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.