San Francisco Giants - 2052 and beyond...

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November 2051: A New Era

After 24 seasons as GM and Manager of the Royals (https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...d.php?t=355474), Colin Stewart was enjoying watching his players continue to excel and was excited to see how their careers played out. After the Royals matched his best regular season record, 122-40, but got bounced in the ALCS, Stewart was intrigued to see what that meant for the squad and wasn’t in any rush to get back into the day-to-day.

When leaving the Royals, he knew he wanted a new challenge and that he wouldn’t take over another team in the American League out of respect to the Royals franchise that had lauded him over the past two decades plus of service, as well as paying him over $40m. He had thought that bringing a first World Series of the save to a team would be a good challenge, which meant that he had a shortlist of six National League clubs that had not won a World Series since 2024:

• Chicago Cubs
• Miami Marlins
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Washington Nationals

In bringing glory to a struggling franchise, though, four of those ballclubs had not even appeared in the World Series in that time and that is the list of clubs that Stewart expected to be tempted to join if the chance arose:

• Miami Marlins
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• Washington National

So, as the offseason started, Stewart was interested to have a look at the available jobs in Major League Baseball.



Amazingly, or perhaps not based on their lack of success over the last 27 years in this world, three of the four clubs were open to Stewart taking on the GM and Manager roles at their clubs. Miami and Pittsburgh were the greater challenges based on market size, and both were offering a 3-year contract to come on board. Philadelphia offered a huge market with fan interest of a reasonable level but were only willing to give Stewart 2 years of runway to turn the team around. The Marlins (82-80) and the Phillies (85-77) both had winning records in 2051, while the Pirates were a lowly 74-88.

Looking to the future when taking over a team, the state of the farm was an interesting consideration. The Phillies and the Pirates were fairly similar, sitting 11th and 12th respectively, with a couple of top 50 players each and a further three in the top 100. The Marlins had one top 50 and one top 100 to sit down in 22nd.



However, one of the ballclubs with an offering happened to be Stewart’s childhood club and offered an intriguing 4th option. This club has only made the playoffs 7 times since 2022, although they did win the World Series in 2036. More recently, they haven’t made the postseason since 2047, and that year was their only appearance in the last 13 years.

They have a big market and very loyal fans, plus they were willing to give Stewart a 4-year contract. In 2051 they were the worst of the options, going 71-91.

With 5 World Series, Colin Stewart’s manager told him he didn’t need to apply for jobs – the market would come to him. So Stewart check his inbox to see who might really want to see him join their franchise.



Two of Stewart’s shortlist had made offers, the Pirates and his childhood team. The Pirates offered the shorter contract, the smaller market, but had a more successful season. They also had a better farm on paper. But could Stewart turn down his childhood team not knowing if the chance would come again. He simply couldn’t and so, despite their 71-91 record, and their 24th ranked (basically bare) farm system, Colin Stewart was headed to the Bay, to be the GM and Manager of the San Francisco Giants.



Stewart sat down with his new boss, Marquis Quivers, to set out plans for the coming years. Quivers has been the owner of the franchise since 2035. The Giants have made 4 trips to the postseason in the 17 years since, including bringing the ninth title to San Francisco in 2036.

An understanding owner, Quivers does prioritise profit but doesn’t get overly involved in the day-to-day decision making.

After several years of minimal goals from his previous owner, it is somewhat of a shock to Stewart to be presented with seven goals over the coming years!

None of the goals come as a major surprise with the only one that might not align with Stewart’s team building plan the acquisition of an MVP by 2054. The remainder of the goals come down to the simple tasks of acquiring good people and winning baseball games! Stewart doesn’t request any changes to Quivers’ desires so the goals for the years to come are set.

 

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As Stewart settled into his new office, the first order of business was a review of his staff. The obvious hole is in the quality of coaches across all levels:



Only two coaches with even Good ability to teach Hitting or Pitching is a problem. Only the Giants PC Raul Brito is under contract for more than 2 years so a wholesale clear out is likely.



At the manager level the cupboard is almost as bare although High-A Manager Steve D’Amico looks like the type of Manager Stewart is looking for while Graham Spraker has an acceptable profile for a AAA Manager. Hyun-jun Kim has a three-year contract so might survive in the short term.



Bench Coach Carson Sands has a strong profile, including his Legendary teaching IF. His only downside is his Smallball manager style, which could cause some issues with Stewart’s style of letting his Bench Coach make in-game decisions.

Neither Jesus Petit nor Cristian Murillo are irreplaceable although both offer some ability in defensive teaching which may save them this season.



One good, one bad on the auxiliary positions. Scouting Director Eliazer Montero is perfectly adequate and his 4 year contract at $795k means replacing him this season would be expensive. Marc Silvers, however, offers very little upside other than a relatively cheap contract. It also last four years which might provide him some safety, as might the fact that Stewart is not expecting to be contending this year and so injury prevention is lower on the priorities than it might be later in his tenure.

Following that evaluation, and a quick review of the available Personnel market, the Giants coaching structure at the end of Stewart’s first day as GM looked very different.

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Day two of Stewart’s time in the job and today’s focus is the Major League roster. One major change in his switch from Kansas City to San Francisco is the differing overall and potential evaluation method of the two organisations. While the Royals favoured the star system, the Giants use the 20-80 for overall and potential as well as for individual ratings.



Joey Haigh is a familiar face, the 2042 15th round pick by the Royals, has been the starting Catcher for the Giants for the last two years. An elite blocker and framer means that he has added value each of the last two years (1.6 / 2.2 WAR) despite putting up only 79 and 88 wRC+. He will still be on a minimum salary contract in 2052 and so provides a high floor, if limited ceiling, in the short term.

There are two other Catchers on the 40-man roster, a home-grown Scouting Discovery in Luis Llana along with a 2050 Trade Acquisition Alejandro Dilillo. Both players are, like Haigh, glove first catchers. Llana is rated more highly with superior blocking and arm, although Dilillo has the superior framing. They appeared in 57 games between them, both putting up negative WAR. Dilillo is Arbitration Eligible for the first time this offseason, looking for $2.4m while Llana will still be on a league minimum contract.

Llana brings a captaincy personality to the roster but his bat is unplayable at the Major League level, so the most likely outcome appears to be Haigh, backed up by the marginally more playable Dilillo.

There are no players here that are part of the Giants long term future.



The Giants have 14 INF on their 42-man roster, and six of them are limited defensively to 1B. In terms of roster construction that leaves a lot to be desired for a GM that values defensive ability.

Amongst that list are three players over the age of 30 – former Royal Juan Minnelli, 2046 Trade Acquisition Chris Curp, 2049 Independent League purchase Kurt Campbell. Minnelli is due $31.5m in 2052 with a TO for the same amount in 2053 which has a $3.8m buyout attached, while Curp signed a two-year $12.1m extension in May. Campbell, meanwhile, would be on a league minimum contract next year. Each player has one rating above average, Campbell best rating is contact, Curp has some power and Minnelli some gap power. That gap power is the only one that is a plus rating but his now below average speed negates that advantage somewhat. Stewart would love to move on from all three but those long term contract, especially Minnelli’s, are likely to be tough to move on with the mediocre

That leaves three under-30 players but there is little excitement amongst that group except the fact they are all on league minimum salaries. Vince Temple has an above eye but is average at everything else with little scope for growth, Kevin Dobbs adds some above average gap power to that profile while Ignacio Calas has no power or walk drawing ability but has the potential for plus contact although with a current overall 30 grade seems to have been promoted far too early.

