikawa.

Minor has been in organization for quite awhile and is highly regarded within it.  I haven’t heard Ishikawa as a possibility.

I'm not saying these are bad moves. And they signed Max Stassi as the backup catcher. Stassi's been out of baseball for two years (personal matter and injured), so...we'll see.

Also - you mention Minasian in another post.  That is his most important hire.  Baseball lifer.  Another one greatly respected in and out of organization.  Supposedly was not on Posey’s original list.  

1. Putila joined the Braves as assistant GM, I'd missed that because I'd read that he was being reassigned. Putila's only about 35 or 36. He was a finalist for the GM opening that went to Harris three years ago. He was considered a very talented guy, assistant GM at the Astros. Zaidi's quote was "One of the things that really excited us about Pete is the fact that he has an extensive background in player development." FZ said that in 2022 when he was hired. Houston went 230-154 when Putila was assistant GM, best winning percentage in the majors behind the Dodgers. Anyway, he's a Brave now.

2. Bryan Pryce was hired to join his buddy, Bob Melvin. He stated as he left that he was only here for a year, and only wanted the job for a year. Wasn't bothered when he left.

3. Evans was hired by Sabean as a minor league admin assistant in 1994, then director of minor league ops in 1998, director of player personnel in 2005, VP of baseball ops in 2009, GM in 2015. And yes, I'm sure it was a Peter Principle issue. So he was rehired on 11/19, hope he finds the right level. 

4. And finally...you mentioned that Minasian was his most important hire -- well, promotion anyway. And Minasian wasn't on Posey's original list.

So we've now confirmed my key point, 3x over. They haven't hired at all from outside of the organization, a team which hasn't broken .500 since Kapler's Miracle Year of 2021. To me, on the surface, this is a headscratcher. Why promote people who were a level below people who got fired?

Now if you're going to argue that they're actually better than the people who got fired, and the people who got fired were standing in their way and preventing their success...okay, I can certainly understand the point. I've seen that situation before. And I agree that Martinez is strong, that Winn and Evans can contribute and Minasian has some talent. It's quite a show of confidence in a layer of management that hasn't done much to inspire that confidence is all I'm saying, particularly after seasons with 81, 79 and 80 wins.

Of course, if they win 107 games again, I will sing their praises loudly and claim that I never questioned them for even a moment. And maybe they have the key to getting career-best seasons out of them. 2021 was special because their offense, defense and pitching all gelled.

And maybe that happens again. SF's runs allowed was just a sliver better than MLB average, but their FIP was sixth best in MLB in 2024. They have the pitching talent, for sure. Their runs scored per game was slightly below MLB average, but their OPS+ was slightly above MLB average. They weren't terrible hitters, they had more doubles and triples than league average and fewer home runs.

By WAR, they had the best 3B in MLB. Yaz was above MLB average (#12 of 30). Relief pitching was exactly average. All other positions were below MLB average.

[Mick]

1733098469[/url]']

1733071807[/url]']
[quote="Mick" pid='423956' dateline='1732997053']
Kinda feel the same way about Buster Posey taking over the SF Giants. Great player, no administrative or coaching experience, lots of buy-in from fans and owners. Posey's made a lot of headscratching choices, IMHO, mainly connected to hiring insiders of a team that hasn't finished above .500 in three years.

I also feel kind of the same about Luck and Posey.  But to me it’s positive.  Both incredibly respected, smart, great competitors. Posey has a deep attachment to the Giants and a desire to win.  Luck same either Stanford.  Both have legacies to protect and to enhance.

Haven’t seen any “head-scratching“ moves from Posey.  But we can leave that for the Giants thread.

Good call, so I moved it to the Giants thread. 

Buster Posey was named president of baseball operations on September 30. And his first move, getting Matt Chapman signed, was a very strong one. In no particular order, I consider these to be somewhat head scratching:

1. Jeff Berry, who was Buster's agent, was signed as an advisor. If he turns out like Bob Myers, great.

He's only in an advisory role.  Buster has known him forever and trusts him.  Plus as an agent, he has good contact with players and negotiating. Myers was GM.  Not equivalent.  But agree on the sentiment!

2. Bobby Evans hired as advisor. Given that Evans was GM from 2015-2018 and supervised years of drafts that flat out sucked, I do wonder about it.

Not a good GM, but had been a part of Giants drafts and player development during the run.  Just cause he’s not a good No 1 doesn’t mean he’s not a good baseball man. 



3.Ex-Bronco, Randy Winn, is the new VP of player development. As an SCU guy, I'm very happy about it. Hope he has the skill set to do so.

