[Mick]

1770488350[/url]']
94 wins this season, that's my prediction. Incidentally, the Dodgers won only 93 games last season.

Duly noted.  The official prediction posting will be coming out in late March.  That gives you time to revise your call if you are so inclined….

As for LA, put me down for something in the range of 105-110 wins.

DraftKings predicts Dodgers at 102.5, Giants at 81.5
FanGraphs predicts Dodgers at 99.5, Giants at 82.2
Barstoolsports projects LA at 102.5, Giants at 81.5
BetMGM has LA down for 99.5, Giants at 82.5.
RotoChamp projects LA at 99, SF at 78.

DraftKings also has Giants at 16:1 to win the division, 30-1 to win the NL pennant and 60-1 to win the World Series.
VegasInsider estimates LA at 102.5, SF at 80.5

[Mick]

1770488350[/url]']
94 wins this season, that's my prediction. Incidentally, the Dodgers won only 93 games last season.

Duly noted.  The official prediction posting will be coming out in late March.  That gives you time to revise your call if you are so inclined….

As for LA, put me down for something in the range of 105-110 wins.

DraftKings predicts Dodgers at 102.5, Giants at 81.5
FanGraphs predicts Dodgers at 99.5, Giants at 82.2
Barstoolsports projects LA at 102.5, Giants at 81.5
BetMGM has LA down for 99.5, Giants at 82.5.
RotoChamp projects LA at 99, SF at 78.

DraftKings also has Giants at 16:1 to win the division, 30-1 to win the NL pennant and 60-1 to win the World Series.
VegasInsider estimates LA at 102.5, SF at 80.5

[old spanish trail]

I think Draft Kings, et al, will be wrong if SF comes up with another good starter.

[old spanish trail]

I think Draft Kings, et al, will be wrong if SF comes up with another good starter.

[Leftcoast]

94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

[Leftcoast]

94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

[Giants]

Kyle Harrison has been traded by Boston to Milwaukee.

That nearly closes the Boston end of the Devers deal:

Tibbs to the Dodgers
Hicks to the White Sox
Harrison to the Brewers 
Jose Bello is the only player still with the Red Sox.

[Giants]

Kyle Harrison has been traded by Boston to Milwaukee.

That nearly closes the Boston end of the Devers deal:

Tibbs to the Dodgers
Hicks to the White Sox
Harrison to the Brewers 
Jose Bello is the only player still with the Red Sox.

[Mick]

94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

I'm getting "new look" vibes from this team and this coaching staff.

Makes me think of young Stephen Vogt taking over from Terry Francona. Like Melvin, Francona was a very strong manager, former player, had some very successful seasons. In his last three seasons in Cleveland, Francona went 248-238, with a 76-86 record in his last season.  Terry had won four divisional titles with Cleveland in 11 years, one in his last five years.

Vogt took over and they went 92-69, a 16 game improvement. Their attendance went up 12%. They've been to the postseason in both of Vogt's seasons.

Vitello and his staff are fresh and young. They have an excellent center fielder who hits the ball solidly, and their right fielder will do better now that he's in RF. Their second baseman led MLB in hits both the last two years and is a 3x All Star. Adames hit 30 HRs, Devers hit 35, Chapman hit 21, Ramos hit 21. Every starter/major player from last year with OPS+ under 100 is gone (Yaz, Flores, Matos) except Bailey, the best defensive player in the majors, and if you're gonna have the best defensive player in the majors, I'd like him at catcher. Eldridge average exit velocity was 1st of 358 AAA hitters, 63.5% of his balls were hard hit (also 1st). Bat him 7th, Bailey last.

I think the new hitting staff will make a world of difference, same with the base coaches, and the pitching coaches.

Big improvement this year, to 94-68...

I think Wash will make a world of difference on the right side of the infield.

[Mick]

94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

I'm getting "new look" vibes from this team and this coaching staff.

Makes me think of young Stephen Vogt taking over from Terry Francona. Like Melvin, Francona was a very strong manager, former player, had some very successful seasons. In his last three seasons in Cleveland, Francona went 248-238, with a 76-86 record in his last season.  Terry had won four divisional titles with Cleveland in 11 years, one in his last five years.

Vogt took over and they went 92-69, a 16 game improvement. Their attendance went up 12%. They've been to the postseason in both of Vogt's seasons.

