Major League Predictions
The Giants and the Mets are both predicted to win 100 games, with the Giants clinching the best NL record by 1 G. Neither team is predicted to face much competition from their division, and even the Reds are predicted to win the Central by 3 G. Andy Frederick is predicted to be amongst the leagues top pitchers, an outcome Stewart is all in favour of, but finds somewhat unlikely.
Over in the American League, the Royals are predicted to once again have the best record in the American League, and baseball, although the Giants will join them as a 102- win team. They will run away with the Central, led by two of the top three hitters in Mike Gronkiewicz and Biagio Torrisi, while the Red Sox will win the East and the Astros will hold off the Angels by 2 G in what is predicted to be the tightest division in baseball.
Opening Day Lineup
There are several new faces as the Giants close up camp and head back to the Bay. It’s an all new Catching corps as off season acquisition Jim Clarke is joined by Rule 5 draftee Dane Cook, who did enough to send Ernie Mapes down to AAA.
None of the young infielder trio of Alejandro Soto, Joe Chambers, and Joe Walls seem like the finished article yet so will head to Sacramento to play everyday while the Giants added Nelson Serrano to the roster for some INF utility.
Mike Moffitt and Steve Freese are the two OF to miss out, Moffitt heading to Sacramento while Freese, out of options, heads to St Louis with LHP Jorge Trinidad for a trio of prospects.
The Giants still look a little light in LH bats, but managed to overcome that for a World Series title in 2055 so will be hoping for a similar outcome.
Spring Training Final Roster Cuts
C Ernie Mapes was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Optioned 1B Alejandro Soto to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 2B Joe Chambers to Double A Richmond.
Assigned 2B Joe Walls from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of 3B Nelson Serrano from Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned LF Mike Moffitt to Triple A Sacramento.
Traded 26-year old CF Steve Freese and 23-year old minor league LHP Jorge Trinidad to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 23-year old minor league RF Norris Gilberds, 23-year old minor league LHP Savion Ebanks, and 25-year old minor league RHP Hayden Ackary in return.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
There are no surprises on the pitching side as Nate Brodt, Nate Hudson, and Greg Hyder are joined by young prospect Dan Namken in being sent to Sacramento to open the season. They will all have expectations to be back in the big leagues at some point in the season although some of the younger arms in AAA may have something to say about that.
Spring Training Final Cuts
Optioned RP Dan Namken to Triple A Sacramento.
RP Nate Brodt was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Optioned RP Nate Hudson to Triple A Sacramento.
RP Greg Hyder was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.