Major League Predictions
The changes the Giants have gone through in the postseason are loved by the computers as they are predicted to be the best team in the National League, winning their third consecutive NL West division title by double digit games. The Nationals and the Mets are the only other 90-win team in an exciting East race, while it is predicted to be even tighter in the central with the Reds ending the Cardinals run as St Louis are predicted to crash to the bottom of their division.
The Royals will be the only 90-win team in the AL according to the computers, and they’ll be the best team in baseball with 109 wins and a 20th consecutive AL Central to reach two decades of dominance, fired to that record by David de Anda and Mike Gronkiewicz. The Blue Jays are predicted to the win the East behind the top two pitchers in the division in Bobby Durham and Tyrese Brazil while the Mariners take the AL West.
Opening Day Lineup
Final cuts spring some surprises with outfield duo Steve Freese and Luis Castro not making the cut. Castro is out of options and is designated for assignment, being claimed by Toronto. Freese will be an elite glove waiting in AAA. Frank Calleja earns a place on the roster for the first time and he is joined by offseason trade acquisition David Rojo, traded from the Royals.
The big surprise, though, is that Kevin Dobbs misses out on the final 28 as Juan Magana earns the opening day 1B role, with Gabino Galindo’s prowess against LHP enough to earn him the DH slot at the expense of Dobbs.
Spring Training Final Roster Cuts
Optioned CF Steve Freese to Triple A Sacramento.
RF Luis Castro was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Assigned 3B Guadalupe Barajas from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned 1B Kevin Dobbs to Triple A Sacramento.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
It’s a reimagined starting rotation in 2055. The Giants signed two-time Cy Young winner Josh Webb only to lose him to a 5-month injury during Spring Training. That will see Nate Hudson, 2048 10th round, and Jorge Ramirez, 2048 Scouting Discovery, taking the #4 and # starter positions.
In the bullpen there are fewer surprises, with LHP Josh Medaris earning a place after missing all last season due to injury, while offseason acquisition Nate Brodt will start in AAA.
Spring Training Final Cuts
Optioned RP Jorge Rodrguez to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned RP Jesus Barbosa to Triple A Sacramento.
Assigned RP Nate Brodt from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.
Assigned RP Dan Namken from Spring Training camp to Triple A Sacramento.