A whole new position.  Haines remains as Dir of Player Development.  Baggerly indicated Haines had way too much on his plate.  Winn is highly respected.  A little unclear to me exactly what his role will be.  The positive to me is the emphasis it places on player development.

4. They're keeping Pete Putila, former GM. Why keep him? He didn't do well.

Putila is gone.  

5. They replaced Bryan Price as pitching coach with JP Martinez, who was their assistant pitching coach. Now this may be a great move...Martinez has been with the Giants for two different managers and two different presidents of baseball operations and the Giants ERA is 4th in MLB if you go back four years. So maybe this is a great move.

Dont know if Pryce retired on was fired.  I’m guessing here, but suspect Melvin thinks highly of JP - and I’m betting Webb had some input.

6. They kept Pat Burrell as hitting coach. Justin Viele left for the Texas Rangers to reunite with Donnie Ecker. Those two did great things on the Giants hitting in 2020 and 2021. Ramos gave credit to Viele for hi breakout 2024 year. They are looking at internal candidates Damon Minor and Travis Ishikawa.

Minor has been in organization for quite awhile and is highly regarded within it.  I haven’t heard Ishikawa as a possibility.

I'm not saying these are bad moves. And they signed Max Stassi as the backup catcher. Stassi's been out of baseball for two years (personal matter and injured), so...we'll see.

Also - you mention Minasian in another post.  That is his most important hire.  Baseball lifer.  Another one greatly respected in and out of organization.  Supposedly was not on Posey’s original list.  

1. Putila joined the Braves as assistant GM, I'd missed that because I'd read that he was being reassigned. Putila's only about 35 or 36. He was a finalist for the GM opening that went to Harris three years ago. He was considered a very talented guy, assistant GM at the Astros. Zaidi's quote was "One of the things that really excited us about Pete is the fact that he has an extensive background in player development." FZ said that in 2022 when he was hired. Houston went 230-154 when Putila was assistant GM, best winning percentage in the majors behind the Dodgers. Anyway, he's a Brave now.

2. Bryan Pryce was hired to join his buddy, Bob Melvin. He stated as he left that he was only here for a year, and only wanted the job for a year. Wasn't bothered when he left.

3. Evans was hired by Sabean as a minor league admin assistant in 1994, then director of minor league ops in 1998, director of player personnel in 2005, VP of baseball ops in 2009, GM in 2015. And yes, I'm sure it was a Peter Principle issue. So he was rehired on 11/19, hope he finds the right level. 

4. And finally...you mentioned that Minasian was his most important hire -- well, promotion anyway. And Minasian wasn't on Posey's original list.

So we've now confirmed my key point, 3x over. They haven't hired at all from outside of the organization, a team which hasn't broken .500 since Kapler's Miracle Year of 2021. To me, on the surface, this is a headscratcher. Why promote people who were a level below people who got fired?

Now if you're going to argue that they're actually better than the people who got fired, and the people who got fired were standing in their way and preventing their success...okay, I can certainly understand the point. I've seen that situation before. And I agree that Martinez is strong, that Winn and Evans can contribute and Minasian has some talent. It's quite a show of confidence in a layer of management that hasn't done much to inspire that confidence is all I'm saying, particularly after seasons with 81, 79 and 80 wins.

Of course, if they win 107 games again, I will sing their praises loudly and claim that I never questioned them for even a moment. And maybe they have the key to getting career-best seasons out of them. 2021 was special because their offense, defense and pitching all gelled.

And maybe that happens again. SF's runs allowed was just a sliver better than MLB average, but their FIP was sixth best in MLB in 2024. They have the pitching talent, for sure. Their runs scored per game was slightly below MLB average, but their OPS+ was slightly above MLB average. They weren't terrible hitters, they had more doubles and triples than league average and fewer home runs.

By WAR, they had the best 3B in MLB. Yaz was above MLB average (#12 of 30). Relief pitching was exactly average. All other positions were below MLB average.

[Giants]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

[Giants]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

[Mick]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

I'm confused. I think of Winn and Evans as the ultimate insiders. I was under the impression that Evans was an employee of the GIants for a quarter century, and that Winn was hired by Evans in 2013 through 2016 to be a roving instructor working with outfielders and baserunners, then was special assistant to Evans from 2016 to 2018, then moved to professional scouting in 2019 reporting to Zach Minasian. Winn also had a lengthy playing career with the Giants. Am I incorrect, and these two are actually outsiders?

