San Francisco Giants - 2052 and beyond...

[benp28]

[benp28]

[benp28]

The Giants take a 4.5 G lead into the All-Star Break, both in the division and for the best record in the National League. The NL East is very tight, with the Braves holding a half-game lead, while the Cardinals are building a strong position in the Central.

The Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels both have 60+ W already, and lead the Central and West respectively while the Yankees have a big lead in the East, although already looking like hosting a WC Series is their best hope.



2054 sees 4 Giants named to the All-Star Game, two pitchers and two position players. Andy Frederick is named an All-Star for the third time, while David Silva makes his debut after a strong first half of the season has seen him pitch 55.1 I with a 1.46 ERA.

Among the hitters, it is a 2nd consecutive selection for Ernesto Pantoja, who earns the start at 2B while 3B Steve Boyd receives his first selection for a 118 wRC+, 2.3 WAR first half of the season.

SP Andy Frederick (SF) - 9-3, 2.17 ERA, 116.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 3.6 WAR
RP David Silva (SF) - 5-0, 1.46 ERA, 55.1 IP, 0.76 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 0.8 WAR
2B Ernesto Pantoja (SF)* - .300/.370/.520, 333 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 146 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
3B Steve Boyd (SF) - .253/.310/.474, 367 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 118 wRC+, 2.3 WAR

Stewart’s former charges earn seven All-Star selections between them, with familiar names ixed with some new faces from the farm that Stewart left behind.

SP Braden Montalbano (KC)* - 12-3, 2.91 ERA, 120.2 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 3.6 WAR
RP Juan Anaya (KC) - 4-3, 2.34 ERA, 50.0 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Randy Wambolt (KC) - 3-1, 1.94 ERA, 46.1 IP, 0.99 WHIP, 13.2 K/9, 2.0 WAR (Injured)
CL Jared Baynes (KC) - 4-2, 24 SV, 1.54 ERA, 41.0 IP, 1.02 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, 1.9 WAR
C Nelson Saiz (KC) - .261/.338/.477, 283 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 121 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
2B Juan Montelongo (KC)* - .306/.398/.550, 271 AB, 15 HR, 19 SB, 154 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
CF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC)* - .314/.407/.536, 140 AB, 7 HR, 21 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.0 WAR (Injured)

Five players from the San Francisco farm earn a Prospects All-Star selection, with Beau Wartel headlining the group with his 3rd consecutive selection. Hitting in A ball now, Wartel will be hoping to make steady progress through the ranks from here, with a September stint in AA not impossible.

SP Luis Burgos (SF-A) - 3-3, 2.12 ERA, 80.2 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 1.8 WAR
SP Greg Ward (SF-AAA) - 8-4, 3.79 ERA, 102.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 1.6 WAR
CL Ricky Eggett (SF-AAA) - 1-3, 3 SV, 4.35 ERA, 20.2 IP, 1.40 WHIP, 13.5 K/9, 0.3 WAR
2B Beau Wartel (SF-A) - .253/.330/.449, 312 AB, 14 HR, 4 SB, 124 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Ramiro Corona (SF-R) - .329/.467/.514, 146 AB, 3 HR, 2 SB, 148 wRC+, 1.4 WAR

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The strong Giants season continues as they gain 2.5 G on the Diamondbacks coming out of the All Star Break with an 6-2 run to end the month.

The only 60-win team in the NL, the Giants have the 3rd best record in baseball, behind the 72-33 Royals, and the 69-36 Angels.



San Francisco Results

The Giants post-All Star Break schedule was an all-NL West look, as they took 2-3 in LA, before taking 3-4 against the Diamondbacks and then beating the Dodgers 9-7 to end the month.



San Francisco Stats



The pitching rotation leads the National League in a host of categories, most importantly ERA and Runs Allowed, while the positional players are giving elite defense while also putting up very respectable numbers across the board, only OBP and BB sitting outside the top 6.



It wasn’t the Giants best month hitting wise, with only Gabino Galindo truly excelling, a 174 wRC+ for the month which included a Player of the Week Award when he went 7-9.

The outfield is the real concern with not a single playing hitting better than league average, which the Giants will hope is simply a month slump.



