Since the festivities of the holiday season no doubt have you all as groggy as they do me, let me send out one more call for questions for the Free For All Mailbag which will open There R Giants’ 2025 content on…wow, this coming Friday!
Are there any signs yet of whether the Giants will reinvest in player development the way Cardinals are? If not, any idea when it will become clear?
I’m still not sure what to make of the Randy Winn hiring. I was thinking more along the lines of bringing in hitting- and pitching-development experts and so on.
In your opinion, which of the following men could or should make the opening-day roster: Casey Schmitt (IF UT); Brett Wisely (IF UT); David Villar (IF UT); Luis Matos; (LF); Marco Luciano (DH-OF); and Wade Meckler (OF). Of those not ready on opening day, which might be ready by mid-season? (Thrown Max Stassi and Grant McCray into that question.)
Looks like we might not sign another impact free agent. Also appears the biggest need is an upgrade at 1B, OF depth and maybe another starter. Assuming Eldridge arrives in 2026 (maybe last two months of 2025?), who do you see from the system as best options for 1B, OF and pitching (both starter and bullpen depth)?
Over the last couple of seasons guys like Keaton Winn and Hayden Birdsong have come out of nowhere to most SF fans, but not to There R Giants readers 😉. Any guys you're watching that are a little below the radar to most SF fans who could have a Winn or Birdsong like arrival in 2025?
Do you think Schmitt could be the Giants utility IF this year? As in, could he fill in for Adames in the 5-10 games he may take off during the season? Or do we need a specialized backup SS, which would really reduce the path for Schmitt?
Adding on to Mike: Have I heard right that the Giants may have the next TWO top international players lined up to sign over the next year plus? If true (and i know that this in not in the bank until the signing is official), can you (or maybe when you do your next podcast with the Giants international head), or the Giants international guy shed some light on why we are suddenly getting the best players? Just luck, or is some strategy now paying fruition?
Hey Roger, Do you think the Giants will stretch out Trent Harris? He has already excelled in multi-inning roles, and it seems like he has an arsenal that could play in any type of role. Maybe he needs an arm side pitch like a splitter that is fitting his over the top release, or a 2 seam of some kind. Curious to hear your thoughts.
Given Baggerly’s article – is it fair to say that the farm system is at this point a weakness as opposed to a strength? They seem to have several nice prospects, but nobody beyond Eldridge, who is deemed a potential difference maker. Where do they go from here?
While the Giants are "oversteering," it doesn't look to be into oncoming traffic. I believe that vibes, though unquantifiable, do have an impact on performance. Do you suspect that this is the area Posey has zoned in on? That he believes changing the vibes / altering the rhythm of the club to something that's more like a player's rhythm/routine -- as opposed to an algorithm's (or panicked professor-type scrambling to keep his job) -- is the key to getting the franchise over the hump (not just as the major league level but in the minors/PD, too)?
What is your take on them looking at The Polar Bear? To me, it seems like a good play. He is everything they need, it would allow them to let Eldridge to not have a ton of pressure to perform. It would also allow for them to platoon, if Eldridge has issues with lefties. Then, if it’s a 2-3 year contract, Alonso could DH. The only issue I see is, I believe there was a qualifying offer, and not sure of that is something they would want to give up for him.
Hi Roger,
Are there any signs yet of whether the Giants will reinvest in player development the way Cardinals are? If not, any idea when it will become clear?
I’m still not sure what to make of the Randy Winn hiring. I was thinking more along the lines of bringing in hitting- and pitching-development experts and so on.
In your opinion, which of the following men could or should make the opening-day roster: Casey Schmitt (IF UT); Brett Wisely (IF UT); David Villar (IF UT); Luis Matos; (LF); Marco Luciano (DH-OF); and Wade Meckler (OF). Of those not ready on opening day, which might be ready by mid-season? (Thrown Max Stassi and Grant McCray into that question.)
Looks like we might not sign another impact free agent. Also appears the biggest need is an upgrade at 1B, OF depth and maybe another starter. Assuming Eldridge arrives in 2026 (maybe last two months of 2025?), who do you see from the system as best options for 1B, OF and pitching (both starter and bullpen depth)?
Good question!
Over the last couple of seasons guys like Keaton Winn and Hayden Birdsong have come out of nowhere to most SF fans, but not to There R Giants readers 😉. Any guys you're watching that are a little below the radar to most SF fans who could have a Winn or Birdsong like arrival in 2025?
Do you think Schmitt could be the Giants utility IF this year? As in, could he fill in for Adames in the 5-10 games he may take off during the season? Or do we need a specialized backup SS, which would really reduce the path for Schmitt?
Bleacher Report is Ranking the SFG Farm System as "Worst".
Fangraphs has them at 28th.
Would you agree?
What kind of data do you use to rank farm systems?
Shortstop doubleplay:
1) Walker Martin: apart from K rate trouble, how are the tools looking in pro ball?
2) What are you seeing in the anticipated/heralded international signing SS?
Adding on to Mike: Have I heard right that the Giants may have the next TWO top international players lined up to sign over the next year plus? If true (and i know that this in not in the bank until the signing is official), can you (or maybe when you do your next podcast with the Giants international head), or the Giants international guy shed some light on why we are suddenly getting the best players? Just luck, or is some strategy now paying fruition?
Hey Roger, Do you think the Giants will stretch out Trent Harris? He has already excelled in multi-inning roles, and it seems like he has an arsenal that could play in any type of role. Maybe he needs an arm side pitch like a splitter that is fitting his over the top release, or a 2 seam of some kind. Curious to hear your thoughts.
I think he’s a reliever and talking to him I think he thinks he’s a reliever. Stuff is sharper and harder in shorter stints
Hi Roger,
Given Baggerly’s article – is it fair to say that the farm system is at this point a weakness as opposed to a strength? They seem to have several nice prospects, but nobody beyond Eldridge, who is deemed a potential difference maker. Where do they go from here?
While the Giants are "oversteering," it doesn't look to be into oncoming traffic. I believe that vibes, though unquantifiable, do have an impact on performance. Do you suspect that this is the area Posey has zoned in on? That he believes changing the vibes / altering the rhythm of the club to something that's more like a player's rhythm/routine -- as opposed to an algorithm's (or panicked professor-type scrambling to keep his job) -- is the key to getting the franchise over the hump (not just as the major league level but in the minors/PD, too)?
What is your take on them looking at The Polar Bear? To me, it seems like a good play. He is everything they need, it would allow them to let Eldridge to not have a ton of pressure to perform. It would also allow for them to platoon, if Eldridge has issues with lefties. Then, if it’s a 2-3 year contract, Alonso could DH. The only issue I see is, I believe there was a qualifying offer, and not sure of that is something they would want to give up for him.