[Mick]

The Giants, it was claimed, had baserunning issues last year. Baseball reference.com has an interesting "miscellaneous baserunning stats" page, ranking each team in 31 baserunning categories. 

2025 Major League Baseball Baserunning/Misc | Baseball-Reference.com 

I asked four AI sites to evaluate each team's baserunning capabilities based on those 31 statistics and rank them in order. 

PROMPT: You are a researcher on major league baseball. There are 30 teams. Your basis of expertise is baserunning, and your goal is to rank all 30 teams from #1 to #30 by their baserunning skill. In order to do that, I have attached a .csv file. The columns are all designated by acronyms, and there is an explanation of each acronym starting with line 35. The acronym is in column A, and the short description is in column B. All acronyms are listed between lines 36 and lines 68. The totals for each team are listed on lines #2 through #31, with the league average on line 33. Your goal is threefold: (1) Assess and rank the value of each metric in terms of contributing to each teams average score in terms of runs per game. (2) Calculate the overall baserunning expertise for each team and (3) List them in order from best baserunning team to worst. 

Here are the SF Giants results from each tool as follows, with top three for eac:

ChatGPT: 13th in MLB (Yankees, Brewers, Dodgers)
Gemini: 19th (Dodgers, Mets, Tigers)
Grok:  22nd (Mets, Cubs, Yankees) 
Perplexity: 26th (Mets, Cubs, Brewers)

ChatGPT explained their outlier: Giants are efficient, disciplined, not aggressive or explosive. Low mistake rates (caught stealing, pickoffs, out on basepaths), they're efficient at scoring runners (above league average), reads balls in play well, conservative decision making. Above average advancement on balls in play; e.g., they're situationally intelligent.

What holds them back is low aggression, no "elite" status anywhere.

Perplexity ranked them low for too many outs on base for a team that doesn't steal.

[Mick]

The Giants, it was claimed, had baserunning issues last year. Baseball reference.com has an interesting "miscellaneous baserunning stats" page, ranking each team in 31 baserunning categories. 

2025 Major League Baseball Baserunning/Misc | Baseball-Reference.com 

I asked four AI sites to evaluate each team's baserunning capabilities based on those 31 statistics and rank them in order. 

PROMPT: You are a researcher on major league baseball. There are 30 teams. Your basis of expertise is baserunning, and your goal is to rank all 30 teams from #1 to #30 by their baserunning skill. In order to do that, I have attached a .csv file. The columns are all designated by acronyms, and there is an explanation of each acronym starting with line 35. The acronym is in column A, and the short description is in column B. All acronyms are listed between lines 36 and lines 68. The totals for each team are listed on lines #2 through #31, with the league average on line 33. Your goal is threefold: (1) Assess and rank the value of each metric in terms of contributing to each teams average score in terms of runs per game. (2) Calculate the overall baserunning expertise for each team and (3) List them in order from best baserunning team to worst. 

Here are the SF Giants results from each tool as follows, with top three for eac:

ChatGPT: 13th in MLB (Yankees, Brewers, Dodgers)
Gemini: 19th (Dodgers, Mets, Tigers)
Grok:  22nd (Mets, Cubs, Yankees) 
Perplexity: 26th (Mets, Cubs, Brewers)

ChatGPT explained their outlier: Giants are efficient, disciplined, not aggressive or explosive. Low mistake rates (caught stealing, pickoffs, out on basepaths), they're efficient at scoring runners (above league average), reads balls in play well, conservative decision making. Above average advancement on balls in play; e.g., they're situationally intelligent.

What holds them back is low aggression, no "elite" status anywhere.

Perplexity ranked them low for too many outs on base for a team that doesn't steal.

[old spanish trail]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

[old spanish trail]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

[Mick]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

[Mick]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

[Mick]

Baseball America says SF Giants' farm system has "night and day improvement" over last year.

Baseball America views SF Giants farm system as night-and-day improvement over last year

Three Giants were on Baseball America's Top 100 list:

2025 SF Giants first-round pick among three prospects to make latest preseason ranking

[Mick]

Baseball America says SF Giants' farm system has "night and day improvement" over last year.