A solid month all round for the pitchers, with only Juan Barboza among the starters, and Greg Hyder and Steve Feister in the bullpen performing worse that league average. Cason Willard struggled as well but his performance was split across starts and relief appearances.

The undoubted highlight of the month was a no-hitter pitched by Andy Frederick on the road against the Tigers. In an impressive outing that keyed the 1-0 Giants victory, Frederick had 9 strikeouts and surrendered 3 walks.

That no-hitter is the first in a Stewart-led team since Ethan Chafin in 2043, the first for San Francisco since Juan Villalvazo in World Series-winning 2036, and only the 54th since the save began in the 2024 season.

Transactions & Injuries

RP Josh O’Neal was the only serious injury during the month, missing 3 weeks with elbow inflammation while the big news is the return of Gianvito Heaton after his injury.

After optioning Chris Conner to AAA to make way for Luis Garnaca the clubhouse let Stewart know that Conner wasn’t Giants material. Stewart acted immediately, sending Conner to the Guardians for the mediocre return of a SS prospect in Guadalupe Manteca.

As the end of the month approached, Stewart was exploring options to strengthen the starting rotation and took a chance on 30-year old Chris Krupa who is in the last year of his $20m a year deal. This is a pure return but the return of some cash and AAA C David Baeza seemed a fair return for someone who could be a 3rd or 4th SP for the remainder of the season. That move saw Steve Feister optioned to Sacramento, and Cason Willard move into a RP role. The Giants are monitoring his IP, as he has reached 100 with an 180 IP vesting option not something the Giants can countenance.

Monday, July 6th , 2054
Sent LF Gianvito Heaton to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Wednesday, July 8th , 2054
Sent LF Luis Garnica to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Friday, July 10th , 2054
RP Josh O'Neal was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP Steve Feister from Triple A Sacramento.
Saturday, July 11th , 2054
Signed international amateur LF Luis Andrade out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Monday, July 13th , 2054
Placed LF Luis Garnica on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to 07/12/2054.
Thursday, July 23rd , 2054
Sent LF Luis Garnica to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Optioned LF Chris Conner to Triple A Sacramento.
Traded 24-year old minor league LF Chris Conner to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 23-year old minor league SS Guadalupe Manteca in return.
Purchased the contract of LF Gianvito Heaton from Triple A Sacramento.
Monday, July 27th , 2054
Traded 31-year old minor league C David Baeza and $5,000,000 in cash to the Texas Rangers, getting 30-year old RHP Chris Krupa in return.
Optioned RP Steve Feister to Triple A Sacramento.
Placed SP Chris Krupa on the active roster.
Friday, July 31st , 2054
Sent RP Josh O'Neal to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.

Minor League Promotions

Three former 1st rounders are promoted mid seasons as 2051’s Beau Wartel head to Eugene from San Jose, while 2053’s Jahsiiyah Garza heads from Eugene to Richmond and 2052’s Pete Lamar from Richmond to Sacramento. Chris Varrone, 2052 2nd round, joins Garza in being promoted to Richmond and both will hope to earn a September run in Sacramento.

Promoted CF Tyrese Yeboah from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 3rd Round
Promoted CF Dan Kisiel from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2051 15th Round
Promoted RP Jeff O'Neill from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 14th Round
Sent CF Jared Warshaw from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2051 6th Round
Sent 2B Beau Wartel from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2051 1st Round
Sent CF Ernnie Chafer from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2053 10th Round
Sent SS Mike Lloyd from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2053 4th Round
Sent SP Luis Burgos from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2052 International Amateur
Promoted 3B Eric Rooker from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 3rd Round
Promoted SS Juan Mendoza from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2053 2nd Round
Promoted RF Eric Stinson from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2050 16th Round
Promoted C Jimmy Slack from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2050 15th Round
Promoted RP Greg Brinson from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 12th Round
Promoted SP Jahsiiyah Garza from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2053 1st Round
Promoted SP Chris Varrone from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 2nd Round
Promoted SP Pete Lamar from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2052 1st Round
Released CF Dave Gross. 2048 15th Round
Released C Ed. Collins. 2048 13th Round
Released CF Alfredo Nava. 2050 International Amateur
Released RP Korbyn Guitar. 2053 19th Round

[benp28]

[benp28]

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The Giants are running away with the NL West and look set to go back-to-back as division champions for the first time since the 2035 / 2036 seasons. They are 9 G up on the Cardinals for the best record in the NL and still have the third best record in all of baseball, although the Royals and Angels look to be comfortably the best two teams this season.