Vitello and his staff are fresh and young. They have an excellent center fielder who hits the ball solidly, and their right fielder will do better now that he's in RF. Their second baseman led MLB in hits both the last two years and is a 3x All Star. Adames hit 30 HRs, Devers hit 35, Chapman hit 21, Ramos hit 21. Every starter/major player from last year with OPS+ under 100 is gone (Yaz, Flores, Matos) except Bailey, the best defensive player in the majors, and if you're gonna have the best defensive player in the majors, I'd like him at catcher. Eldridge average exit velocity was 1st of 358 AAA hitters, 63.5% of his balls were hard hit (also 1st). Bat him 7th, Bailey last.

I think the new hitting staff will make a world of difference, same with the base coaches, and the pitching coaches.

Big improvement this year, to 94-68...

I think Wash will make a world of difference on the right side of the infield.

[Giants]

1770675469[/url]']

1770661786[/url]']
94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

I'm getting "new look" vibes from this team and this coaching staff.

Makes me think of young Stephen Vogt taking over from Terry Francona. Like Melvin, Francona was a very strong manager, former player, had some very successful seasons. In his last three seasons in Cleveland, Francona went 248-238, with a 76-86 record in his last season.  Terry had won four divisional titles with Cleveland in 11 years, one in his last five years.

Vogt took over and they went 92-69, a 16 game improvement. Their attendance went up 12%. They've been to the postseason in both of Vogt's seasons.

Vitello and his staff are fresh and young. They have an excellent center fielder who hits the ball solidly, and their right fielder will do better now that he's in RF. Their second baseman led MLB in hits both the last two years and is a 3x All Star. Adames hit 30 HRs, Devers hit 35, Chapman hit 21, Ramos hit 21. Every starter/major player from last year with OPS+ under 100 is gone (Yaz, Flores, Matos) except Bailey, the best defensive player in the majors, and if you're gonna have the best defensive player in the majors, I'd like him at catcher. Eldridge average exit velocity was 1st of 358 AAA hitters, 63.5% of his balls were hard hit (also 1st). Bat him 7th, Bailey last.

I think the new hitting staff will make a world of difference, same with the base coaches, and the pitching coaches.

Big improvement this year, to 94-68...

I think Wash will make a world of difference on the right side of the infield.

Massive question marks exist re: the starters AND bullpen.  As we start spring training, I suggest that anything over 85 wins will be a big (and welcome) surprise.  Of course, by the end of March, the team could look like an 85+ squad.  We shall see…….

[Giants]

1770675469[/url]']

1770661786[/url]']
94 wins!  I love this ... 

You're probably crazy but I love this.  I'll probably land in the low 80s ... again.

I'm getting "new look" vibes from this team and this coaching staff.

Makes me think of young Stephen Vogt taking over from Terry Francona. Like Melvin, Francona was a very strong manager, former player, had some very successful seasons. In his last three seasons in Cleveland, Francona went 248-238, with a 76-86 record in his last season.  Terry had won four divisional titles with Cleveland in 11 years, one in his last five years.

Vogt took over and they went 92-69, a 16 game improvement. Their attendance went up 12%. They've been to the postseason in both of Vogt's seasons.

Vitello and his staff are fresh and young. They have an excellent center fielder who hits the ball solidly, and their right fielder will do better now that he's in RF. Their second baseman led MLB in hits both the last two years and is a 3x All Star. Adames hit 30 HRs, Devers hit 35, Chapman hit 21, Ramos hit 21. Every starter/major player from last year with OPS+ under 100 is gone (Yaz, Flores, Matos) except Bailey, the best defensive player in the majors, and if you're gonna have the best defensive player in the majors, I'd like him at catcher. Eldridge average exit velocity was 1st of 358 AAA hitters, 63.5% of his balls were hard hit (also 1st). Bat him 7th, Bailey last.

I think the new hitting staff will make a world of difference, same with the base coaches, and the pitching coaches.

Big improvement this year, to 94-68...

I think Wash will make a world of difference on the right side of the infield.

Massive question marks exist re: the starters AND bullpen.  As we start spring training, I suggest that anything over 85 wins will be a big (and welcome) surprise.  Of course, by the end of March, the team could look like an 85+ squad.  We shall see…….

[Mick]

re:  Arraez’s defensive capabilities…

I’ll go with Andrew Baggerly:

“…and defensive abilities that come with a blindfold sold separately”.

And Alex Pavlovic:

“Arraez also rates as poor defender by all modern analytics and the eye test”.

And Grant Brisbee:

“…a second baseman who couldn’t really throw.  His range might have been even worse.  It wasn’t an open question; it was settled science.”

The guy is a black hole at 2B by any measurement. 

His only redeeming feature as a defensive player is his one year contract.  Hopefully, Nico Hoerner will be his replacement in 2027 when he becomes a free agent.