[Mick]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

I'm confused. I think of Winn and Evans as the ultimate insiders. I was under the impression that Evans was an employee of the GIants for a quarter century, and that Winn was hired by Evans in 2013 through 2016 to be a roving instructor working with outfielders and baserunners, then was special assistant to Evans from 2016 to 2018, then moved to professional scouting in 2019 reporting to Zach Minasian. Winn also had a lengthy playing career with the Giants. Am I incorrect, and these two are actually outsiders?

[lex24]

1733185274[/url]']

1733179306[/url]']

1733098469[/url]']

1733071807[/url]']
[quote="Mick" pid='423956' dateline='1732997053']
Kinda feel the same way about Buster Posey taking over the SF Giants. Great player, no administrative or coaching experience, lots of buy-in from fans and owners. Posey's made a lot of headscratching choices, IMHO, mainly connected to hiring insiders of a team that hasn't finished above .500 in three years.

I also feel kind of the same about Luck and Posey.  But to me it’s positive.  Both incredibly respected, smart, great competitors. Posey has a deep attachment to the Giants and a desire to win.  Luck same either Stanford.  Both have legacies to protect and to enhance.

Haven’t seen any “head-scratching“ moves from Posey.  But we can leave that for the Giants thread.

Good call, so I moved it to the Giants thread. 

Buster Posey was named president of baseball operations on September 30. And his first move, getting Matt Chapman signed, was a very strong one. In no particular order, I consider these to be somewhat head scratching:

1. Jeff Berry, who was Buster's agent, was signed as an advisor. If he turns out like Bob Myers, great.

He's only in an advisory role.  Buster has known him forever and trusts him.  Plus as an agent, he has good contact with players and negotiating. Myers was GM.  Not equivalent.  But agree on the sentiment!

2. Bobby Evans hired as advisor. Given that Evans was GM from 2015-2018 and supervised years of drafts that flat out sucked, I do wonder about it.

Not a good GM, but had been a part of Giants drafts and player development during the run.  Just cause he’s not a good No 1 doesn’t mean he’s not a good baseball man. 



3.Ex-Bronco, Randy Winn, is the new VP of player development. As an SCU guy, I'm very happy about it. Hope he has the skill set to do so.

A whole new position.  Haines remains as Dir of Player Development.  Baggerly indicated Haines had way too much on his plate.  Winn is highly respected.  A little unclear to me exactly what his role will be.  The positive to me is the emphasis it places on player development.

4. They're keeping Pete Putila, former GM. Why keep him? He didn't do well.

Putila is gone.  

5. They replaced Bryan Price as pitching coach with JP Martinez, who was their assistant pitching coach. Now this may be a great move...Martinez has been with the Giants for two different managers and two different presidents of baseball operations and the Giants ERA is 4th in MLB if you go back four years. So maybe this is a great move.

Dont know if Pryce retired on was fired.  I’m guessing here, but suspect Melvin thinks highly of JP - and I’m betting Webb had some input.

6. They kept Pat Burrell as hitting coach. Justin Viele left for the Texas Rangers to reunite with Donnie Ecker. Those two did great things on the Giants hitting in 2020 and 2021. Ramos gave credit to Viele for hi breakout 2024 year. They are looking at internal candidates Damon Minor and Travis Ishikawa.

Minor has been in organization for quite awhile and is highly regarded within it.  I haven’t heard Ishikawa as a possibility.

I'm not saying these are bad moves. And they signed Max Stassi as the backup catcher. Stassi's been out of baseball for two years (personal matter and injured), so...we'll see.

Also - you mention Minasian in another post.  That is his most important hire.  Baseball lifer.  Another one greatly respected in and out of organization.  Supposedly was not on Posey’s original list.  

1. Putila joined the Braves as assistant GM, I'd missed that because I'd read that he was being reassigned. Putila's only about 35 or 36. He was a finalist for the GM opening that went to Harris three years ago. He was considered a very talented guy, assistant GM at the Astros. Zaidi's quote was "One of the things that really excited us about Pete is the fact that he has an extensive background in player development." FZ said that in 2022 when he was hired. Houston went 230-154 when Putila was assistant GM, best winning percentage in the majors behind the Dodgers. Anyway, he's a Brave now.

2. Bryan Pryce was hired to join his buddy, Bob Melvin. He stated as he left that he was only here for a year, and only wanted the job for a year. Wasn't bothered when he left.

3. Evans was hired by Sabean as a minor league admin assistant in 1994, then director of minor league ops in 1998, director of player personnel in 2005, VP of baseball ops in 2009, GM in 2015. And yes, I'm sure it was a Peter Principle issue. So he was rehired on 11/19, hope he finds the right level. 

4. And finally...you mentioned that Minasian was his most important hire -- well, promotion anyway. And Minasian wasn't on Posey's original list.