San Francisco Results

A mixed month with some disappointing series defeats – 1-3 in Washington, and 1-2 in Milwaukee – but they also took a series in LA against the Angels so it’s hard for Stewart to be too disappointed, especially with the overall 15-12 record for the month.



San Francisco Stats





The bats continue to struggle as the season comes to a close, with only Kevin Dobbs and Ben Thomas really earning their corn this past month. The outfield continues to be a concern and September roster expansion may well see some new faces given some At-Bats to try to kickstart the efforts.



Not quite as dominant as July, it is still a good month with Chris Krupa settling in immediately with a 75 FIP- in his 5 GS, with 28.0 IP a solid if not spectacular return.

In the pen, Cason Willard was at least respectable, although Dan Caines and David Silva both struggled during the month.

Transactions & Injuries

Limited action from the Giants in August with just some roster management around the bullpen seeing some players moving around. This was necessitated by the return from injury of Josh O’Neal but, with September 1 rolling around, roster expansion shall limit the challenges of too many arms.

Sunday, August 2nd , 2054
SP Juan Barboza was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, August 3rd , 2054
SP Juan Barboza diagnosed with a strained hamstring, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Wednesday, August 5th , 2054
Signed international amateur SS Jesus Barrios out of Mexico to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, August 11th , 2054
RP Cason Willard was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Recalled RP Josh O'Neal from Triple A Sacramento.
Wednesday, August 12th , 2054
Signed international amateur SP Alexis Aguilar out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Friday, August 14th , 2054
SP Juan Barboza was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, August 15th , 2054
SP Juan Barboza diagnosed with a sore forearm, but will not miss any additional time.
Tuesday, August 18th , 2054
Signed international amateur SP Jorge Luna out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Placed SP Juan Barboza on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to 08/15/2054.
Placed RP Cason Willard on the active roster.
Friday, August 21st , 2054
Sent RP Eddy Trinidad to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Sunday, August 30th , 2054
RP Josh Parker was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.

Minor League News

Luis Burgos of Eugene had an outstanding August with a 3-1 mark and was chosen the Pitcher of the Month in the Northwest League.

He topped off the month with a 1.64 ERA in 6 starts, tossed 33 innings, fanned 33 and held opposing teams to a .164 average.

Checking out his stats for the season, Burgos has registered 3 wins and 2 losses in 7 starts, posted a 1.86 ERA, and struck out 39 batters in 38.2 innings.

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The Giants have secured the NL West, and the best record in the National League, as well as reaching 90 wins with a series to come. The rest of the National League is still up for grabs though, with the Mets and Nationals tied atop the East, and the Reds only half a game behind the Cardinals in the Central. The Wild Card spots are anyone’s guess with only 3.5 G separating the Diamondbacks and the Rockies, with four teams in between them.

There is less to play for in the American League, with all three division winners settled (including two 100-win teams) and four teams playing for the last two WC spots, although the White Sox and Mariners are strong favourites.



San Francisco Results

The Giants series against the Red Sox was one to remember as the Giants lost the Series after winning game one, but the two losses had the silver lining of still being the day the Giants clinched a postseason sport (23 September) and the day they won the division title (24 September).

The division title is the 2nd in a row, and 13th all time for the Giants.



San Francisco Stats





A better month for the position players, as three of the OF outhit the league comfortably, while the catchers finally had a better than league average month. The star, however, was Kevin Dobbs, the DH putting up a 275 wRC+ with 11 HRs and 20 RBIs as he went 28-73 to win the first Batter of the Month Trophy of Stewart’s Giants tenure.



The Giants are low on SP but the ones that are fit are doing a solid job, Chris Krupa proving his worth with 35 IP in 6 GS, while Greg Ward has stepped up to the rotation and is holding his own.