Brisbee walked it back a bit in today's The Athletic, in an article titled "A closer look at Luis Arraez's defense at second base." Bottom line. Good hands, acceptable arm, terrible range.

[Mick]

re:  Arraez’s defensive capabilities…

I’ll go with Andrew Baggerly:

“…and defensive abilities that come with a blindfold sold separately”.

And Alex Pavlovic:

“Arraez also rates as poor defender by all modern analytics and the eye test”.

And Grant Brisbee:

“…a second baseman who couldn’t really throw.  His range might have been even worse.  It wasn’t an open question; it was settled science.”

The guy is a black hole at 2B by any measurement. 

His only redeeming feature as a defensive player is his one year contract.  Hopefully, Nico Hoerner will be his replacement in 2027 when he becomes a free agent.

Brisbee walked it back a bit in today's The Athletic, in an article titled "A closer look at Luis Arraez's defense at second base." Bottom line. Good hands, acceptable arm, terrible range.

[Papa John]

mlb.com gives the odds for the Giants and 9 other contenders to make the playoffs:

[Papa John]

mlb.com gives the odds for the Giants and 9 other contenders to make the playoffs:

[BostonCard]

mlb.com gives the odds for the Giants and 9 other contenders to make the playoffs:

So you’re telling me there’s a chance…

BC

[BostonCard]

mlb.com gives the odds for the Giants and 9 other contenders to make the playoffs:

So you’re telling me there’s a chance…

BC

[BobK]

First exhibition game is Saturday

---

First exhibition game is Saturday

[BobK]

First exhibition game is Saturday

---

First exhibition game is Saturday

[Mick]

WAR stats by position and team. Giants T16 in preseason projected overall WAR. Interesting that Bailey is highest, batting is 9th overall, Jung Hoo lee is highest rated OF, DH is so low with all the good hitters, LF is so low two seasons removed from an All Star performance.

3rd, Catcher, 5.0
4th, 3B, 4.9
9th, Batting overall, 26.5
10th, 1B, 2.8
10th, SS, 4.1
T14, RF, 1.9 
T15th, Overall WAR, 38.6
T15th, CF, 1.9T
17th, 2B, 2.5
19th, LF, 1.9
21st, DH, 0.9
22nd, SP, 11
25th, Pitching overall, 12.1
29th, RP, 1.1

[Mick]

WAR stats by position and team. Giants T16 in preseason projected overall WAR. Interesting that Bailey is highest, batting is 9th overall, Jung Hoo lee is highest rated OF, DH is so low with all the good hitters, LF is so low two seasons removed from an All Star performance.

3rd, Catcher, 5.0
4th, 3B, 4.9
9th, Batting overall, 26.5
10th, 1B, 2.8
10th, SS, 4.1
T14, RF, 1.9 
T15th, Overall WAR, 38.6
T15th, CF, 1.9T
17th, 2B, 2.5
19th, LF, 1.9
21st, DH, 0.9
22nd, SP, 11
25th, Pitching overall, 12.1
29th, RP, 1.1

[Mick]

Of interest. Between 2022 and 2024, Arraez's line was .328/.371/.426/.797, OPS+ of 121. His .371 was 12th in all of baseball. Not bad OBP for a leadoff hitter.

Of course, last year, Arraez's line was .292/.327/.392/.719.

Turns out, on April 20, Arraez collided at first base with former Giant Mauricio Dubon. He missed six games and had a concussion. He claims his vision didn't clear up until December. He still only struck out 21 times in 675 plate appearances, lowest since Tony Gwynn in 1995.

Incidentally, Arraez has three batting titles. If he wins one more, he joins a group that includes just 14 players with four or more batting titles. 12 of the 14 are in the Hall of Fame.

[Mick]

Of interest. Between 2022 and 2024, Arraez's line was .328/.371/.426/.797, OPS+ of 121. His .371 was 12th in all of baseball. Not bad OBP for a leadoff hitter.

Of course, last year, Arraez's line was .292/.327/.392/.719.

Turns out, on April 20, Arraez collided at first base with former Giant Mauricio Dubon. He missed six games and had a concussion. He claims his vision didn't clear up until December. He still only struck out 21 times in 675 plate appearances, lowest since Tony Gwynn in 1995.

Incidentally, Arraez has three batting titles. If he wins one more, he joins a group that includes just 14 players with four or more batting titles. 12 of the 14 are in the Hall of Fame.

[Mick]

The Giants "won" the 2025 spring training, in that they finished 21-6 with an MLB-best +57 run differential on their way to the very definition of a mediocre season at 81-81.