The only player listed at 1B who is not limited to that role is a player who played more games than anyone else at 1B this past season, Chris Foley. The 2051 Free Agent Signing can play 1B and 2B and had 500+ IP at both positions, the most of any player at each. Foley signed a 5-year, $52.5m contract last offseason with the last year a PO and profiles as average across the ratings board.

Performance wise last season, Curp was the only player to produce over 1 WAR, indicating the lack of options on the current roster.

In addition, to Foley, there are four further players capable of playing 2B. Joe Nitrini has been with the Giants since being acquired from the Pirates in 2042 and is an elite defender at 2B and SS. The pending Free Agent is very limited with the bat, his gap power and eye the only ratings viewed as even average. He is a captain of the team but a three-year $45m contract is one Stewart would rather not sign. He is QO eligible but, with that $15m annual ask the Giants have concerns that he will accept if offered. Nat Krueger came over from Washington in 2051 and is another captain personality. He has average contact and power, with above average gap power, paired with plus speed, and a below average eye. He performed well in limited time after his acquisition and is arbitration eligible this offseason. Jeff Olson, a 2049 trade acquisition from the Dodgers, has plus gap power, with plus-plus speed, average contact and power but a below average eye. He is another captain personality and will be on a league minimum contract but is fragile. Finally, W. Chesney, other Dodgers trade acquisition from 2049, had a second cup of coffee in the big leagues this year. He is average across the board with potential for some growth in gap power but is yet to show the ability to stick in the big leagues.

Danny Zellefrow was the Giants starting 3B, and managed to hit over 100 OPS+ despite another average set of ratings across the board. The trade acquisition from Tampa Bay is fragile and is entering his arbitration years. Juan Correa was a 2046 International Amateur signing who is now on the 42-man roster but is a fair distance from being Major League ready after a season in A+ where he had a 79 OPS+.

Joel Hudson, the last of the infielders, is the diamond in the Giants rough. The 32nd ranked prospect in baseball, Hudson is an 80-grade SS, which he pares with average contact and plus (potential plus-plus) gap power and plus-plus speed. He is a sparkplug and is the only player Stewart sees as locked in to a starting role in 2052.



Juan Zetino was the Giants starting LF and put up 1.9 WAR with a 113 OPS+. Arbitration eligible for the first time, the elite glove means the 2043 International Amateur is likely to return to the Giants. Eddie Joy, a 2050 Free Agent, started in CF for the Giants and despite plus-plus gap power and plus speed was a below replacement level player in 2051 with an inability to make contact. A 50-grade glove means his bat doesn’t show enough and the Giants would wish for an upgrade this winter. David Balderas, 2048 Trade Acquisition, played RF and produced 2.1 WAR with his average contact and eye to go with plus-plus gap power and above average speed. Another elite glove, Balderas is arbitration eligible for the first time.

Sergio Miranda was the 4th outfielder but is another who struggles to make contact. His plus-plus gap power is complemented by above average speed which helped him record over 1 WAR. He enters his second year of arbitration with the Giants having to make a decision soon.

Wilfred Polo (2045 International Amateur) is the #61 prospect in baseball and made his debut with one appearance after putting up a 130 OPS+ at AA. The Giants would prefer him to start the season in AAA to continue his develop.

Jeff Pohlman (2049 Trade) and Edgar Rosa (2051 Trade) are both below average major leaguers on league minimum salaries who the Giants are unlikely to retain on the 42-man roster with their lack of production or ratings.

Luis Castro (2048 Trade) is on the 42-man roster but hasn’t appeared above A+ yet so has some seasoning needed but could be a second division starter when fully developed.
Position Players Initial Thoughts

Locked In for 2052

C JOEY HAIGH

1B Chris Curp
1B Juan Minnelli
2B Chris Foley
3B Danny Zellefrow
SS Joel Hudson

LF Juan Zetino
RF David Balderas

Options / Trade / DFA

C Alejandro Dilillo
C Luis Llana
1B Kurt Campbell
1B Vince Temple
1B Kevin Dobbs
2B W. Chesney
2B Nate Krueger
2B Jeff Olsen
LF Jeff Pohlman
CF Edgar Rosa
CF Eddie Joy
RF Sergio Miranda

Free Agents

2B Joe Nitrini (QO eligible)

Prospects to develop in Minor Leagues

1B Ignacio Calas
3B Juan Correa
LF Wilfredo Polo
LF Luis Castro



Moving onto the Pitchers and this would likely be classed as the strength of the Giants in 2051. The top of the rotation was strong with 2050 Free Agent Signing, former Royal, Cason Willard putting up 4.3 WAR as he led the league in K/9. However, there are signs his ability is declining with only average stuff and movement and the Giants are committed to another three years at $33.5m before a final year which is a Vesting Option. There are options for the Giants to get off his contract which will be one of the big early decisions for Stewart.

Edgar Castillo was acquired from the Marlins before the start of the season and did well putting up 2.7 WAR behind a 0.7 HR/9 rate. His plus movement but below average stuff and control played well in San Francisco but the 30-year old is looking for a 6-year $24.8m AAV extension that doesn’t interest Stewart. He is, however, QO eligible and the Giants will almost certainly make that offer, hoping it is declined.

Andy Frederick, the 2047 2nd Round pick is the coming ace of this staff. Above average stuff and movement with average control, he still has potential to improve both his stuff and control. A 5.5 WAR season shows his value and the Giants will gladly pick up his first year of arbitration cost of $5.25m.

The Giants 4th starter was their 2046 1st round, 2nd overall pick Chris Ulmer. Ulmer was in his third year in the Major Leagues and had a 141 ERA+ in his 19 GS. However, on July 14 he tore his rotator cuff and this ended his career. A devastating injury for the player and a giant hole punched in the Giants rotation.

Rob Clauss, a 30 stamina RP, started 10 games for the Giants as they mixed and matched. Of the remaining SP classed players on the 42-man, only Juan Peralta has much to offer – the 2045 1st round pick showing average movement and control with stuff that could reach a similar level with his five pitches and high-90s velocity. He has pitched in parts of three seasons in the majors and Stewart is likely to let him start the year in the rotation in 2052 on a league minimum contract.

Juan Medina, Mike Teague, and Jaheem Cushingberry are all RP at best and all should struggle to stay on the roster heading into next season.

Moving onto the bullpen, and the Giants were light on arms in 2051 with only nine additional arms on the 42-man roster. Only three pitchers have the plus stuff that Stewart values in his reliever arms. That group is led by 2047 8th rounder Rickey Martino who is in his second year and has a plus stuff, along with average movement and control. Josh Parker was a 12th round pick in 2046 but has carved out a solid role for himself, with plus stuff and average movement making up for below average control. He is also on a league minimum contract next year. Finally, Alex Shockley was acquired from the Cubs in 2046 and, while is below average in HRA, his plus stuff and average control give him some value. He is entering his arbitration years so the Giants will have to decide how much value.

Sean Falk is the only other RP with an average overall, the former Reliever of the Year recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Another impending Free Agent, Falk is QO but is only looking for $2m a year for three years so the Giants will be letting him hit free agency.