In the bullpen, only Mike Stark and Cason Willard were above league average in FIP-, and then only marginally with plenty of arms getting outings across the month and impressing.

Transactions & Injuries

The month started with an injury, as Josh Parker was diagnosed with a dead arm that would cost him 2 weeks and it didn’t improve. Andy Frederick suffered the same injury and, despite an initial one-week diagnosis, missed two weeks of action, while from the 20th-23rd the Giants lost both Juan Montoya and Jesus Barbosa for the season, with a torn meniscus and fractured coracoid bone respectively. The injury prone Eddy Trinidad once again suffered a serious injury, his season ended by elbow inflammation which likely signals the end of his Giants career.

The month had started positively with several promotions on roster expansion day, most excitingly for Stewart that of RP Ricky Eggett, the 2052 6th round pick becoming the first draft pick of the Stewart era to make it to the big leagues.

Tuesday, September 1st , 2054
RP Josh Parker diagnosed with a dead arm, will miss 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 2B Juan Magana from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of RP Ricky Eggett from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of SP Eddy Trinidad from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of SP Greg Ward from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of LF Luis Garnica from Triple A Sacramento.
Wednesday, September 2nd , 2054
Placed SP Juan Barboza on the active roster.
Thursday, September 3rd , 2054
Signed international amateur SP David Tamayo out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, September 9th , 2054
SP Andy Frederick was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: dead arm. He's expected to miss about one week.
Monday, September 14th , 2054
Placed LF Wilfredo Polo on the active roster.
Wednesday, September 16th , 2054
Andy Frederick has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another one week.
RP Eddy Trinidad was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, September 18th , 2054
RP Eddy Trinidad diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 7 weeks.
Sunday, September 20th , 2054
SP Juan Montoya was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, September 23rd , 2054
Signed international amateur C Jorge Palomino out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
SP Jesus Barbosa was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
SP Juan Montoya diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 4-5 months.
Thursday, September 24th , 2054
SP Jesus Barbosa diagnosed with a fractured coracoid bone in his shoulder, will miss 5 months.

[benp28]

The Giants take win the series against the Cardinals 2-1 but that tells one small part of the story of the NL final standings.

In the East, the Mets and Nationals couldn’t be separated, both finishing 84-78 with the Mets clinching the division (and a bye) by dint of a 7-6 regular season series victory. The Nationals have to be content with a Wildcard Series on the road against the Diamondbacks, who ended up with the second best record in the NL, but were 7 G back of the Giants and homefield advantage for that WC Series is their only reward. In the Central, the Cardinals had lost the first two games of their series against the Giants to fall one game behind the Reds. Down 4-1 in the top of the 9th, it looked like their season was over until PH Luis Arrequi hit a GS off Mike Grudzinski which, coupled with the Reds losing, allowed the Cardinals to steal the division, their 7th in a row, and set up a home WC against their division rivals.

Over in the American League, there were no surprises as the Mariners and the White Sox secured the final two WC places, both finishing three games ahead of the Astros.

[benp28]

Stewart’s current and former team top their respective leagues to earn byes into the Division Series, and they are joined by the Angels and the Mets. The Giants will face the winner of a Washington-Arizona Wild Card Series, the Giants and Nationals having last met in 2014, with the Diamondbacks and Giants never facing off in the postseason.

[benp28]

It’s a sweep of sweeps in the Wild Card Series, with three road teams coming causing upsets to advance to the Division Series. In the AL, the Road Warriors are the only home team to advance, eliminating the Mariners to set up an all-AL Central series with the Royals while the White Sox make it three Central teams by taking out the East-winning Yankees to face the Angels.

In the National League, the Reds make up for losing the Division battle to sweep the Cardinals and set up a series against the Mets, while the Nationals make up for their disappointment to eliminate the Diamondbacks and set up a series against the Giants.

The Giants won the regular season series 4-3, and hold the postseason edge (1-0) thanks to their 3-1 victory in the 2014 NLDS on their way to the World Series.

The Nationals are more balanced in make up with the 5th best runs scored and 7th runs against, versus the Giants 8th runs scored and best runs against total.

Their positional players are led by SS Ken Whitener, who averaged .293 and stole 29 bases while their power comes from RF Ernesto Chairez (25 HRs, 92 RBIs) and 1B Morton Henrik (24, 95).