Baseball America views SF Giants farm system as night-and-day improvement over last year

Three Giants were on Baseball America's Top 100 list:

2025 SF Giants first-round pick among three prospects to make latest preseason ranking

[BobK]

2 often in the past top 100 sometimes 3 not much of a difference
However having read the top 10 for the Giants I’m encouraged about the younger players

[BobK]

2 often in the past top 100 sometimes 3 not much of a difference
However having read the top 10 for the Giants I’m encouraged about the younger players

[Giants]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

They didn’t sign Bader to hit.  They needed to improve their horrible OF defense.  Bader will provide a superior glove, instantly improving team’s D.

If he hits at “league average”, it will be a nice bonus.  

I like the acquisition.

[Giants]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

They didn’t sign Bader to hit.  They needed to improve their horrible OF defense.  Bader will provide a superior glove, instantly improving team’s D.

If he hits at “league average”, it will be a nice bonus.  

I like the acquisition.

[Mick]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

They didn’t sign Bader to hit.  They needed to improve their horrible OF defense.  Bader will provide a superior glove, instantly improving team’s D.

If he hits at “league average”, it will be a nice bonus.  

I like the acquisition.

I like it too. FanGraphs listed Bader as the 10th best hitting center fielder in MLB last year with splits of .277/.347/.449/.796, 117 OPS+ between Minnesota and Philadelphia. 24 doubles, 17 HRs, 39 walks, 11 HBP, only five double plays. I would take that in a heartbeat.

[Mick]

Giants sign Harrison Bader, 2 yrs $20mill. Does this move Lee to right field?

I think so. He reminds me of Aaron Rowand -- a one-time Gold Glove center fielder who had a career year in Philadelphia then came to SF. Rowand's Philly OPS+ in 2007 was 124 (he did 130 for the White Sox 3 years earlier). Bader's OPS+ in Philly for half a season was an identical 124. Rowand's career OPS+ was 99, Bader's is 96. So...average hitter.

And still...Rowand's overall OPS at AT&T was .680, and Bader's career OPS at SF is .791...4 HRs in SF in 15 starts here, 119 OPS+ at SF vs. Rowand's 80, so...maybe he works out.

Rowand had +13 Rtot in SF's center field (career 49), Bader's was -5 last year but otherwise a career 56 and was +14 in 2024

Biggest difference? We got Rowand at age 30, Bader will be 32. Bader's a bit cheaper, $10.25 mils. average contract, Rowand (17 years ago) was just over $11 mils. And Rowand declined precipitously from his age 31 year to his age 32 year, dropping from 92 OPS+ to 78 OPS+.

Not-so-minor indicator about Bader's physical condition...he used to be an excellent base stealer. Didn't steal many (between 10-20 a year) but a very high percentage. In 2023, he stole 20, caught 3 times. 2024, stole 17, caught 8 times. 2025, stole 11, caught 7 times. Doesn't bode well.

Still, he hit .305 in Philly, OBP of .361, OPS of .824 and hits well at Oracle. And Jung Hoo Lee's Rtot in CF was an egregious -20, so the fielding will be better. I'm not sure why JHL had such a poor Rtot...he was 3rd among NL CFs in assists, 3rd in double plays, 4th in errors (3) and his range factor was slightly above average (2.27 to 2.26). But SF CFs were not only last in putouts and chances, they were last by a considerable margin with 364, next worst was Dodgers with 389. Bader had 321 in 20 fewer games and half were in LF.

Who knows? Maybe it works out.

They didn’t sign Bader to hit.  They needed to improve their horrible OF defense.  Bader will provide a superior glove, instantly improving team’s D.

If he hits at “league average”, it will be a nice bonus.  

I like the acquisition.

I like it too. FanGraphs listed Bader as the 10th best hitting center fielder in MLB last year with splits of .277/.347/.449/.796, 117 OPS+ between Minnesota and Philadelphia. 24 doubles, 17 HRs, 39 walks, 11 HBP, only five double plays. I would take that in a heartbeat.

[Mick]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

[Mick]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

[old spanish trail]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

Well, I LOVE this signing. It seems to me he gets a hit every time he's up. The price is a bargain, imo. Devers/Eldridge, Adames, Chapman and Arraez have a chance to be one of the best infields in the NL  And, if I needed a 3rd baseman, I'd trade a pretty good pitcher for Casey Schmidt.