There is little else to note in the reliever ranks with a mix of arbitration eligible and minimum contracts making up a set of players who have no long term future in San Francisco

Locked in for 2052

SP Andy Frederick
SP Juan Peralta
SP Cason Willard
CL Rickey Martino
RP Josh Parker

Options / Trade / DFA

SP Jaheem Cushingberry
RP ROB CLAUSS
RP Jesus Espinoza
RP Juan Medina
RP Lane Mouland
RP Alex Shockley
RP Prince Speech
RP Mike Teague


Free Agents

SP Edgar Castillo (QO)
RP Jake Chouinard
RP Sean Faulk

Overall, the San Francisco Giants roster is a mess. Looking long term, only SP Andy Frederick, SS Joel Hudson, and CL Rickey Martino seem pieces worth building around which is a pretty meagre haul. In addition, they have three 1B players signed to guaranteed money in Juan Minelli, Chris Foley, and Chris Curp. The positive news is that beyond those three only SP Cason Willard is guaranteed money after this 2051 season, so the books are reasonably clear, especially once Minnelli’s contract comes off in 2052.

 

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Having reviewed the current 42-man system, and found little inspiration, task three for Stewart was a review of the Minor Leagues to see what the future was looking like down on the farm.



Looking at the top twenty prospects in the Giants system is a sobering moment for Stewart. At the Royals he would consistently have 20+ players ranked in the top 200 in all of baseball; in San Francisco, that number is 2 with only 9 ranked inside the top 500 (for the Royals that number is 38).

One pitcher makes that Top 500 list – 2046 Scouting Discovery Juan Montoya, a three pitch 21-year old who might end up with average stuff and movement to go with below average control. There are a few high stuff, potential relievers in the system in 2047 19th round pick Darron Dougherty, 2048 7th rounder Chris Gordon, 2050 Scouting Discovery Wilfredo Guerra, and 2049 International Amateur Arturo Valera but that is clutching at straws somewhat.

That does mean the Giants have two positional players in the top 100, with LF William Polo and 2051 1st round pick Beau Wartel. Beyond that there are only two players that catch the eye – SS T.J. Racey and CF Chris Connor. Racey (2049 10th Round) has plus-plus potential contact to go with potential above average gap power and plus speed. However, he has little chance at sticking at SS and has a below average eye potential and no power at all. Connor (2048 16th Round) has potential plus contact and eye although little power. He is another that won’t stick at a premium defensive position and has the negative behaviours in all of the personality categories, a potential clubhouse cancer.

Looking at the Giants draft history, Stewart reviewed the top five picks of the last 6 years to see the Giants hit rate. The biggest takeaway was the frequency with which the Giants have lost early draft picks, with the franchise not have a single year where they had 5 picks in the first five rounds. Coming from the Royals, where Stewart often had supplementary picks to have more than 5 picks in the first 150 this was a shock.

2046
C. Ulmer (1) SP MLB RETIRED 6.8 WAR
D. Alexander (2) RP IND RELEASED
D. Lebeaux (3) SP AAA
L. Mouland (4) RP MLB 0.2 WAR

2047
J. Peterman (1) RP MLB TRADED 0.8 WAR
A. Frederick (2) SP MLB 12.2 WAR
P. Bruder (5) SP MLB WAIVED

2048
J. Dillon (1) 1B A+ TRADED
M. Meadows (2) 2B A+ RELEASED
S. Boyd (3) SS A
C. Chovan (4) 1B IND RELEASED

2049
J. Hudson (1) SS MLB 2.6 WAR
G. Pineda (2) 3B R RELEASED
S. Feister (5) SP A+

2050
G. Heaton (1) LF R
M. Marez (2) 1B R
G. Brough (4) RP A
E. Ritz (5) SP R

2051
B. Wartel (1) 2B R
J. McCarron (2) 3B R
R. Petric (4) SP R
L. Crespo (5) 1B R

Overall, 2048 excepted, the Giants have hit on a quality MLB player every year which is a good return rate from the picks they have had. The problem has been that lack of picks, with only 22 picks in the first five rounds in six years. This past draft saw several college draftees so Stewart is somewhat disappointed that none made their professional debut, all left in Rookie ball to see out the season.

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Personnel

The Giants filled out their coaching structure through the month of November, as Stewart overhauled a system that had failed to produce enough talent over the last five plus years.

Wednesday, November 8th , 2051
Signed Hitting Coach Jonathan Taveras to a 5-year, $900,000 per year contract.
Signed Assistant GM Juan Fonseca to a 5-year, $250,000 per year contract.
Signed 3B Coach Webb Little to a 5-year, $380,000 per year contract.
Tuesday, November 7th , 2051
Signed Pitching Coach David Flores to a 5-year, $655,000 per year contract.



Awards

Joel Hudson was the only winner for the Giants as he was voted Great Glove winner at SS in his rookie season. Two other Giants received consideration, as Josh Parker came 5th in Reliever of the Year voting and Andy Frederick 6th in the Cy Young Award.

AL Great Glove
NL Great Glove SS Joel Hudson SF
AL Platinum Stick 2B Juan Montelongo (2) KC | David de Anda (2) KC | Mike Gronkiewicz (3) KC
NL Platinum Stick
AL Manager of the Year Hector Figueroa KC
NL Manager of the Year Jimmy Lambert ARI
AL Reliever of the Year Juan Anaya KC
NL Reliever of the Year Jurgen O’Malley ATL
AL Rookie of the Year Alexis Renderos DET
NL Rookie of the Year Santiago Castro LAD
AL Cy Young Braden Montalbano KC
NL Cy Young Keondre Dampier (3) WAS
AL MVP Mike Gronkiewicz KC
NL MVP Dave Morrison LAD

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

The Giants brought back the majority of the arbitration eligible players in Stewart’s first offseason as none were requesting unpayable money. That is likely to not be the case next offseason. The Minor Leagues pending free agents were not given the same leniency as the Giants chose not to renew the contracts of 38 players, decimating those squads and leaving a lot of rebuilding needed in free agency.

The big move of the offseason was honouring an extension previously offered to SP Andy Frederick. A 6-year deal takes him through his age 31 season which is a good re-evaluation point for both sides, although with the final three years paying $31m Frederick will have to pitch well to see out that contract.

Thursday, November 9th , 2051
Signed RP Rob Clauss to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,900,000.
Signed RP Prince Speech to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,980,000.
Signed RF Sergio Miranda to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,800,000.
Signed 2B Nate Krueger to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,000,000.
Signed RP Alex Shockley to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Signed SP Andy Frederick to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $131,800,000.
Friday, November 10th , 2051
Signed C Alejandro Dilillo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,400,000.
Signed LF Juan Zetino to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,600,000.
Signed RF David Balderas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,100,000.
Monday, November 13th , 2051
Signed 3B Danny Zellefrow to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,400,000.
Sunday, November 26th , 2051
RP Peyton Burrill becomes a free-agent.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

The biggest surprise of pre-free agency for the Giants was the decision by Edgar Castillo to accept the QO. Looking for 4-years at almost $100m the Giants felt safe in the assumption that a compensatory pick was coming their way. Instead, Castillo will be part of their Starting Rotation moving forward.

