Major League Predictions
For the second year in a row the Giants are predicted to finish the coming season with their record from the previous season, in this case 79-83. That would leave them tied at the bottom of the NL West but in a very weak National League also only 5 G out of the postseason. Last season the Giants ended 8 G above their pre season prediction and, though a similar return seems unlikely, it does show that anything is possible. The Rockies, in the West, are predicted to be the runaway best in the NL, with the Nationals and the Pirates winning the East and Central without winning 90 games. Keondre Dampier looks sets to compete for his 5th Cy Young Award while Buenrostro is in a battle for his 5th MVP.
Over in the AL nothing changes as the Royals are predicted to be led by Mike Gronkiewicz to another best record in the league and the only 100-win team in baseball. The Orioles are expected to be the only other 90+ win team in winning the East while the Mariners continue their winning streak to capture the West.
Opening Day Lineup
The Royals will open the season with five new faces after a Spring Training that saw some surprises and one major trade.
At Catcher, Rule 5 Dyland Crowell didn’t do enough to supplant Alejandro Dilillo for the back up spot and is returned to the Guardians.
The same is true for 1B Jared Campbell, whose defense and therefore lack of defensive flexibility ultimately cost him as he returned to the Cubs. Kevin Dobbs will platoon at 1B with W. Chesney, while Gabino Galindo will return to Sacramento. Ignacio Calas is out of options and had no value on the trade market, so the Giants attempt to send him through waivers.
Nevio Clinton surprisingly wins the everyday job at 2B and that led to the Giants moving on from Chris Foley. Foley had three years at $10m left on his contract which meant the Giants needed to sweeten the deal. That sweetening primarily came from adding SP Eric Mason onto the deal. The 2 WAR starter from last year was in a battle for a place in the rotation but the chance to get out of that deal was too good to miss out on. Johane Felcio was also included in the deal, a player who had spent Spring Training with the Giants but on the edge of a place on the 42-man. The Giants also took on Jesus Otero’s contract, a one year deal to balance out the finances – he is unlikely to remain with the organisation. Chris Herman was playing in High-A to start last season so unsurprisingly will start the season in Sacramento.
At 3B Danny Zellefrow and Ernesto Pantoja will platoon with Juan Correa the final infielder to head back to Sacramento.
In the outfield, it was an easier task with Juan Zenito winning the LF job, Rule 5 acquisition Jaquan Willie will start in CF, with Rule 5 Germaine Curtis winning the everyday RF job. Wilfredo Polo and Mike Berger will platoon in the DH position, and cover the OF.
Spring Training Roster Moves
Monday, March 31st , 2053
Released former Rule 5 draft pick C Dylan Crowell, returned to original Organization Cleveland Guardians.
Released former Rule 5 draft pick 1B Jared Campbell, returned to original Organization Chicago Cubs.
1B Ignacio Calas was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Assigned 1B Gabino Galindo from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 2B Chris Herman to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 3B Juan Correa to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned LF Bubba Jackman to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned LF Luis Castro to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned CF Ed Janiczek to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned CF Sergio Ibarra to Triple A Sacramento.
Traded 33-year old 2B Chris Foley, 24-year old 2B Johane Felcio, 27-year old RHP Eric Mason, 22-year old minor league RF Alexis Pelcastre, 32-year old minor league RHP Jonathan Clanton, and 36-year old minor league LHP Greg Burge to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 23-year old minor league RHP Jared Kroehler and 33-year old 2B Jesus Otero in return.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
After the trade of SP Eric Mason and the injury to RP Josh Parker there were few options to make with the pitching. Jorge Rodriguez hasn’t pitched above A+ so was always likely to be on the outside looking in and so it proved as he will start the season in Richmond.
Spring Training Roster Moves
Optioned RP Jorge Rodrguez to Double A Richmond.