[old spanish trail]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

Well, I LOVE this signing. It seems to me he gets a hit every time he's up. The price is a bargain, imo. Devers/Eldridge, Adames, Chapman and Arraez have a chance to be one of the best infields in the NL  And, if I needed a 3rd baseman, I'd trade a pretty good pitcher for Casey Schmidt.

[Giants]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

OTOH,  I do not like acquisition.  His defensive liabilities are too much to overlook regardless how many hits he accumulates.  To make this work, Ron Washington is going to have to more than earn his salary. 

Coming on the heels of the Bader signing, I must profess to being rather confused.  One day, SF signs a guy that can make every play in the OF. For their next move, they sign an infielder who plays defense like Edward Scissorhands.

Buster, you can do better than that…

[Giants]

Giants signed Luis Arraez to play second base, one year, $12 million.

Not gonna lie...I really, REALLY like this signing. Donovan, great, all the other second basemen...but I think Arraez is what the Giants need.

3x All Star from 2022-4, he's just 29, led the league in hits in 2024 and 2025, led the league in batting from 2022-2024, hit .354 in 2023, Silver Slugger twice, down ballot MVP votes, hit .292/.327/.392/.719. Stole 11 bases, 30 doubles, Career BA of .317, career OBP of .363. Batted primarily leadoff, batted in the #2 hole a bit.hits best when he's leading off. Quick starter...August is his only slightly down month, bats .323 or better in all other months. Annihilates RHPs, he's a left-handed hitter. And he makes more contact than anyone in baseball, 95.9% of his swings last year. Next best Giant was JHL at #10, 87.9%

Felt jerked around by the Padres and turned down multi-year offers elsewhere because he only wants to play second base. Padres had so much talent, they treated him like a utility infielder...he only started six games at 2B last year, his best and most natural position. Has his best Rtot at 2nd base by far, excellent range. Played mainly first last year and led the league in fielding with .999, led league in Rtot for 1Bs in 2022...led the NL in fielding in 2023 with .993, also led league in DPs with 93. Only has 30 errors total in the field in 757 games. 359 games at 2B, 317 starts, 16 errors.

My take is that he's going to have an absolutely monster year.

OTOH,  I do not like acquisition.  His defensive liabilities are too much to overlook regardless how many hits he accumulates.  To make this work, Ron Washington is going to have to more than earn his salary. 

Coming on the heels of the Bader signing, I must profess to being rather confused.  One day, SF signs a guy that can make every play in the OF. For their next move, they sign an infielder who plays defense like Edward Scissorhands.

Buster, you can do better than that…

[Mick]

2023 was the last time Arraez played full-time 2B. He led the league in DPs. He led the league in Rtot. He only had four errors in 134 games (129 starts at 2B). He was 5th in the league in chances, and all four in front of him played more games, had worse Rtot and more errors and fewer double plays. His range factor was 5th for 2Bs playing more than 100 games (oddly, Thairo Estrada's was first), ad he was ahead of Brendan Donovan.

I'm definitely not saying he's a gold glover. But he's not going to be the major disappointment that some think he'll be.

[Mick]

2023 was the last time Arraez played full-time 2B. He led the league in DPs. He led the league in Rtot. He only had four errors in 134 games (129 starts at 2B). He was 5th in the league in chances, and all four in front of him played more games, had worse Rtot and more errors and fewer double plays. His range factor was 5th for 2Bs playing more than 100 games (oddly, Thairo Estrada's was first), ad he was ahead of Brendan Donovan.

I'm definitely not saying he's a gold glover. But he's not going to be the major disappointment that some think he'll be.

[Giants]

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.

[Giants]

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.

[Mick]

Arraez is an interesting guy. Lowest strikeout rate by a major league hitter in thirty years (Tony Gwynn). Arraez, Gwynn and Bill Buckner are the only players in the post-expansion era (1969 on) to post an AB/SO ratio of better than one in every 29.5 ABs.