Sunday, November 26th , 2051
RP Juan Medina was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
RP Mike Teague was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
SP Edgar Castillo accepted a 1-year qualifying offer worth a total of $18,900,000.

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Alejandro Castanon, 16 year-old CF out of Cuba
Alejandro Castanon is a long, lean athletic center fielder who was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. He has a perfect swing and projects to challenge for batting titles in the future. His speed allows him to stretch his hits. As a center fielder he provides adequate defense. Castanon could develop into a productive regular on a contending team.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Alfredo Nolasco, 16 year-old 1B out of Colombia
Lean and athletic, Alfredo Nolasco hails from Barranquilla, Colombia. He has plus power potential. He has a good swing. He won't likely set records, but could hit for a .270 batting average. He has good patience at the plate and knows his strike zone well. Scouts project Nolasco to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Luis Burgos, 17 year-old RHP out of Colombia
Lean and athletic, Luis Burgos hails from Bogota, Colombia. He projects to throw a four-pitch mix that includes a swing-and-miss fastball, a swing-and-miss changeup, a good cutter, and a good sinker. His pitches have plenty of movement that should help to keep the ball in the park. Burgos has the makings of a future ace.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Ernesto Aguilar, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Andres Bedoy, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Esteban Gardea, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Fiorello Gregoretti, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Juan Herrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Gilberto Ledezma, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Ezequiel Molano, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela

Transactions

Among several Scouting Discoveries, Stewart made his first move as Giants GM on November 7th as he claimed Jody Huber off waivers from Tampa Bay. This is the first step in trying to build up what was a bullpen seriously lacking in quality.

Tuesday, November 7th , 2051
RP Jody Huber was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay.
Friday, November 17th , 2051
Signed international amateur 3B Alexis Vargas out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Monday, November 20th , 2051
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Miranda out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, November 21st , 2051
Signed international amateur CF David Esqueda out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, November 29th , 2051
Signed international amateur LF Jesus Quezada out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.



Around the League

Retirements

Sunday, November 5th , 2051
Seattle Mariners: RF Bob Crimi retired from professional baseball.

Miami Marlins: SP Mike Spence retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Sam Horowitz retired from professional baseball.
Chicago White Sox: SP Javonta Janzen retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: RF Evarado Camacho retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: RF Zhi-gang Seah retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: 2B Amari Alabre retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: C Billy Groff retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: CL Frank Miranda retired from professional baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Released RP Sergio Plaza.
Philadelphia Phillies: Released RP Alexis Soto.
1B C.J. Will retired from professional baseball.
1B Ezequiel Canelas retired from professional baseball.
RF Danny Lindsey retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: LF Brigs Gillette retired from professional baseball.
1B Mike Kotwica retired from professional baseball.
RP Jesus Maravilla retired from professional baseball.
SP Juan Quintana retired from professional baseball.
RP Alexis Velazco retired from professional baseball.
SS Jorge Velasco retired from professional baseball.
SP Josh Gilbert retired from professional baseball.
SP Ernesto Cuellar retired from professional baseball.
RF Luis Tapia retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: RP Mauricio Delgado (AA Binghamton) retired from professional baseball.
C Dylan Netherland retired from professional baseball.
1B Jadon Knowlin retired from professional baseball.
C Kevon bin Saleem retired from professional baseball.
1B Ed White retired from professional baseball.
Kansas City Royals: RP Jake Fulmer (A+ Quad Cities) retired from professional baseball.
C Phil Desjarlais retired from professional baseball.
RP Conner Harrow retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: SP Chris Ulmer retired from professional baseball.
LF Andrew (Tank) Auman retired from professional baseball.
LF Tim Woodings retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: RP David Delgado (A+ Greenville) retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: RP Jesus Subia (A+ Spokane) retired from professional baseball.
RP Takaaki Yamamoto retired from professional baseball.
RP Juan Mendoza retired from professional baseball.
LF Kazuho Nakayama retired from professional baseball.
LF Takuzo Harada retired from professional baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Retired #23 in honor of Mike Spence.

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International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

None of the players exceeded my previous expectations.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Alfredo Nolasco, 17 year-old 1B out of Colombia
Lean and athletic, Alfredo Nolasco hails from Barranquilla, Colombia. He has plus power potential. He is an advanced hitter for his age. He has plenty of bat speed and does a great job of squaring up the ball. He projects to have a keen batting eye. Scouts project Nolasco to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Gilberto Ledezma, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
6' 5" Gilberto Ledezma is an intimidating presence on the mound. He should feature a nasty curveball as well as an off the charts sinker at his peak. When he's on he's unhittable, but he's susceptible to the long ball and wandering command. If everything comes together Ledezma has the talent to pitch at the top of the rotation.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Ernesto Aguilar, 17 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Luis Burgos, 17 year-old RHP out of Colombia
Juan Herrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Ezequiel Molano, 17 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Andres Bedoy, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Alejandro Castanon, 16 year-old CF out of Cuba
Esteban Gardea, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Fiorello Gregoretti, 17 year-old SS out of Venezuela

Draft Lottery

Major League Baseball announced today the results of the draft lottery for the upcoming MLB Rookie Draft. The first 6 draft picks have determined to belong to the following teams. Other teams will draft in order of standings.

1. San Antonio Avalanche (7)
2. Chicago Cubs (5)
3. Boston Red Sox (2)
4. Houston Astros (3)
5. San Francisco Giants (4)
6. Colorado Rockies (8)

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

It was quiet on the trades front for the Giants as of the players on long term contracts and therefore on the block (the exception being Andy Frederick) only Cason Willard brought any interest and none of the offers brought a quality return so the Giants stayed put.

The Royals added their four, potentially average, Rule 5 Eligible players to the 42-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft and designated 5 players for assignment.

That gave them space for an active Rule 5 Draft, where they picked up five players who will have the chance to earn a roster spot on Spring Training.

42-man Roster Additions/Removals

Wednesday, December 6th , 2051
RP Jesus Espinoza was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
LF Jeff Pohlman was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
CF Edgar Rosa was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
1B Vince Temple was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
1B Kurt Campbell was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed CL Darron Dougherty on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 2B Johane Felcio on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CL Chris Gordon on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SP Juan Montoya on the secondary (42-man) roster.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Sunday, December 24th , 2051
Drafted SP Jesus Barbosa in the 2051 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 4, 4th overall Pick) from the Boston Red Sox.
Drafted SP Andres Castro in the 2051 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 4, 34th overall Pick) from the San Antonio Avalanche.
Drafted 2B Frank Garras in the 2051 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 4, 64th overall Pick) from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Drafted 2B Ernesto Pantoja in the 2051 Rule 5 Draft (Round 4, Pick 4, 94th overall Pick) from the Minnesota Twins.
Drafted LF Ed Janiczek in the 2051 Rule 5 Draft (Round 5, Pick 4, 124th overall Pick) from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Development Lab Update

Midway through the development lab programmes and the Royals have five of twelve at least on track with the remaining players frustrated. Stewart leaves all 12 in the lab to see out the programmes.

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Franchise Decision

The start of the new year saw the Giants eliminate one of their DSL Minor League teams. Having two teams led to many mediocre players spending their 18-21 years underperforming in the Royals system and Stewart wishes to avoid this. By concentrating the talent into one roster he hopes to create a competitive, winning environment.

