We've officially entered 2022 and despite their being no end in sight for this player lockout, spring training workouts are tentatively scheduled to start in 6 weeks.
Obviously, the mid-February reporting dates for MLB clubs is in jeopardy of being pushed back if no agreement is made within the next couple weeks, but I'd imagine talks to start heating up here in January.
Although the two sides are a ways off in discussions, I don't think anybody wants to risk pushing the season's start date. Once business is back to normal we should expect a flurry of moves similar to what we witnessed at the end of November.
The Giants, as they stand now, have at least two big needs that they still would like to address once this thing ends. Those two glaring needs are a top-of-rotation starting pitcher and a middle of the order bat most likely in the form of an outfielder. Of course if the universal DH is brought to the NL like anticipated, it would open up another avenue for them to acquire that hitter. Second base is still an area they could look to upgrade at and they may be in the market for additional starting pitching depth as well.
As we stand now though in early January, if the Giants are unable to make any other significant moves to their roster before spring training starts, they would likely be entering 2022 with the following bunch.
Starting Rotation: RHP Logan Webb, RHP Anthony DeSclafini, LHP Alex Wood, RHP Alex Cobb, LHP Sammy Long/RHP Tyler Beede
Bullpen: RHP Camilo Doval, LHP Jake McGee, RHP Tyler Rogers, RHP Dominic Leone, LHP Jose Alvarez, LHP Jarlin Garcia, RHP Kervin Castro, RHP John Brebbia/RHP Zack Littell.RHP Hunter Harvey
Catcher: Joey Bart, Curt Casali
Infield: Brandon Belt, Tommy La Stella, Brandon Crawford, Evan Longoria, Wilmer Flores, Thairo Estrada
Outfield: Mike Yastrzemski, LaMonte Wade Jr., Austin Slater, Darrin Ruf, Steven Duggar
On the bubble: IF/OF Mauricio Dubon, OF Jaylin Davis, OF Heliot Ramos, IF Jason Vosler
As you can see, a number one or two starter would be great enabling everyone to bounce back a spot and move Long/Beede into insurance policies rather than every fifth day guys.
In the outfield, I don't really know who would be the third starter vs. right handers. Obviously Yaz and Wade would have spots and I assume they'd probably role with Duggar, but it would be ideal to find that someone they could pencil into the lineup daily and not have to platoon. I do like the possible depth this team has on their bench though, a testament to them being able to weather the 162-game season last year.
The Giants have much of the same bunch returning for 2021. Obviously, no Posey or Gausman, and they're still in the process of filling those voids, but everything else looks nearly identical.
One other guy they're missing from 2021 though is Donovan Solano. He had his ups and downs last season but was one of the best offensive second basemen in baseball during 2020 and was still a clutch hitter Kapler could turn to late in a game. Hopefully Estrada and/or Dubon are able to fill that void. I also wonder if Flores could see more reps at second this spring to prepare him for a possible role over there during the season. It would be a good way to get his bat into the lineup consistently vs. left-handed starters.
The bullpen is the only area of the team I'm not really expecting them to seek upgrade. I would definitely like another experienced late reliever come in and help shorten ballgames but the Giants seem to be more than content with the mesh of youngsters and veterans they have assembled the last two seasons. Doval will be the closer with McGee and Rogers being the main 7th/8th inning guys.
Although they won't get to run it back with the same exact squad that won them 107 games in 2021, they're not far off. They're not the team they were with Posey and Gausman yet, however. You have to assume the Padres being better in '22 and the Dodgers aren't going anywhere. They're going to need a little more firepower to keep up with those guys but I think they'll eventually find it.
Comments