So we've now confirmed my key point, 3x over. They haven't hired at all from outside of the organization, a team which hasn't broken .500 since Kapler's Miracle Year of 2021. To me, on the surface, this is a headscratcher. Why promote people who were a level below people who got fired?

Now if you're going to argue that they're actually better than the people who got fired, and the people who got fired were standing in their way and preventing their success...okay, I can certainly understand the point. I've seen that situation before. And I agree that Martinez is strong, that Winn and Evans can contribute and Minasian has some talent. It's quite a show of confidence in a layer of management that hasn't done much to inspire that confidence is all I'm saying, particularly after seasons with 81, 79 and 80 wins.

Of course, if they win 107 games again, I will sing their praises loudly and claim that I never questioned them for even a moment. And maybe they have the key to getting career-best seasons out of them. 2021 was special because their offense, defense and pitching all gelled.

And maybe that happens again. SF's runs allowed was just a sliver better than MLB average, but their FIP was sixth best in MLB in 2024. They have the pitching talent, for sure. Their runs scored per game was slightly below MLB average, but their OPS+ was slightly above MLB average. They weren't terrible hitters, they had more doubles and triples than league average and fewer home runs.

By WAR, they had the best 3B in MLB. Yaz was above MLB average (#12 of 30). Relief pitching was exactly average. All other positions were below MLB average.

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.  As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

[lex24]

1733185274[/url]']

1733179306[/url]']

1733098469[/url]']

1733071807[/url]']
[quote="Mick" pid='423956' dateline='1732997053']
Kinda feel the same way about Buster Posey taking over the SF Giants. Great player, no administrative or coaching experience, lots of buy-in from fans and owners. Posey's made a lot of headscratching choices, IMHO, mainly connected to hiring insiders of a team that hasn't finished above .500 in three years.

I also feel kind of the same about Luck and Posey.  But to me it’s positive.  Both incredibly respected, smart, great competitors. Posey has a deep attachment to the Giants and a desire to win.  Luck same either Stanford.  Both have legacies to protect and to enhance.

Haven’t seen any “head-scratching“ moves from Posey.  But we can leave that for the Giants thread.

Good call, so I moved it to the Giants thread. 

Buster Posey was named president of baseball operations on September 30. And his first move, getting Matt Chapman signed, was a very strong one. In no particular order, I consider these to be somewhat head scratching:

1. Jeff Berry, who was Buster's agent, was signed as an advisor. If he turns out like Bob Myers, great.

He's only in an advisory role.  Buster has known him forever and trusts him.  Plus as an agent, he has good contact with players and negotiating. Myers was GM.  Not equivalent.  But agree on the sentiment!

2. Bobby Evans hired as advisor. Given that Evans was GM from 2015-2018 and supervised years of drafts that flat out sucked, I do wonder about it.

Not a good GM, but had been a part of Giants drafts and player development during the run.  Just cause he’s not a good No 1 doesn’t mean he’s not a good baseball man. 



3.Ex-Bronco, Randy Winn, is the new VP of player development. As an SCU guy, I'm very happy about it. Hope he has the skill set to do so.

A whole new position.  Haines remains as Dir of Player Development.  Baggerly indicated Haines had way too much on his plate.  Winn is highly respected.  A little unclear to me exactly what his role will be.  The positive to me is the emphasis it places on player development.

4. They're keeping Pete Putila, former GM. Why keep him? He didn't do well.

Putila is gone.  

5. They replaced Bryan Price as pitching coach with JP Martinez, who was their assistant pitching coach. Now this may be a great move...Martinez has been with the Giants for two different managers and two different presidents of baseball operations and the Giants ERA is 4th in MLB if you go back four years. So maybe this is a great move.

Dont know if Pryce retired on was fired.  I’m guessing here, but suspect Melvin thinks highly of JP - and I’m betting Webb had some input.

6. They kept Pat Burrell as hitting coach. Justin Viele left for the Texas Rangers to reunite with Donnie Ecker. Those two did great things on the Giants hitting in 2020 and 2021. Ramos gave credit to Viele for hi breakout 2024 year. They are looking at internal candidates Damon Minor and Travis Ishikawa.

Minor has been in organization for quite awhile and is highly regarded within it.  I haven’t heard Ishikawa as a possibility.

I'm not saying these are bad moves. And they signed Max Stassi as the backup catcher. Stassi's been out of baseball for two years (personal matter and injured), so...we'll see.

Also - you mention Minasian in another post.  That is his most important hire.  Baseball lifer.  Another one greatly respected in and out of organization.  Supposedly was not on Posey’s original list.  