In November, Tim Britton projected that Arraez would receive a two-year, $30 million contract, instead securing one year at $12.4. He has 16.4 career WAR, more than Brendan Donovan. And he's had 600+ plate appearances in each of the last four seasons, led the league in hits last two seasons. 

And yeah, Wash will earn his money..."It's incredibly hard..."

https://youtu.be/vyvu1nWjOlI?t=74

[Mick]

Arraez is an interesting guy. Lowest strikeout rate by a major league hitter in thirty years (Tony Gwynn). Arraez, Gwynn and Bill Buckner are the only players in the post-expansion era (1969 on) to post an AB/SO ratio of better than one in every 29.5 ABs.

In November, Tim Britton projected that Arraez would receive a two-year, $30 million contract, instead securing one year at $12.4. He has 16.4 career WAR, more than Brendan Donovan. And he's had 600+ plate appearances in each of the last four seasons, led the league in hits last two seasons. 

And yeah, Wash will earn his money..."It's incredibly hard..."

https://youtu.be/vyvu1nWjOlI?t=74

[Mick]

BTW, Arraez is a career leadoff hitter. Last year, in addition to being forced to play an unnatural position, he was dropped to second in the order, where he historically has not thrived, career BA .295, career OBP .334. If the Giants both play him at second and bat him leadoff, I anticipate a return to his career leadoff stats of .323/.364/.418/.782.

Arraez only batted leadoff for 11 games in 2025. But his splits were close to his career leadoff stats at .311/.367/.467/.834.

[Mick]

BTW, Arraez is a career leadoff hitter. Last year, in addition to being forced to play an unnatural position, he was dropped to second in the order, where he historically has not thrived, career BA .295, career OBP .334. If the Giants both play him at second and bat him leadoff, I anticipate a return to his career leadoff stats of .323/.364/.418/.782.

Arraez only batted leadoff for 11 games in 2025. But his splits were close to his career leadoff stats at .311/.367/.467/.834.

[BobK]

The coaching staff

https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-...604-sf-1-A

[BobK]

The coaching staff

https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-...604-sf-1-A

[Giants]

The coaching staff

https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-...604-sf-1-A

Interesting…

With the exception of Taira Uematsu, it is a completely new group.

—

Oops. Well, I got one name right.

[Giants]

The coaching staff

https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-...604-sf-1-A

Interesting…

With the exception of Taira Uematsu, it is a completely new group.

—

Oops. Well, I got one name right.

[Mick]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

[Mick]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

[Giants]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

[Giants]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

[Mick]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

Given that it's eight years past full retirement date (for a 73 year old), I'm going to say it's old.  ;)

I'm also going to say that Washington is the most important coach on the staff. Giants finished 27th of 30 teams in fielding last year, -51 Rtot. They lost thirty games by one run last year, and in eight of those games, they gave up at least one unearned run. SF's outfield was the worst in baseball, defensively and they lost Yastrzemski, the one guy who could play. If they win half of those games, they win four more games. They missed the wild card by three games. Better fielding, and they are in the playoffs. Bader's defensive runs saved (67 last nine years), no outfielder tops his 77 outs above average. JHLee has a great arm, not a great fielder with subpar range. He'll do well in RF. And lest we forget, Heliot Ramos was terrible last year, led league in errors with 9...but the year before, he only had one total error, and was so good that he played CF more than he played LF. His overall Rtot was +7 in 2024. I think he reverts to his 2024 form.

All of those coaches are important. Take the hitting coaches and hitting philosophy. The new hitting coach is from Toronto, 798 runs scored, fourth in MLB. Giants scored 705, below MLB average of 720. Our new leadoff hitter Arraez led the league in hits the past two seasons. Bader's OPS was .796 last year, Ramos returns to form, better health and power at DH. Better running as well, given the new coach. I'll bet we get at least fifty more runs, win six additional games.

BTW, better fielding will help our ERA. Last year's ERA was solid, 3.82, 10th in MLB. But our FIP was 3.74, 2nd overall in MLB. We're thin, but if we stay healthy, we're even better than last year. Accounts for two more wins.

I like Vitello, a lot, and I think his staff is superb. Either it will be amazing, or it will crash and burn. I think it'll be amazing.