Financial Update

As we get closer to the start of the season, I have reviewed the team's financial state as of this moment.

As a reminder, you have $242,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

You may review all your financials on your front office page .

Good Luck!
Marquis Quivers

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Luis Burgos, 17 year-old RHP out of Colombia
Lean and athletic, Luis Burgos hails from Bogota, Colombia. He projects to have a repertoire that include a wicked fastball, a wicked changeup, a wicked cutter, and a good sinker. He pounds the zone and has good movement on his pitches which should help keep the ball in the park. Burgos has an excellent pitch repertoire, which should allow him to become a great starting pitcher.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Juan Herrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Juan Herrera is a long, lean athletic first baseman who was born in Cabrera, Dominican Republic. He possesses impact-type power potential. He shows a good knack for barreling the ball with a compact, clean swing, helping him to spray the ball around the field. As he matures he is expected to provide above average defensive value. Herrera is an elite big league first baseman.

Fiorello Gregoretti, 17 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Fiorello Gregoretti hails from Barcelona, Venezuela. He possesses impact-type power potential. He has solid speed on the basepaths. His eye grades out as above average. Scouts project Gregoretti to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Ernesto Aguilar, 17 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Alejandro Castanon, 16 year-old CF out of Cuba
Andres Bedoy, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Esteban Gardea, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Gilberto Ledezma, 17 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Ezequiel Molano, 17 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Alfredo Nolasco, 17 year-old 1B out of Colombia

Transactions

Along with several international scouting discoveries, the Giants made two major moves in January.

The first was adding some more pitching depth with the signing of Bobby Daniels on a one-year contract for $1.2m. It is a low risk signing for the Giants, acquiring a former 4th Round Pick who might provide some adequate innings pitched while also retaining one option year if things don’t go well.

Secondly, the Giants used all of their International Bonus Pool money on 17-year old Colombian SP Luis Burgos. The RHP is an extreme groundballer who might top out at 96-98 MPH. He projects plus speed, plus-plus movement and above average control with a 4-pitch arsenal. He is developed enough to go straight into the Giants DSL team, with the expectation (hope) that he might overpower that league.

Wednesday, January 3rd , 2052
C Luis Llana was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Saturday, January 13th , 2052
Signed free agent SP Bobby Daniels to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Sunday, January 14th , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Santiago Portales out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Thursday, January 18th , 2052
Signed international amateur CF Julio Parra out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Saturday, January 20th , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Luis Burgos out of Colombia to a minor league contract with a $4,750,000 signing bonus.
Promoted international complex member SP Luis Burgos to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Tuesday, January 23rd , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Castillo out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, January 31st , 2052
Signed international amateur C Lazaro Moreira out of Chile to a minor league contract.





Minor League Transactions

Promoted international complex member CF Gilberto Campos to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 1B Jesus Guajardo to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Meyer Riske to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RF Sergio Arreola to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Mauricio Carrillo to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Sergio Flores to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 3B Luis Orona to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Jesus Salazar to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 2B Pippino Morales to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Hidehiko Ishida to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Sent C Meyer Riske from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Rookie League San Francisco (ACL).
Promoted C Juan Morales from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C Lupe Bencomo from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 2B Sergio Esparza from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Ignacio Lizama from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Domingo Ayala from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Rogelio Duenas from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C Juan Camargo from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C David Leyva from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 1B Esteban Medina from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 1B David Rede from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 2B Arturo Amaya from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Andres Almaguer from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Nelson Loera from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SS Abraham Landeros from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SS David Ovalle from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted LF Juan Centeno from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted LF Andres Solorza from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Luis Florez from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RF Luis Montes from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RF Jesus Rebeterano from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Juan Franqui from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Jorge Ramirez from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Luis Barba from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Juan Caldera from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Alejandro Espinosa from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Ismael Gamez from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP David Pacheco from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Luis Pita from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Sergio Soberanis from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Andres Vargas from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Rodolfo Vega from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Juan Velarde from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Luis Villegas from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CL Jorge Viteri from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Jorge Rodrguez from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SP Chris Wilburn from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Juan Casanova from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Jeronimo Cymbron from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Juan Dorame from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Albert Espinoza from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Luis Jacome from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Mike King from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Jonas Mendiguren from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Brad Nolt from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Jeremy Polycarpe from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Mike Rudolph from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Zach Toop from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RP Jorge Trinidad from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CL Greg Ward from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C Ed. Collins from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C Tim Rains from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted C Chris Teale from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 1B Dan Kline from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Alejandro Murillo from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Juan Orellana from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted SS T.J. Racey from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted LF Luis Aguirre from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Jeremy Breidenstein from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Chris Conner from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Dave Gross from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Jorge Urquidez from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted CF Tommy Warren from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RF Jahiem Risper from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted LF Gianvito Heaton from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted RF Steve McIntire from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 1B Mike Roberts from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Jovaugh McCarron from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 3B Josh Otto from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Promoted 2B David Cabillas from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose.
Sent SP Rif Benado from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Eric Gay from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Nate Hudson from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Jorge Rodrguez from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Domingo Ayala from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Luis Barba from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Juan Caldera from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Juan Casanova from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Luis Chapa from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Jeronimo Cymbron from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Erasmo Molina from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP David Pacheco from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Theodorich Radetzky from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP David Salas from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Andres Vargas from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Ignacio Vial from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RP Luis Villegas from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CL Chris Gordon from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C Lupe Bencomo from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C Ed. Collins from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C Mike DuBois from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C Luis Guerra from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C David Leyva from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent C Juan Morales from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 1B Fidel Aguiar from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 1B Juan Aguirre from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 1B Esteban Medina from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 1B Lucca Parelli from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 2B Sergio Esparza from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 2B Juan Magana from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 2B Federico Soto from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 3B Juan de los Santos from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 3B Nate Feil from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 3B Juan Mendoza from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 3B Juan Orellana from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SS Steve Boyd from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SS Abraham Landeros from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SS David Ovalle from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent LF Luis Garnica from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent LF Luis Padilla from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent LF Andres Solorza from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CF Darnell Baptiste from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CF Chris Conner from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CF Rodolfo Flores from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CF Dave Gross from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent CF Jorge Urquidez from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RF Albert Cepeda from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RF Jorge Espinoza from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RF Luis Montes from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 1B Dan Kline from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent 3B Josh Otto from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent RF Jahiem Risper from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Jesus Piedra from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Joe Clark from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Sent SP Chris Wilburn from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene.
Promoted SP Chris Burdick from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted SP Jorge Gaitan from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted SP Juan Montoya from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Santiago Alarid from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Steve Canty from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Luis Chapa from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Santiago Gallegos from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Dong-chan Kim from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Erasmo Molina from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Juan Noriega from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Theodorich Radetzky from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Andres Ramirez from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP David Salas from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Luis Sotelo from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RP Ignacio Vial from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted CL Darron Dougherty from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted C Mike DuBois from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted C Luis Guerra from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted C Jaykob McCusker from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Fidel Aguiar from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Juan Aguirre from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Gabino Galindo from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Jesus Matos from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Lucca Parelli from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 1B Luis Silva from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 2B Rory Brown from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 2B Juan Magana from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 2B Federico Soto from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 3B Mike Carpenter from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 3B Juan Correa from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 3B Juan de los Santos from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 3B Nate Feil from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted 3B Juan Mendoza from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted SS Ben Thomas from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted LF Alfredo del Rio from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted LF Luis Garnica from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted LF Luis Padilla from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted LF Jonathan Prine from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted CF Darnell Baptiste from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted CF Alfredo Figueroa from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted CF Rodolfo Flores from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted CF Julian Noordijk from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RF Albert Cepeda from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RF Jorge Espinoza from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted RF Sergio Mendivil from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted C D.J. Gardner from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted SS Steve Boyd from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted SP Deshawn Haymer from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted LF Mike Fennema from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted C Liann-wei Weng from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted C David Godinez from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Demoted 2B Juan Estrella from Double A Richmond to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL).
Promoted LF Jonathan Prine from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Juan Montoya from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted CL Darron Dougherty from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP D'Marion Pasek from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Jorge Gaitan from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Kevin Olinger from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Deshawn Haymer from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted RP Dong-chan Kim from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Arturo Orona from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted RP Alexis Soto from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted RP Maikel van Vliet from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Promoted SP Chris Burdick from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Released C David Leyva.
Released C Juan Morales.
Released C Luis Guerra.
Released C Tim Quesinberry.
Released 3B Juan de los Santos.
Released 2B Federico Soto.
Released 3B Ben Veliz.
Released 1B Juan Aguirre.
Released 3B Juan Mendoza.
Released 1B Jesus Matos.
Released 1B Lucca Parelli.
Released 1B Luis Silva.
Released CF Domingo Portillo.
Released RF Luis Tlatenchi.
Released LF Jesus Salazar.
Released CF Luis Florez.
Released CF Jorge Urquidez.
Released RF Jorge Espinoza.
Released CF Rodolfo Flores.
Released RP Luis Santibanez.
Released RP Luis Parra.
Released RP Ponce Gallegos.
Released RP Frank Navarro.
Released RP Jesus Rangel.
Released RP Ismael Gamez.