1. Putila joined the Braves as assistant GM, I'd missed that because I'd read that he was being reassigned. Putila's only about 35 or 36. He was a finalist for the GM opening that went to Harris three years ago. He was considered a very talented guy, assistant GM at the Astros. Zaidi's quote was "One of the things that really excited us about Pete is the fact that he has an extensive background in player development." FZ said that in 2022 when he was hired. Houston went 230-154 when Putila was assistant GM, best winning percentage in the majors behind the Dodgers. Anyway, he's a Brave now.

2. Bryan Pryce was hired to join his buddy, Bob Melvin. He stated as he left that he was only here for a year, and only wanted the job for a year. Wasn't bothered when he left.

3. Evans was hired by Sabean as a minor league admin assistant in 1994, then director of minor league ops in 1998, director of player personnel in 2005, VP of baseball ops in 2009, GM in 2015. And yes, I'm sure it was a Peter Principle issue. So he was rehired on 11/19, hope he finds the right level. 

4. And finally...you mentioned that Minasian was his most important hire -- well, promotion anyway. And Minasian wasn't on Posey's original list.

So we've now confirmed my key point, 3x over. They haven't hired at all from outside of the organization, a team which hasn't broken .500 since Kapler's Miracle Year of 2021. To me, on the surface, this is a headscratcher. Why promote people who were a level below people who got fired?

Now if you're going to argue that they're actually better than the people who got fired, and the people who got fired were standing in their way and preventing their success...okay, I can certainly understand the point. I've seen that situation before. And I agree that Martinez is strong, that Winn and Evans can contribute and Minasian has some talent. It's quite a show of confidence in a layer of management that hasn't done much to inspire that confidence is all I'm saying, particularly after seasons with 81, 79 and 80 wins.

Of course, if they win 107 games again, I will sing their praises loudly and claim that I never questioned them for even a moment. And maybe they have the key to getting career-best seasons out of them. 2021 was special because their offense, defense and pitching all gelled.

And maybe that happens again. SF's runs allowed was just a sliver better than MLB average, but their FIP was sixth best in MLB in 2024. They have the pitching talent, for sure. Their runs scored per game was slightly below MLB average, but their OPS+ was slightly above MLB average. They weren't terrible hitters, they had more doubles and triples than league average and fewer home runs.

By WAR, they had the best 3B in MLB. Yaz was above MLB average (#12 of 30). Relief pitching was exactly average. All other positions were below MLB average.

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.  As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

[Mick]

Looks like Farhan is set to rejoin the Dodgers.

After being fired by the Giants, Farhan Zaidi set to re-join Dodgers - McCovey Chronicles

The Athletic recently released their rankings of the worst MLB contracts. Lot of Giants mentions, former Giants and a Giant target. They mention both Robbie Ray and Jung Hoo Lee in the HM (after the Top 10). The TOp 10 include former Giants Kris Byrant at #2, Giant miss Giancarlo Stanton at #4, former Giant Carlos Rodon at #9. They mention Carlos Correa and Haniger in the intro.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5960659...ings-2024/

[Mick]

Looks like Farhan is set to rejoin the Dodgers.

After being fired by the Giants, Farhan Zaidi set to re-join Dodgers - McCovey Chronicles

The Athletic recently released their rankings of the worst MLB contracts. Lot of Giants mentions, former Giants and a Giant target. They mention both Robbie Ray and Jung Hoo Lee in the HM (after the Top 10). The TOp 10 include former Giants Kris Byrant at #2, Giant miss Giancarlo Stanton at #4, former Giant Carlos Rodon at #9. They mention Carlos Correa and Haniger in the intro.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5960659...ings-2024/

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

[Giants]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

I'm confused. I think of Winn and Evans as the ultimate insiders. I was under the impression that Evans was an employee of the GIants for a quarter century, and that Winn was hired by Evans in 2013 through 2016 to be a roving instructor working with outfielders and baserunners, then was special assistant to Evans from 2016 to 2018, then moved to professional scouting in 2019 reporting to Zach Minasian. Winn also had a lengthy playing career with the Giants. Am I incorrect, and these two are actually outsiders?

Neither Evans nor Winn were employed by the Giants at the time of their hiring.  They are not replacing anyone.  They are moving into positions that did not previously exist.  They were hired from outside the organization.  

Anyone who criticizes the Giants signing of Lee is an idiot.  He has only played two months and has five years left on his contract.  No one can say with any authority that he will be a flop (or a success).  He is the ultimate definition of TBD.  

The horrible contracts (now either expired or traded) are Conforto, Soler, Haniger, Desclafina, Cobb, etc. etc.