This season, once again, they are 13-2 and leading MLB, with a run differential of +45. Dodgers are second in Cactus League at 10-6 and +22. 

Fun stats:
- Giants have scored the most runs in MLB at 112 in 15 games, Dodgers are at 109 in 16 games. Giants also have most RBIs at 110.
- Giants are batting .316 as a team, highest in MLB by .027.
- Giants have 5th most doubles (38), T8 triples (4), T10 in HRs (20), although that number doesn't reflect the five they hit today, which puts them at 3rd in MLB. 
- 2nd best overall slugging at .515 and best OPS at .896.
- Giants have stolen 16 bases, have only been caught twice.
- Giant hitters have third fewest walks in MLB.
- Giant pitchers 10th in ERA at 4.34.
- 20th most strikeouts, 21st fewest walks, 16th best WHIP, 13th best batting average against

I'm sticking with 94 wins as a prediction.

Stanford's Tristan Beck has struck out three, walked two in 3 2/3 innings, 4.91 ERA. Erik Miller is at least a week away, tightness on his side.

Austin Slater, called "best role player in baseball" in 2023 when he destroyed left-handed pitching in 2021 and 2022. He's 33, fighting for a spot on the Tigers, is hitting .313 with five hits in 15 ups, 3 walks, .450 OBP, .563 sligging and 1.103 OPS with a double and an HR. Slater's career pinch-hit OPS is 1.025, best in baseball history for PHs with more than 100 ABs. Ted Williams was a measly .953 OPS as a PH.

Austin Slater, the Best Role Player in Baseball | FanGraphs Baseball

Also...I know it's only spring training, but Jordan Hicks' ERA is 7.71, Tyler Rogers ERA is 4.50, Camilo Doval is 9.00...and Kyle Harrison's ERA is 3.00.

[Mick]

The Giants "won" the 2025 spring training, in that they finished 21-6 with an MLB-best +57 run differential on their way to the very definition of a mediocre season at 81-81.

This season, once again, they are 13-2 and leading MLB, with a run differential of +45. Dodgers are second in Cactus League at 10-6 and +22. 

Fun stats:
- Giants have scored the most runs in MLB at 112 in 15 games, Dodgers are at 109 in 16 games. Giants also have most RBIs at 110.
- Giants are batting .316 as a team, highest in MLB by .027.
- Giants have 5th most doubles (38), T8 triples (4), T10 in HRs (20), although that number doesn't reflect the five they hit today, which puts them at 3rd in MLB. 
- 2nd best overall slugging at .515 and best OPS at .896.
- Giants have stolen 16 bases, have only been caught twice.
- Giant hitters have third fewest walks in MLB.
- Giant pitchers 10th in ERA at 4.34.
- 20th most strikeouts, 21st fewest walks, 16th best WHIP, 13th best batting average against

I'm sticking with 94 wins as a prediction.

Stanford's Tristan Beck has struck out three, walked two in 3 2/3 innings, 4.91 ERA. Erik Miller is at least a week away, tightness on his side.

Austin Slater, called "best role player in baseball" in 2023 when he destroyed left-handed pitching in 2021 and 2022. He's 33, fighting for a spot on the Tigers, is hitting .313 with five hits in 15 ups, 3 walks, .450 OBP, .563 sligging and 1.103 OPS with a double and an HR. Slater's career pinch-hit OPS is 1.025, best in baseball history for PHs with more than 100 ABs. Ted Williams was a measly .953 OPS as a PH.

Austin Slater, the Best Role Player in Baseball | FanGraphs Baseball

Also...I know it's only spring training, but Jordan Hicks' ERA is 7.71, Tyler Rogers ERA is 4.50, Camilo Doval is 9.00...and Kyle Harrison's ERA is 3.00.

[Mick]

On the one hand, Devers and Adames are a combined 6 for 55 this spring. On the other hand, Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Harrison Bader and Heliot Ramos all have OPS north of 1.000.

On the one hand, the Giants lead all of MLB with a 15-5 record, .750. On the other hand, they did so last year and finished .500 and spring results don't matter.

[Mick]

On the one hand, Devers and Adames are a combined 6 for 55 this spring. On the other hand, Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Harrison Bader and Heliot Ramos all have OPS north of 1.000.

On the one hand, the Giants lead all of MLB with a 15-5 record, .750. On the other hand, they did so last year and finished .500 and spring results don't matter.

[Giants]

It’s that time of year again….

Post your prediction for the Giants’ season win total…

The deadline is one hour before Opening Day first pitch.