Around the League

Disappointed by the lack of recent success and a below-average fan support, Jon Flake, owner of the Minnesota Twins, has decided to pack their bags and move the franchise to Columbus. The team will be called the Columbus Road Warriors, and a new color scheme and uniform has been revealed already.

Baseball fans in Columbus celebrated all day after the announcement, looking forward to big league baseball in 46700-seat Road Warriors Field.

Hall of Fame

There are two former players inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2052, with Joe Kohl receiving 82.9% of the vote in his second time on the ballot and Mike Miler being inducted at the 3rd attempt with 76.8% of the vote. Josh O’Neill, in his first year, gets over 70% of the vote which will likely see him inducted next year while Bobby Witt Jr. polls in the 60s again but now only has 3 more years on the ballot to find the extra 10% he needs for enshrinement.

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Development Lab

Joel Hudson has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Juan Peralta has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his secondary pitch.

Wilfredo Polo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Beau Wartel has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his plate discipline.

Eddie Joy has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his quality of contact.

Lane Mouland has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his secondary pitch.

Juan Correa has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

• No noticeable changes.

Ignacio Calas has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his plate discipline.

• Current eye rating improves by 5

Luis Castro has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his two-strike approach.

• Current avoid k's rating improves by 5

Kevin Dobbs has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power. While Kevin Dobbs had a good training session, he already appears to have reached his potential, and had no room for further improvement. Moreover, it did not seem to unlock any new potential within him either.

• Current power rating improves by -5

Rickey Martino has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to increase his pitch movement.

• Potential movement rating improves by <5
• Current movement rating improves by 5

Andy Frederick has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his pitch control.

• Potential control rating improves by 5
• Current control rating improves by <5

Transactions

Stewart added four non-roster invites to Spring Training, with a combination of roster challengers (CF Kevin Simpson and C Ernesto Jurado), prospects needing a challenge (CF Chris Connor), and depth (LF Mike Berger).

Friday, February 2nd , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Maestas out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Friday, February 9th , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Luis Aguilar out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Thursday, February 15th , 2052
Signed international amateur SS Luis Cisneros out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Friday, February 16th , 2052
Signed international amateur C Luis Barrios out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Thursday, February 22nd , 2052
Purchased the contract of RP Darron Dougherty from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of 2B Johane Felcio from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of CL Chris Gordon from High-A Eugene.
Purchased the contract of SP Juan Montoya from Triple A Sacramento.
Recalled 1B Ignacio Calas from Double A Richmond.
Recalled LF Wilfredo Polo from Triple A Sacramento.
Recalled LF Luis Castro from Double A Richmond.
Recalled 3B Juan Correa from Double A Richmond.
Invited non-roster CF Kevin Simpson to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster C Ernesto Jurado to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster CF Chris Conner to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster LF Mike Berger to Spring Training camp.

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Major League Predictions

It is predicted to be a bleak year for San Francisco as they are predicted to repeat a 71-91 year with a -27 run differential. A lack of offense is the expected problem with the Giants predicted to score more runs than two National League teams, neither of whom are expected to win 70 games. Stewart thinks this is a floor prediction for a team that, while not substantively different, does have more upside than the inherited roster.

The NL West is expected to be the strongest division in the NL with two 90+ win teams in the Rockies and the Diamondbacks, with the fourth placed Padres predicted to be challenging for a Wild Card sweep for the division.

Unsurprisingly, no Giants appear in top three hitter or pitcher lists although T.J. Nooks, Stewart’s former Royal is expected to have another great year for the Dodgers.



Over in the American League, the Royals juggernaut built by Stewart shows no sign of slowing down as Kansas City is predicted to win 118 games. No other team in the league is expected to win 90 games, showing the dominance of this ballclub. Mike Gronkiewicz is expected to have a leading season with the bat while both Steve Fairwell and triple crown winner Bradon Montalbano featuring on the pitcher list.



Opening Day Lineup

The Giants end up with several platoons which means every player that makes the opening day roster will start against either RHP or LHP, with the exception of back up catcher Alejandro Dilillo.

The Royals made some tough choices at the end of Spring Training with the most difficult being trading 2B Jeff Olsen. He was the last cut and was out of options. The Royals found a willing trade partner in the Padres, getting three prospect pitchers in return, all of whom have at least a chance of making it to the big leagues in the coming years.

The big surprise was non-roster invite Keven Simpson winning a platoon spot in CF, along with offseason acquisition Ed Janiczek. Those two are joined by Rule 5 acquisition Ernesto Pantoja as the three new faces on the roster – hardly a revolution, which may help explain the limited expectations for this group.



Spring Training Roster Moves

Assigned C Ernesto Jurado from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 1B Kevin Dobbs to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 1B Ignacio Calas to Double A Richmond.
Optioned 2B Johane Felcio to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 2B W. Chesney to Triple A Sacramento.
Released former Rule 5 draft pick 2B Frank Garras, returned to original Organization Milwaukee Brewers.
Traded 27-year old 2B Jeff Olsen to the San Diego Padres, getting 25-year old minor league RHP Juan Valderrama, 22-year old minor league RHP Dan Caines, and 24-year old minor league RHP Jaedeyn Hogan in return.
Optioned 3B Juan Correa to Double A Richmond.
Assigned LF Mike Berger from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned LF Luis Castro to Double A Richmond.
Optioned LF Wilfredo Polo to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned CF Eddie Joy to Triple A Sacramento.
Assigned CF Chris Conner from Spring Training camp to High-A Eugene.