On the pitching side, Blake Alcock only pitched 95 innings but had a 2.73 ERA and 3.1 WAR in 18 GS to lead the team while no other SP had an ERA below 4. It is an all RHP rotation, although former Royal SP Jeremy Ogans is a LHP in the bullpen, along with Andres Gonsales, who put up a 1.59 ERA as a specialist. Arturo Adan (2.73) and D.J. Parker (2.74) were the others to have an ERA under 3, while Luis Escobedo had 20 SV in 26 chances.

Game 1 in San Francisco: Andy Frederick vs Devin Massey (2048 Trade HOU)

• San Francisco wins 3-2 (11)
• Frederick: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Massey: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Jong-hun Hong (W): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Luis Escobedo (L): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• San Franciscio HRs: Wildredo Polo (3rd, 2R)
• Washington HRs: Rodolfo Miramontes (1st)
• Devin Massey (WAS) INJ pitching OUT pending
• 1-0 San Francisco

The Nationals took the lead in the top of the 1st as Rodolfo Miramontes hit his first HR of the postseason to put the National 1-0 up. The Giants answered in the bottom of the 3rd, a two-run bomb by Wildredo Polo putting them up 2-1. The top of the 4th saw the National immediately tie it up with Miramontes scoring the run, knocked in by Ernesto Chairez. Despite an injury to Devin Massey in the 4th inning, the pitcher duel continued as the game went into extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th, Sergio Ibarra hit a GW single to score Joel Hudson and give the Giants the lead in the series.

Game 2 in San Francisco: Chris Krupa vs Jamie O’Hara (2054 Waivers LAA)

• San Francisco wins 11-4
• Krupa (W): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• O’Hara (L): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R
• San Francisco HRs: Joel Hudson (2nd, 3R), Juan Ramos (7th, 2R)
• Washington HRs: Ken Taylor (7th, 2R)
• POTG: Wilfredo Polo (SF) 3-4, BB, 3 RBI
• 2-0 San Francisco

The Nationals once again struck first, this time going 2-0 up with both Ken Whitener and Ken Tayor hitting run-scoring singles. In the bottom of the 2nd, though, the Giants hit back as Joel Hudson hit a 3-run HR to give them the lead. They extended that lead with a further two runs in the 3rd, one in the 5th, and 2 in the 6th, 8-2 up at the start of the 7th. The Nationals closed the gap with Taylor’s 2R HR in the 7th, but Juan Ramos closed the door with his own 2R bomb in the bottom of the 7th. The Giants tacked on an additional insurance run in the 8th to make sure they take a 2-0 lead to Washington.

Game 3 in Washington: Greg Ward vs Blake Alcock (2052 Trade CWS)

• Washington wins 11-5
• Alcock (W): 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Ward (L): 3.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R
• San Francisco HRs: Ernesto Pantoja (7th)
• Washington HRs: Amari Nelams (2nd), Juan Flores (2nd), Morton Henrik (4th, 2R)
• POTG: Morton Henrik (WAS) 2-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI
• 2-1 San Francisco

Washington bounced back to keep the series alive with an 11-5 win. This was a cruise as the Nationals his two HRs in the 2nd inning to take an early lead, and built on that with one in the third, two in the fourth behind Morton Henrik’s HR, and then 5 R in the 5th, to lead 10-0. The Giants scored in the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings to make it 10-5, but a final run in the 8th for the Nationals meant this was never particularly close.

Game 4 in Washington: Juan Barboza vs Eytor Incio (2045 International Amateur)

• Washington wins 3-1
• Incio: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Barboza: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Juan Monterroso (W): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Mike Stark (L): 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Arturo Adan (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Washington HRs: Nelams (7th), Flores (7th)
• 2-2 Series Tied

The Nationals tie the series up behind a strong pitching performance. After early scoring had been the theme of the series, this one was scoreless until the bottom of the 5th, Fidel Rico scoring Juan Flores after the latter’s double. The Giants were able to tie it up in the 7th as Ben Thomas knocked in one run with a single. The Nationals did the damage in their half of the inning, though, with Nelams and Flores both hitting their second HRs of the series to give Washington that final 3-1 score. Player of the Game was SP Eytor Incio for his 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R line. The teams will head back to San Francisco for a Game 5.