Better fielding (+3 wins), better hitting and baserunning (+6 wins), better pitching (+2 wins), and respectfully, a better manager (+2). Last year we won 81 games, let's add 13. 

94 wins this season, that's my prediction. Incidentally, the Dodgers won only 93 games last season.

[Mick]

What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

Given that it's eight years past full retirement date (for a 73 year old), I'm going to say it's old.  ;)

I'm also going to say that Washington is the most important coach on the staff. Giants finished 27th of 30 teams in fielding last year, -51 Rtot. They lost thirty games by one run last year, and in eight of those games, they gave up at least one unearned run. SF's outfield was the worst in baseball, defensively and they lost Yastrzemski, the one guy who could play. If they win half of those games, they win four more games. They missed the wild card by three games. Better fielding, and they are in the playoffs. Bader's defensive runs saved (67 last nine years), no outfielder tops his 77 outs above average. JHLee has a great arm, not a great fielder with subpar range. He'll do well in RF. And lest we forget, Heliot Ramos was terrible last year, led league in errors with 9...but the year before, he only had one total error, and was so good that he played CF more than he played LF. His overall Rtot was +7 in 2024. I think he reverts to his 2024 form.

All of those coaches are important. Take the hitting coaches and hitting philosophy. The new hitting coach is from Toronto, 798 runs scored, fourth in MLB. Giants scored 705, below MLB average of 720. Our new leadoff hitter Arraez led the league in hits the past two seasons. Bader's OPS was .796 last year, Ramos returns to form, better health and power at DH. Better running as well, given the new coach. I'll bet we get at least fifty more runs, win six additional games.

BTW, better fielding will help our ERA. Last year's ERA was solid, 3.82, 10th in MLB. But our FIP was 3.74, 2nd overall in MLB. We're thin, but if we stay healthy, we're even better than last year. Accounts for two more wins.

I like Vitello, a lot, and I think his staff is superb. Either it will be amazing, or it will crash and burn. I think it'll be amazing.

Better fielding (+3 wins), better hitting and baserunning (+6 wins), better pitching (+2 wins), and respectfully, a better manager (+2). Last year we won 81 games, let's add 13. 

94 wins this season, that's my prediction. Incidentally, the Dodgers won only 93 games last season.

[Giants]

1770488350[/url]']

1770446666[/url]']

1770432853[/url]']
What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

Given that it's eight years past full retirement date (for a 73 year old), I'm going to say it's old.  ;)

I'm also going to say that Washington is the most important coach on the staff. Giants finished 27th of 30 teams in fielding last year, -51 Rtot. They lost thirty games by one run last year, and in eight of those games, they gave up at least one unearned run. SF's outfield was the worst in baseball, defensively and they lost Yastrzemski, the one guy who could play. If they win half of those games, they win four more games. They missed the wild card by three games. Better fielding, and they are in the playoffs. Bader's defensive runs saved (67 last nine years), no outfielder tops his 77 outs above average. JHLee has a great arm, not a great fielder with subpar range. He'll do well in RF. And lest we forget, Heliot Ramos was terrible last year, led league in errors with 9...but the year before, he only had one total error, and was so good that he played CF more than he played LF. His overall Rtot was +7 in 2024. I think he reverts to his 2024 form.

All of those coaches are important. Take the hitting coaches and hitting philosophy. The new hitting coach is from Toronto, 798 runs scored, fourth in MLB. Giants scored 705, below MLB average of 720. Our new leadoff hitter Arraez led the league in hits the past two seasons. Bader's OPS was .796 last year, Ramos returns to form, better health and power at DH. Better running as well, given the new coach. I'll bet we get at least fifty more runs, win six additional games.

BTW, better fielding will help our ERA. Last year's ERA was solid, 3.82, 10th in MLB. But our FIP was 3.74, 2nd overall in MLB. We're thin, but if we stay healthy, we're even better than last year. Accounts for two more wins.

I like Vitello, a lot, and I think his staff is superb. Either it will be amazing, or it will crash and burn. I think it'll be amazing.

Better fielding (+3 wins), better hitting and baserunning (+6 wins), better pitching (+2 wins), and respectfully, a better manager (+2). Last year we won 81 games, let's add 13. 

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.