Opening Day Pitching Battery

The starting rotation has two new faces from last years with 2045 1st round pick Juan Peralta earning Stewart’s faith to earn a starting rotation place. Rule 5 acquisition Jesus Barbosa takes the second spot and, while raw, has the potential to learn on the job.

In the bullpen, there were fewer tough decisions to make although there will be three new faces – waiver claim Jody Huber in middle relief, free agent signing Bobby Daniels and Rule 5 acquisition Andres Castro in long relief.



Spring Training Roster Moves

Optioned SP Juan Montoya to Double A Richmond.
Optioned RP Darron Dougherty to Double A Richmond.
Optioned CL Chris Gordon to High-A Eugene.
RP Prince Speech was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.

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SF Top Prospects

It’s a much better looking Giants farm system after one offseason, with most of the development coming internally. The top prospect, however, is the offseason International Amateur acquisition, Luis Burgos, who goes straight into the top 15 of prospects. There are four further top 100 prospects, albeit all ranked 85-99, and then three Top 200. That is quadruple the number of top 200 prospects while top 500 prospects has jumped from 9 to 20. Four of those players are offseason acquisitions starting in the big leagues this season, and are all the Rule 5 draft signings.



MLB Top Prospects

C Juan Rivas from the Brewers is the clear standout for the coming season as he opens the season on the Brewers team, although CF Rodolfo Lara is overdue his chance with the Royals and SS Nelson Arellano will be hoping to get a chance with Rays ML team.



MLB Farm Systems

The improvement in prospect rankings for the Giants sees them leap from 24th to 17th in the annual farm rankings, a solid improvement in 5 months and one Stewart will hope to accelerate through the draft.

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MLB Standings

The start of the Stewart era in San Francisco couldn’t have got off to a much better start with a 21-9 record giving them the best record in baseball through the month of April.

Stewart is not naïve enough to think this is a reflection of where this roster stands but does believe the moves made over the winter have left the team better than the 71-91 predictions.



San Francisco Schedule

A month of impressive results but perhaps nothing as positive as the 8-2 record against NL West opponents, critical wins if the Giants are going to compete with the Rockies and Diamondbacks.



San Francisco Stats



As expected it is the pitching staff doing the heavy lifting for the Giants with the positional players no better than average through the first month of the season.



There are success stories amongst the average hitting corps though, with Nate Krueger and Danny Zellefrow everyday players with a wRC+ above 145. Jaun Minelli has been even worse than feared and that is a contract the Giants are excited to lose at the end of the season.



Cason Willard is leading the pitching charge, a 5-0 record from 6 GS with a 73 FIP- the same Cason Willard Stewart remembers from Kansas City. Andy Frederick has an 85 FIP- to be chasing Willard while only Jesus Barbosa has a FIP- above league average among the starters. In the bullpen, an early arm to watch is Jody Huber, his 136 FIP- coming from a HR/9 over 1.5 and a BB/9 rate over 6. He will get another month but the RP waiver wire could be the Giants friend.

Transactions & Injuries

The Giants pitching depth is tested early as they lose two RP (Rob Clauss and Josh Parker) for 5-6 and 1 week respectively, as well as SP Edgar Castillo for 7 weeks. Last man out Prince Speech is recalled for Clauss while offseason minor league free agent signing Eric Mason is called up and activates his $2.5m contract for the season.

On position players Chris Curp sprains his ankle running the bases and will miss 6 weeks, giving Kevin Dobbs a chance as he is recalled from AAA and will be the everyday 1B.

Wednesday, April 3rd , 2052
RP Rob Clauss was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained forearm. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Recalled RP Prince Speech from Triple A Sacramento.
Monday, April 15th , 2052
SP Edgar Castillo was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: rotator cuff strain. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Eric Mason from Triple A Sacramento.
Tuesday, April 16th , 2052
1B Chris Curp was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, April 18th , 2052
1B Chris Curp diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 6 weeks.
Recalled 1B Kevin Dobbs from Triple A Sacramento.
Sunday, April 21st , 2052
RP Josh Parker was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Signed international amateur SP Sergio Herrera out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, April 24th , 2052
RP Josh Parker diagnosed with a dead arm, will miss one week.
Signed international amateur 3B Ernesto Delgadillo out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.

Minor League News

Eugene Emeralds fans believe they've got a talented young star in Chris Herman.

He did nothing to dissuade that notion in April, as he hit .349 with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

The end result was the second baseman being named the Northwest League Batter of the Month.

The Pitcher of the Month has been chosen and the Northwest League trophy went to Eugene hurler, Jorge Rodrguez.

During the month, Rodrguez was impressive with a 2.82 ERA and 3 wins and 1 loss. In 22.1 innings he struck out 33 and gave up 19 hits and 5 walks.

For a rookie just breaking in, Luis Castro certainly put together a successful month. It was good enough to win the EL Batter of the Month award for April.

The 23-year-old left fielder for the Richmond Flying Squirrels hit .282 with 5 home runs, 13 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

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MLB Standings

The Giants sit in the first Wild Card spot, 4 games behind the Diamondbacks in the division. The Royals are back to the top of the baseball world, at 41-17.



San Francisco Schedule

A tough month dropping 5-6 to Arizona and getting swept by the Marlins as they lose the last game of the month to end up with a losing month.



San Francisco Stats



The Giants pitchers have dropped down to 4th in ERA as the bullpen has struggled with injuries. On the batting side, the team have dropped to the bottom half of the league in most rankings, giving a slightly more accurate reflection of where this programme stands.



A tough month for Joel Hudson and Juan Zetino cues the Giants struggles, although Joey Haigh continues his strong power season, another 5 HR for the month.



Andy Frederick has a strong month with an 81 FIP- although Jesus Barbosa continues to struggle although manages a positive WAR for the month. In the bullpen, only Rickey Martino impressed with every other bullpen arm having a FIP- above league average. The Giants hope this is simply a poor month but an eye is constantly on the waiver wire now.

Transactions & Injuries

The Giants take several injuries but nothing as serious as losing Cason Willard for the season. Willard was either going to help a massively over achieving season or be an attractive trade bait at the deadline. Now, he will be neither and the Giants are left to hope he returns the same player. Former Royal is called up when Danny Zellefrow is injured, while Josh Parker will miss 3 weeks with a sprained ankle, Rob Clauss coming back from injury just in time to take his place.

Saturday, May 11th , 2052
SP Cason Willard was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, May 13th , 2052
3B Danny Zellefrow was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: separated shoulder. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SS Juan Bernal from Triple A Sacramento.
Tuesday, May 14th , 2052
SP Cason Willard diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 7-8 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Donte Lebeaux from Triple A Sacramento.
Thursday, May 16th , 2052
Sent RP Rob Clauss to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Thursday, May 23rd , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Johão Castro out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Friday, May 24th , 2052
RP Josh Parker was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, May 27th , 2052
RP Josh Parker diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 3 weeks.
Recalled RP Rob Clauss from Triple A Sacramento.
Wednesday, May 29th , 2052
Sent 1B Chris Curp to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.