Game 5 in San Francisco: Frederick vs Massey

• Washington wins 13-10 (14)
• Massey: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R
• Frederick: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R
• Monterosso (W): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Greg Hyder (L): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Jong-hun Hong (BS): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R
• Rickey Martino (BS): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• San Francisco HRs: Hudson (6th, 2R), Pantoja (8th, GS)
• Washington HRs: Chairez (2nd), Nelams (4th, 2R; 8th, 2R), Henrik (7th), Flores (14th, 2R)
• POTG: Amari Nelams (WAS) 3-7, 2 HR, 5 RBI
• 3-2 WASHINGTON WINS

The Giants are eliminated at home in the 14th innings as two relievers have blown saves to end the season on a very sour note. This time it was the Giants getting on top early, three runs in the bottom of the 1st a nice change from early game. The Nationals came back, though, with a Chairez HR in the 2nd and a 2R HR from Nelams in the 4th to tie the game up. The Giants took the lead again in the 6th, with Joel Hudson’s second HR of the series and, while the Nationals claimed one back through a Henrik HR in the 7th, they stretched ahead with another run in the bottom of the inning. Nelams hit his 2nd HR, another 2R shot, as part of a wild 5-run 8th for the Nationals to give them a 9-6 lead as Jong-hun Hong blew the save. Ernesto Pantoja hit a GS in the bottom of the 8th, though, to take the lead back from the Giants, who put reigning Reliever of the Year Rickey Martino on the mound to close out the game in the 9th. He couldn’t did it though giving up a run-scoring double to Nelams to send the game to extra innings. After the madness came 4 innings without scoring, before Juan Flores hit a 2R HR as part of a three-run inning that the Giants couldn’t overcome. Nelams had three hits, all of which knocked runs in, to take the player of the game award.

Series MVP: Amara Nelams (WAS) 7-21, 4 HR, 8 RBI

 

[benp28]

Having eliminated the Giants, the Washington Nationals go on to win their first World Series of the save and second all-time, after their first win in 2019. They were taken to the limit by the Mets, winning a road Game 7 to advance to the World Series, but swept the Road Warriors, winning the title with a 10-inning, 4-3 victory in Washington. The Road Warriors were making their first appearance in the World Series since moving to Columbus and will have to wait to end their WS drought that now stretches back 53 years, to 1991. They had made an impressive run to the AL Pennant, sweeping both the Mariners and incredibly the Royals, before overcoming the White Sox in seven, coming back from 3-2 down to win games six and seven at home.

San Francisco Post-Season Stats



One series of postseason action makes for a very small sample size but Joel Hudson, Gianvito Heaton, and Sergio Ibarra averaged less than a hit a game and with that return from one third of the line up success is tough to come by.



In the rotation, Andy Frederick had one good, one bad outing, while Greg Ward was the only other SP to struggle. The bullpen saw five MDs during a five game series which sums the situation up, with both Rickey Martino and Mike Grudzinski regular season performers who both had a 1:1 SD:MD ratio.

Minor Leagues



Post Season

Sacramento River Cats [AAA] missed the Playoffs by 3 games.
Richmond Flying Squirrels [AA] missed the playoffs by 8 games.
Eugene Emeralds [A+] won the Championship (threepeat).
San Jose Giants [A] lost in the 1st Round.
San Francisco (ACL) Giants Orange [R] missed the playoffs by 7 games.
San Francisco (DSL) Giants Orange [R] lost in the 1st Round.

The Emeralds go three-in-a-row in the Northwest League, bringing home the only title for the Giants in 2054, while only the A-Ball and DSL teams made the playoffs in a somewhat disappointing minor league season.

Owner Goals Review



Team Record:
I secretly hoped that you would make the playoffs, but I certainly did not expect it this year. I'm very happy with what you did with this team this year.

Improve team stats:
I told you that Home Runs was important to shore up, and I'm thrilled that you accomplished that. Glad to see we ended up 4th this year. Well done!