Zaidi was terrible #1.  I suspect he will find his niche with LA as a guy who is a contributor not the person who makes the final call on deals.

[Giants]

I believe the only person who was not asked to return under Posey was Putila.  There were no other “firings”.

For example, Evans and Winn were additions to the staff not replacements for guys who were terminated.

I'm confused. I think of Winn and Evans as the ultimate insiders. I was under the impression that Evans was an employee of the GIants for a quarter century, and that Winn was hired by Evans in 2013 through 2016 to be a roving instructor working with outfielders and baserunners, then was special assistant to Evans from 2016 to 2018, then moved to professional scouting in 2019 reporting to Zach Minasian. Winn also had a lengthy playing career with the Giants. Am I incorrect, and these two are actually outsiders?

Neither Evans nor Winn were employed by the Giants at the time of their hiring.  They are not replacing anyone.  They are moving into positions that did not previously exist.  They were hired from outside the organization.  

Anyone who criticizes the Giants signing of Lee is an idiot.  He has only played two months and has five years left on his contract.  No one can say with any authority that he will be a flop (or a success).  He is the ultimate definition of TBD.  

The horrible contracts (now either expired or traded) are Conforto, Soler, Haniger, Desclafina, Cobb, etc. etc.

Zaidi was terrible #1.  I suspect he will find his niche with LA as a guy who is a contributor not the person who makes the final call on deals.

[lex24]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

[lex24]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Interesting. Bernard was typically a low minors hitting coach, but was on Melvin's staff in 2023. He's bilingual. Had also worked with the Rangers and Cubs. Hadi Raad spent a lot of time with the Yankees and Mets, last two years with the Pirates and he was smart enough to get Joey Bart, who led the pirates with a .265/.337/.462/.799 line and 13 HRs and 45 RBIs in 253 ABs, basically half a season. Both good hires, in my opinion. Glad they're on board.

Question for Giants fans: would you trade Luciano, Whisenhunt, Roupp and Birdsong to the A's for Brent Rooker? Rooker had 30 HRs in 2023 and 39 home runs and 112 RBIs last year. He'll be 30 this year. His 2024 line was .293/.365/.562/.927. Silver Slugger, 10th in AL MVP voting. But he's really only a DH, can play LF reasonably well. Actually has some speed, stole 11 bases in 14 attempts.

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Interesting. Bernard was typically a low minors hitting coach, but was on Melvin's staff in 2023. He's bilingual. Had also worked with the Rangers and Cubs. Hadi Raad spent a lot of time with the Yankees and Mets, last two years with the Pirates and he was smart enough to get Joey Bart, who led the pirates with a .265/.337/.462/.799 line and 13 HRs and 45 RBIs in 253 ABs, basically half a season. Both good hires, in my opinion. Glad they're on board.

Question for Giants fans: would you trade Luciano, Whisenhunt, Roupp and Birdsong to the A's for Brent Rooker? Rooker had 30 HRs in 2023 and 39 home runs and 112 RBIs last year. He'll be 30 this year. His 2024 line was .293/.365/.562/.927. Silver Slugger, 10th in AL MVP voting. But he's really only a DH, can play LF reasonably well. Actually has some speed, stole 11 bases in 14 attempts.

[Giants]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Interesting. Bernard was typically a low minors hitting coach, but was on Melvin's staff in 2023. He's bilingual. Had also worked with the Rangers and Cubs. Hadi Raad spent a lot of time with the Yankees and Mets, last two years with the Pirates and he was smart enough to get Joey Bart, who led the pirates with a .265/.337/.462/.799 line and 13 HRs and 45 RBIs in 253 ABs, basically half a season. Both good hires, in my opinion. Glad they're on board.

Question for Giants fans: would you trade Luciano, Whisenhunt, Roupp and Birdsong to the A's for Brent Rooker? Rooker had 30 HRs in 2023 and 39 home runs and 112 RBIs last year. He'll be 30 this year. His 2024 line was .293/.365/.562/.927. Silver Slugger, 10th in AL MVP voting. But he's really only a DH, can play LF reasonably well. Actually has some speed, stole 11 bases in 14 attempts.

Absolutely, not.  The only player in that group I would consider trading for Rooker is Luciano.  With Posey moving towards a focus on pitching/defense, SF needs to keep their young pitchers and avoid acquiring guys who can’t play effectively in the field.  The Giants learned a valuable lesson last year (and was fortunate to escape cleanly) when they signed Soler.  Avoid DH-types at all costs.