Minor League News

It's official. BNN writers have voted Chris Herman of the Eugene Emeralds the Northwest League Batter of the Month award for May.

During the month he recorded a .392 average with 12 home runs, 39 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

Thus far this year, Herman has hit .375 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs. 

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Mid Season Review



Team Record:
I know I said you didn't have to be one of the top teams in the league this year but if you push the team a bit harder during the latter part of the year, anything is possible. Do your best to keep it up.

Acquire a player:
Did you think that sneaking in Jesus Barbosa would appease me in my request to bring in a Most Valuable Player Award winner? I guess he's better than nobody, but I strongly suggest you keep working the phones.

Increase Attendance:
I can't say I'm too disappointed with the increase of attendance so far. I know things can pick up in the second half as well. You may not complete this goal this year, but if we can get a few more families out I have faith that you'll get to my target on time.

Build your farm:
I was hoping to get this team to a top-6 minor league system, and I can see that you're not quite there yet. You've built up a great pool of players, but we're one or two guys away from being truly dominant.

Improve Team Chemistry:
The team is in rough shape. Hope you have a plan for improvement.

Improve your fan interest:
Fan engagement has bottomed out. What do you plan to do about it?


During our time working together, I have been ecstatic with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. I feel similarly about your handling of the team's on-field and front office management.

Minor League Farms

The midseason updated farm system rankings see the Giants take a jump into the top ten. Luis Burgos, this year’s International Amateur signing, is the 4th best prospect in baseball, while 2051 1st round pick Beau Wartel is top 50 and 2045 International Amateur Wilfredo Polo top 100.

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MLB Standings

The Giants are holding on to a wild card spot as the Diamondbacks head off into the distance, 8 games up in the division. The Giants have half a game on the Rockies with the Pirates 2.5 games back in the Wild Card race.



San Francisco Schedule

Another mixed month as the Giants lost series against the Dodgers, Mariners, and Brewers in a sweep, while the Rockies also took a series at Oracle Park. On the plus side, the Red Sox, the Rangers, the Astros, and the Brewers were all defeated.



San Francisco Stats



The hitting continues to get worse while the starting rotation is the best in the league.



Both Joel Hudson and Juan Zetino had much improved months but the infield in general struggled mightily.



Jesus Barbosa is in danger of losing his spot with another below league average month while Andy Frederick continues to hold it all together for the Giants with another strong month. The bullpen is falling apart though, only Bobby Daniels and Rickey Martino with FIP- below 100. Just about every bullpen arm is replaceable and the Giants will continue to monitor the waiver wire.

Transactions & Injuries

Another raft of injuries for the Giants in July after a good news start that saw SP Edgar Castillo and 3B Danny Zellefrow head to Sacramento for an injury rehab.

Zellefrow can’t seem to stay fit though as he suffered a strained hamstring before a fractured thumb ruled him out for 4 weeks.

The big move of the month came when Chris Curp came to the end of his injury rehab. Kevin Dobbs had an above league average bat while replacing Curp and with Curp 32 and having two more years of contract, Stewart took the chance to move on. Adding in 2051 CF Eddie Joy who had not been near the ML roster this year, allowed the Giants to acquire CF Sergio Ibarra from the Orioles. Ibarra, was a 2047 International Amateur signed by the Giants and traded in 2049 for current RP Prince Speech. A plus defender in the corner outfield and a passable CF, Ibarra has the potential for average contact to go with above average power. He will take Joy’s position in AAA.

Saturday, June 1st , 2052
Sent SP Edgar Castillo to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Saturday, June 8th , 2052
Sent 3B Danny Zellefrow to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Monday, June 10th , 2052
RP Rob Clauss was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about one week.
SS Juan Bernal was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Recalled 3B Danny Zellefrow from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of RP D'Marion Pasek from Triple A Sacramento.
Tuesday, June 11th , 2052
3B Danny Zellefrow was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 weeks.
Wednesday, June 12th , 2052
SP Juan Peralta was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, June 14th , 2052
SP Juan Peralta diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis, is day-to-day for one week.
Recalled SP Edgar Castillo from Triple A Sacramento.
Monday, June 17th , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Brody Hanbridge out of Australia to a minor league contract.
Sent RP Josh Parker to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Traded 32-year old minor league 1B Chris Curp and 26-year old minor league CF Eddie Joy to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 23-year old minor league CF Sergio Ibarra in return.
Assigned SS Juan Bernal to Triple A Sacramento.
Assigned CF Sergio Ibarra to Triple A Sacramento.
Sunday, June 23rd , 2052
3B Danny Zellefrow was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: fractured thumb. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Recalled 3B Rogelio Tafoya from Triple A Sacramento.
Monday, June 24th , 2052
Signed international amateur SP Alejandro Roybal out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, June 25th , 2052
RP Alex Shockley was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: dead arm. He's expected to miss about one week.
Wednesday, June 26th , 2052
Sent RP Rob Clauss to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Friday, June 28th , 2052
Optioned RP D'Marion Pasek to Triple A Sacramento.
Placed SP Juan Peralta on the active roster.

Minor League News

Beach balls were coming in at Chris Herman in June and he banged, bashed and blasted them all over the park, putting up a .360 batting average and hauling in the Northwest League Batter of the Month trophy.

The 22-year-old Eugene second baseman collected 32 hits last month in 25 games. He put up 8 home runs, 20 RBIs and 20 runs scored. Herman also drew 13 walks and compiled a .462 on-base percentage.

On the season, Herman is batting .369 with 26 home runs and 77 RBIs. He has played in 67 games.

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A top ten pick is only the second of Stewart’s career. The first was Jimmy Goodman and Giants fans would be delighted if 2052’s draft has a 14-year MLB career with 35.9 WAR and 5 GG and 1 PB Awards.

The player that Stewart selects to attempt that success will do so off the mound. He is another college player, going back to Stewart’s early year blueprint and comes out of Auburn University. Pete Lamar is a 21-year old junior groundballer, with a fantastic personality. He only has average stamina, but projects to have plus stuff, movement and control from a four pitch combination and a mid-90s velocity. He will start in A ball and his floor means he should be more than capable of excelling at that level.



The Giants had 6 six in the first five rounds, the first time they have retained all their picks since 2045 when they also had 6 picks. That draft brought both Juan Peralta and Jaheem Cushingberry to the Giants although the Giants will be hoping for higher ceilings from Lamar and his fellow first five rounders:

• Round 2, Pick 4 – SP Chris Varrone, age 18 out of high school
• Round 3, Pick 4 – SS Eric Rooker, age 21 out of college (North Carolina State University; Raleigh, NC)
• Round 3, Pick 15 – CF Tyrese Yeboah, age 18 out of high school
• Round 4, Pick 4 – C Tim Custer, age 18 out of high school
• Round 5, Pick 4 – SS Jeremy Mills, age 23 out of college (Coker University; Hartsville, SC)

The Giant signed all 21 of their draft class, with signing bonuses to an additional three players outside the top six, all out of high school – 7th round CF Bob Chace, 8th round 1B Jamie LaFerney, and 9th round SS Joby Biggs.

The Giants will start all of their college players in A Ball with all of the High School graduates heading to Rookie Ball. In addition to Lamar, Rooker, and Mills, 6th round RP Ricky Eggett and 12th round RP Greg Brinson will hope for an accelerated journey to the big leagues.

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