Acquire a player:
Great job acquiring Ernesto Pantoja. While I didn't specifically have him in mind when I sent you looking for a Most Valuable Player Award winner, he will fit the bill nicely.

Improve your fan interest:
Fan interest is growing. Keep working to improve it.

Improve your intl. amateur finds:
Thanks to you, we've developed a productive international pipeline. Good work!

Long Term:
You made the playoffs. I had set out a longer vision to bring a championship to San Francisco by 2060, and that time isn't up yet. You do know it's been 18 years since this franchise has won? That may not be as bad as some teams, but I think the fans are starting to wonder when the next one will come.

I am happy with your performance in accomplishing the goals I have given you. However, when I consider the on- and off-field success of the team, my overall mood with your performance is delighted.

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:

Sergio Lara, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Sergio Lara is a long, lean athletic center fielder who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He projects to be a very good contact hitter. His elite speed will benefit him on the basepaths. He does a great job at the plate working the count and frustrating opposing pitchers. If Lara fulfills his potential, he could make multiple trips to the All-Star Game.

Andres Rizo, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
6-foot-1 first baseman Andres Rizo is from Duvergé, Dominican Republic. He has the potential to display plus-plus power from the right side of the plate. He provides well above average defense. He should make pitchers work to get him out. Rizo has a high ceiling and projects well on the field and at the plate.

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:

Julio Ramos, 16 year-old SS out of Colombia
Julio Ramos is a long, lean athletic shortstop who was born in Medellín, Colombia. He has a great stroke and projects to hit for a high average. He should draw an average number of walks. Ramos has a considerable ceiling and can be a first division starter in the majors.

Juan Orozco, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Orozco hails from Dajabón, Dominican Republic. He could develop one of the best eyes in the game. He has the strength to put a charge in the baseball and hit an above average number of dingers. His contact potential grades out as average. Scouts project Orozco to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

[benp28]

Prospect Review

MLB Farm Ranking

The Giants slip to 3rd in the end of year Farm Rankings, although with 5 Top 60 prospects the future is looking good. World Series losers the Road Warriors have a scarily loaded farm though, with 3 Top 10, and 5 Top 25 prospects in their ranks.



San Francisco Prospects

It was another solid year of development for the Giants top prospects as all of the top 5 put up more than 2 WAR at their respective levels while no one in the top 10 put up less than 1 WAR. The year ends with the majority of the Top 20 sitting in A and above, so expect a raft of promotions to align those 2056 expected time of arrivals.



Personnel

The reward for back-to-back playoff appearances is a new, 5-year extension for Colin Stewart as his salary increases by $200k, back to the $2.8m he earned in the last years of his Royals contract.

The Giants extended all of their expiring coach contracts with only one departure as AAA Pitching Coach Onesimo Hernandez taking the decision to retire.

The Giants promoted AA Pitching Coach Brendan Smith to replace Hernandez but then went external to replace Smith, the Dodgers DSL Pitching Coach Jesus Quintana joining on a 5-year contract.

Retirements

The Giants had no major retirements beyond some Minor League Free Agent signings, but the same wasn’t true across the league as five clubs retired numbers to start the offseason while several former Royals called it a day, including SP Chad Johnston who retires to run for office.

Among retired numbers are two bona fide legends of the game in SS Vince Elkins and SP J.J. Tjepkema. Elkins ends a 20-year MLB career all spent with the Dodgers, putting up 98.7 WAR while winning 4 MVP Awards. Tjepkema spent 22 years in the majors, playing for four years with Elkins at the Dodgers as one of five teams he played for while winning a record 9 Cy Young Awards. Tjepkema recorded his 300th win this past season and that may have been the catalyst for him calling time as he recorded a 3.6 WAR season, taking his total to 115.4. He finishes with the 18th most wins in MLB history.

LF Chris Kern retired from professional baseball.
SP Chad Johnston retired from professional baseball.
SP Pete Bradford retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: LF Josh Mangan retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Art Putney retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: 3B Estanislau Covete retired from professional baseball.