[Giants]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Interesting. Bernard was typically a low minors hitting coach, but was on Melvin's staff in 2023. He's bilingual. Had also worked with the Rangers and Cubs. Hadi Raad spent a lot of time with the Yankees and Mets, last two years with the Pirates and he was smart enough to get Joey Bart, who led the pirates with a .265/.337/.462/.799 line and 13 HRs and 45 RBIs in 253 ABs, basically half a season. Both good hires, in my opinion. Glad they're on board.

Question for Giants fans: would you trade Luciano, Whisenhunt, Roupp and Birdsong to the A's for Brent Rooker? Rooker had 30 HRs in 2023 and 39 home runs and 112 RBIs last year. He'll be 30 this year. His 2024 line was .293/.365/.562/.927. Silver Slugger, 10th in AL MVP voting. But he's really only a DH, can play LF reasonably well. Actually has some speed, stole 11 bases in 14 attempts.

Absolutely, not.  The only player in that group I would consider trading for Rooker is Luciano.  With Posey moving towards a focus on pitching/defense, SF needs to keep their young pitchers and avoid acquiring guys who can’t play effectively in the field.  The Giants learned a valuable lesson last year (and was fortunate to escape cleanly) when they signed Soler.  Avoid DH-types at all costs.

[BostonCard]

File this under "things we don't need"

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5961016...-rule-mlb/

Much bigger fish to fix than the fact that you might wind up with the #6 hitter in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and two on base down three.

BC

[BostonCard]

File this under "things we don't need"

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5961016...-rule-mlb/

Much bigger fish to fix than the fact that you might wind up with the #6 hitter in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and two on base down three.

BC

[Mick]

New hitting coach, Damon Minor, promoted from AAA where he spent eight years. 

Friday BP: Giants finalize 2025 coaching staff

The Giants announced that assistant coach Taira Uematsu will be promoted to major-league quality control coach. The Giants lost their other assistant coach, Alyssa Nakken, to a player development role with the Cleveland Guardians, but are not expected to replace her position.

Matt Chapman has volunteered to temporarily move to SS for a few months if the team acquires Ha-Seong Kim. Casey Schmitt hit .311 with a .991 OPS vs. LHP, making for an intriguing tandem w Tyler Fitzgerald. Kim wouldn't cost a draft pick, unlike Adam's. Currently, the Giants have a $155 mms. payroll, down from last year's $206 mms.

https://clutchpoints.com/giants-news-mat...-seong-kim

[Mick]

New hitting coach, Damon Minor, promoted from AAA where he spent eight years. 

Friday BP: Giants finalize 2025 coaching staff

The Giants announced that assistant coach Taira Uematsu will be promoted to major-league quality control coach. The Giants lost their other assistant coach, Alyssa Nakken, to a player development role with the Cleveland Guardians, but are not expected to replace her position.

Matt Chapman has volunteered to temporarily move to SS for a few months if the team acquires Ha-Seong Kim. Casey Schmitt hit .311 with a .991 OPS vs. LHP, making for an intriguing tandem w Tyler Fitzgerald. Kim wouldn't cost a draft pick, unlike Adam's. Currently, the Giants have a $155 mms. payroll, down from last year's $206 mms.

https://clutchpoints.com/giants-news-mat...-seong-kim

[lex24]

1733489547[/url]']
New hitting coach, Damon Minor, promoted from AAA where he spent eight years. 

Friday BP: Giants finalize 2025 coaching staff

The Giants announced that assistant coach Taira Uematsu will be promoted to major-league quality control coach. The Giants lost their other assistant coach, Alyssa Nakken, to a player development role with the Cleveland Guardians, but are not expected to replace her position.

Matt Chapman has volunteered to temporarily move to SS for a few months if the team acquires Ha-Seong Kim. Casey Schmitt hit .311 with a .991 OPS vs. LHP, making for an intriguing tandem w Tyler Fitzgerald. Kim wouldn't cost a draft pick, unlike Adam's. Currently, the Giants have a $155 mms. payroll, down from last year's $206 mms.

https://clutchpoints.com/giants-news-mat...-seong-kim

Thanks, Matt.  But, no.

[lex24]

1733489547[/url]']
New hitting coach, Damon Minor, promoted from AAA where he spent eight years. 

Friday BP: Giants finalize 2025 coaching staff

The Giants announced that assistant coach Taira Uematsu will be promoted to major-league quality control coach. The Giants lost their other assistant coach, Alyssa Nakken, to a player development role with the Cleveland Guardians, but are not expected to replace her position.