So far…

Mick 94 (subject to an update)
Giants 85 (probably a bit optimistic)

[Giants]

It’s that time of year again….

Post your prediction for the Giants’ season win total…

The deadline is one hour before Opening Day first pitch.

So far…

Mick 94 (subject to an update)
Giants 85 (probably a bit optimistic)

[BobK]

Was at 90 but no Birdsong so I’ll go 87. Always too optimistic

[BobK]

Was at 90 but no Birdsong so I’ll go 87. Always too optimistic

[Leftcoast]

Put me down as an 85, but that's generous.  They are still a good, but not great, team in baseball's toughest division.

[Leftcoast]

Put me down as an 85, but that's generous.  They are still a good, but not great, team in baseball's toughest division.

[Giants]

Austin Slater released (at his request) from his minor league contract with Detroit.  He is now a free agent.

[Giants]

Austin Slater released (at his request) from his minor league contract with Detroit.  He is now a free agent.

[Mick]

Austin Slater released (at his request) from his minor league contract with Detroit.  He is now a free agent.

He was struggling a bit. 10 strikeouts in 30 ABs, but five walks. Line of .267/.389/.467/.856. Great OBP, very good OPS.

Late Night LaMonte Wade was also released by the White Sox.

White Sox also released Ryan Borucki, left handed reliever, 0.00 ERA, six games (one start), six innings pitched, only allowed three runs, struck out EIGHT, WHIP of 0.67. Borucki was on a minor league deal/spring invite, white sox told him he wouldn't make opening day roster. White Sox are average this spring, ranked 15th among teams in ERA, but 19th in WHIP. last year, they were 26th in WHIP. Borucki looks a little bit like Bumgarner, lefty who throws from a low three-quarters arm slot. Sliders, sinkers and splitters. I suspect Giants will elevate Erik Miller into Tyler Rogers' old role, and Borucki and Matt Gage become the situational lefties.

Speaking of, Tyler Rogers has a 3.86 ERA in seven innings. 7 strikeouts, no walks, 1.14 WHIP, .286 BAA.

[Mick]

Austin Slater released (at his request) from his minor league contract with Detroit.  He is now a free agent.

He was struggling a bit. 10 strikeouts in 30 ABs, but five walks. Line of .267/.389/.467/.856. Great OBP, very good OPS.

Late Night LaMonte Wade was also released by the White Sox.

White Sox also released Ryan Borucki, left handed reliever, 0.00 ERA, six games (one start), six innings pitched, only allowed three runs, struck out EIGHT, WHIP of 0.67. Borucki was on a minor league deal/spring invite, white sox told him he wouldn't make opening day roster. White Sox are average this spring, ranked 15th among teams in ERA, but 19th in WHIP. last year, they were 26th in WHIP. Borucki looks a little bit like Bumgarner, lefty who throws from a low three-quarters arm slot. Sliders, sinkers and splitters. I suspect Giants will elevate Erik Miller into Tyler Rogers' old role, and Borucki and Matt Gage become the situational lefties.

Speaking of, Tyler Rogers has a 3.86 ERA in seven innings. 7 strikeouts, no walks, 1.14 WHIP, .286 BAA.

[Mick]

It’s that time of year again….

Post your prediction for the Giants’ season win total…

The deadline is one hour before Opening Day first pitch.

So far…

Mick 94 (subject to an update)
Giants 85 (probably a bit optimistic)

I'm probably deranged, but I'm sticking with the 94.  Giants led all of MLB with a .300 team batting average this spring, 4th in OBP at .364, 3rd in slugging at .484, 2nd in OPS at .848, and 6th in runs scored at 176 (5th in runs per game). 13th in stolen bases, 14th in HRs, led MLB in doubles.

On the pitching side, Giants were 8th in ERA (4.10) and WHIP (1.32). 13th most strikeouts, 11th most walks.

[Mick]

It’s that time of year again….

Post your prediction for the Giants’ season win total…

The deadline is one hour before Opening Day first pitch.

So far…

Mick 94 (subject to an update)
Giants 85 (probably a bit optimistic)

I'm probably deranged, but I'm sticking with the 94.  Giants led all of MLB with a .300 team batting average this spring, 4th in OBP at .364, 3rd in slugging at .484, 2nd in OPS at .848, and 6th in runs scored at 176 (5th in runs per game). 13th in stolen bases, 14th in HRs, led MLB in doubles.

On the pitching side, Giants were 8th in ERA (4.10) and WHIP (1.32). 13th most strikeouts, 11th most walks.