[Giants]

1770488350[/url]']

1770446666[/url]']

1770432853[/url]']
What I noticed:

- Majority of those in important roles are between 41 and 46 years old. 

   * Vitello, HC (46), 
   * Bench Coach, Jayce Tingler (45) spend the  past four seasons as the bench coach for the Twins, and managed the Padres for two seasons to a 116-106 record. Finished second in NL Manager of the year. Worked for the Texas Rangers for 13 years. He and Vitello were teammates at Missouri
   * 3B coach Hector Borg (40), lots of  experience for a 40 year old, 
   * 1B coach Shane Robinson (41). Both the 3B and 1B coach are on a MLB staff for the first time, but he was baserunning coordinator with the Mets who were fifth in stolen bases in MLB and first in stolen base percentage.
   * Hitting coach Hunter Mense (41). Assistant hitting coach for the Blue Jays for four years. This year, they led MLB in BA, OBP and hits, struck out the second fewest times, lowest strikeout rate in the majors, highest contact rate of any club.
   * Pitching coach Justin Meccage (45) was the pitching coach for AAA Nashville in the Brewers oranization. In 20 teams, they had the third best ERA, second fewest homers, second fewest walks, thire best WHIP. Coached multiple positions for the Pirates. His assistant, Christian Wonders is 33. Has worked in the Rays, Padres, and Red Sox system. Has coached both Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss
   * Bullpen coach Jesse Chavez (42), 18 year MLB career. 1.42 ERA in 11 postseason games

- Two old guys are terrific

   * Infield coach Ron Washington (73) has his work cut out for him with Arraez, Eldridge and Devers. 30 years as MLB coach. Managed Texas to two AL pennants, 3B coach for the Braves. Numerous Gold Glove infielders  including Dansby Swanson, Freddie Freeman, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez. Taught Hatteberg how to play first  base.

   * Director of ML Pitching Frank Anderson (66) comes from U/Tennessee where he was  Vitello's pitching coach. He's a college coach who has coached more than 100 pitchers selected in the MLB draft including 10 first rounders.

- Returning to the Giants are:

   * Assistant Hitting  Coach Oscar Bernard
   * Quality Control Coach Taira Uematsu
   * Bullpen Catcher Eliezer Zambrano
   * Field Coordinator/Catching Coach Alex Burg (promoted)

Who said 73 is old?  ;)

Given that it's eight years past full retirement date (for a 73 year old), I'm going to say it's old.  ;)

I'm also going to say that Washington is the most important coach on the staff. Giants finished 27th of 30 teams in fielding last year, -51 Rtot. They lost thirty games by one run last year, and in eight of those games, they gave up at least one unearned run. SF's outfield was the worst in baseball, defensively and they lost Yastrzemski, the one guy who could play. If they win half of those games, they win four more games. They missed the wild card by three games. Better fielding, and they are in the playoffs. Bader's defensive runs saved (67 last nine years), no outfielder tops his 77 outs above average. JHLee has a great arm, not a great fielder with subpar range. He'll do well in RF. And lest we forget, Heliot Ramos was terrible last year, led league in errors with 9...but the year before, he only had one total error, and was so good that he played CF more than he played LF. His overall Rtot was +7 in 2024. I think he reverts to his 2024 form.

All of those coaches are important. Take the hitting coaches and hitting philosophy. The new hitting coach is from Toronto, 798 runs scored, fourth in MLB. Giants scored 705, below MLB average of 720. Our new leadoff hitter Arraez led the league in hits the past two seasons. Bader's OPS was .796 last year, Ramos returns to form, better health and power at DH. Better running as well, given the new coach. I'll bet we get at least fifty more runs, win six additional games.

BTW, better fielding will help our ERA. Last year's ERA was solid, 3.82, 10th in MLB. But our FIP was 3.74, 2nd overall in MLB. We're thin, but if we stay healthy, we're even better than last year. Accounts for two more wins.

I like Vitello, a lot, and I think his staff is superb. Either it will be amazing, or it will crash and burn. I think it'll be amazing.

Better fielding (+3 wins), better hitting and baserunning (+6 wins), better pitching (+2 wins), and respectfully, a better manager (+2). Last year we won 81 games, let's add 13. 

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.