Matt Chapman has volunteered to temporarily move to SS for a few months if the team acquires Ha-Seong Kim. Casey Schmitt hit .311 with a .991 OPS vs. LHP, making for an intriguing tandem w Tyler Fitzgerald. Kim wouldn't cost a draft pick, unlike Adam's. Currently, the Giants have a $155 mms. payroll, down from last year's $206 mms.

https://clutchpoints.com/giants-news-mat...-seong-kim

Thanks, Matt.  But, no.

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Pike Goldschmidt will be the new Director of Baseball Strategy. Raad replaced Zack Minasian, promoted to GM. Goldschmidt will replace Michael Schwartze, lost to Atlanta earlier this offseason. Raad had come from the Pirates and had worked for the Marlins, Yankees and Mets. He was the professional evaluation team leader for the Pirates. Goldschmidt spent the last eight years with the A's as their director of baseball development. He had also worked with the Pirates as an intern and a year in baseball ops for the Orioles.

They formally added special advisors Bobby Evans and Jeff Berry (reported earlier).

Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

[Mick]

Well, they hired an “outsider” today. And I don’t know that the hires were “ a level below”.   As for the rest of it - let’s see what the roster looks like on March 27.

By "a level below" I mean the Giants fired an individual and promoted someone from within, thereby moving them up a level.

Who's the outsider you're referring to?

Hadi Raad hired as Pro Scouting Director.  Was last in Pirates organization.  

Also named Oscar Bernard (was with Pads) as assistant hitting coach.

Pike Goldschmidt will be the new Director of Baseball Strategy. Raad replaced Zack Minasian, promoted to GM. Goldschmidt will replace Michael Schwartze, lost to Atlanta earlier this offseason. Raad had come from the Pirates and had worked for the Marlins, Yankees and Mets. He was the professional evaluation team leader for the Pirates. Goldschmidt spent the last eight years with the A's as their director of baseball development. He had also worked with the Pirates as an intern and a year in baseball ops for the Orioles.

They formally added special advisors Bobby Evans and Jeff Berry (reported earlier).

Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

[magnus]

Adames 7 year 182M

https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1865520804810629359

[magnus]

Adames 7 year 182M

https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1865520804810629359

[BobK]

That a way.. Love this

[BobK]

That a way.. Love this

[lex24]

Yesssssss.

[lex24]

Yesssssss.

[Mick]

Excellent pickup, really stellar work, Mr. Posey. I hope there's a former St. Mary's pitcher on your Santa list...

---

Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

O'Neill got 3 years, $49.5 million from the Orioles. Darn it.

[Mick]

Excellent pickup, really stellar work, Mr. Posey. I hope there's a former St. Mary's pitcher on your Santa list...

---

Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

O'Neill got 3 years, $49.5 million from the Orioles. Darn it.

[old spanish trail]

Adding Adames is excellent. He's not the greatest SS, but Chapman covers a multitude of sins. And, 130 rbi would be a monster addition.

[old spanish trail]

Adding Adames is excellent. He's not the greatest SS, but Chapman covers a multitude of sins. And, 130 rbi would be a monster addition.

[lex24]

1733626929[/url]']
Excellent pickup, really stellar work, Mr. Posey. I hope there's a former St. Mary's pitcher on your Santa list...

---

1733538538[/url]']
Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

O'Neill got 3 years, $49.5 million from the Orioles. Darn it.

I suspect next signing will be a pitcher.

[lex24]

1733626929[/url]']
Excellent pickup, really stellar work, Mr. Posey. I hope there's a former St. Mary's pitcher on your Santa list...

---

1733538538[/url]']
Next steps, hopefully:

1. Shortstop. I prefer Adames over Kim, but I think the Braves will get there first.
2. Addition to the rotation (somewhere from #2 to #4). Probably not Sasaki, Burnes or Fried, unless Posey decides to blow it out for St. Mary's Burnes. Maybe Eovaldi, Flaherty, Heaney or Manaea 2.0. Maybe Trevor WIlliams. BTW, if you get a chance to watch Manaea pitch to Ohtani in the playoffs, it's a treat. Ohtani couldn't touch his slider. Personally, I would be happy with Birdsong/Roupp/Beck/Whisenhunt/Black. Preferably not Verlander, Scherzer, Buehler, Bieber, Sandoval, Cobb 2.0, Soroka.
3. Another outfielder. I think Boston's Tyler O'Neill would be a great fit. Righty, 2x gold glove, 132 OPS+ 31 HRs, will be 30, played every OF spot (not much CF, I know). BTW, I think Pederson goes to Cincy. He hit 23 HRs in 367 ABs last year.

O'Neill got 3 years, $49.5 million from the Orioles. Darn it.

I suspect next signing will be a pitcher.