Baltimore Orioles: C Bobby Hoverman (R Baltimore (FCL)) retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SP Mike Botsford retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SS Tommy Lilje (AA Portland) retired from professional baseball.
Chicago White Sox: 1B Russell Yabsley (R Chicago A (ACL)) retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: 1B Arturo Camacho (AA Chattanooga) retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Chase Facen (AA Chattanooga) retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: CL Chris Lokey retired from professional baseball.
Columbus Road Warriors: 3B Bob Bolnick retired from professional baseball.
Columbus Road Warriors: SP Bret Green retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: RP Ernesto Carranza (A Fayetteville) retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: RF Eddy Alfaro (AA Rocket City) retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: RP Zion Vilsaint retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: SP J.J. Tjepkema retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: SS Vince Elkins retired from professional baseball.
Miami Marlins: CF Eric Kirby (AA Pensacola) retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: RP Frank Cervantes (AA Binghamton) retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: RP Andres Figueroa (AA Somerset) retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: C Rogelio Rocha (AA Altoona) retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: CF Sergio Rivera retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: RF Pat Latiolais (AA San Antonio) retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: RP Sandoval Narigo (AA San Antonio) retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: SP Billy Henricksen retired from professional baseball.
Seattle Mariners: SP Aron Vega retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: CL Sean Faulk retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Skyler Reed retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: RP Jorge Zapien (AAA Round Rock) retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Mike Robbins retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Nam-seop Kim retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: C David Mota (AA New Hampshire) retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: C Jesus Aguilera (R Toronto (FCL)) retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: C Steve Fisher (AA New Hampshire) retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Luis Pineda retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: 1B Hunter Chaulk retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: SP Keondre Dampier retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: SP Ramiro Quezada retired from professional baseball.

1B Chris Foley retired from professional baseball.
1B Danny Coyle retired from professional baseball.
1B Jesus Black retired from professional baseball.
2B Arturo Padilla retired from professional baseball.
2B Chris DeBlieck retired from professional baseball.
2B Jorge Villarreal retired from professional baseball.
2B Juan Parra retired from professional baseball.
2B Mike Peterson retired from professional baseball.
2B Sergio Berrios retired from professional baseball.
3B Akiharu Onodera retired from professional baseball.
C Rogelio Guerra retired from professional baseball.
CF Arturo Caamano retired from professional baseball.
RF Jesus Rivera retired from professional baseball.
RF Sergio Miranda retired from professional baseball.
RP Andres Lugo retired from professional baseball.
RP Brody Hanbridge retired from professional baseball.
RP Brooks Ridler retired from professional baseball.
RP Chris Moriarty retired from professional baseball.
RP Ernesto Soriano retired from professional baseball.
RP Frank Cerna retired from professional baseball.
RP Jesus Huitzil retired from professional baseball.
RP Nelson Olivos retired from professional baseball.
SP Alejandro Luna retired from professional baseball.
SP Billy Wilger retired from professional baseball.
SP Colten Sullivan retired from professional baseball.
SP Daniel Coria retired from professional baseball.
SP Joe Spencer retired from professional baseball.
SP Mike Miller retired from professional baseball.

New York Yankees: Retired #39 in honor of J.J. Tjepkema.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Retired #26 in honor of Chris Lokey.
Atlanta Braves: Retired #14 in honor of Skyler Reed.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Retired #35 in honor of Vince Elkins.
San Antonio Avalanche: Retired #17 in honor of Sergio Rivera.

Owner Goals



Three new goals are issued for Stewart to work towards, two for the coming year, and one longer term. Achieving a winning record is certainly the goal for Stewart, while improving Stolen Bases is a desire but will be dependent on personnel. Stewart did have the option to change this goal for acquiring an All Star but backed off that to keep the priority as average. Extending Ernesto Pantoja at the end of his arbitration years is another-performance dependent decision, and is not due until 2057.

Of the existing goals, the increased fan interest goal comes to a close next season, with interest moving in a positive direction, while there are four years to complete the improvement in international finds currently on track and to bring home a World Series title.

Finances

Stewart’s successful managing of the finances see owner Quivers increase the budget once again, an extra $4m on top of the 2054 preseason increase taking the Giants to the 7th highest budget in baseball. On the back of the 3rd highest attendance across the league with over 3.25m fans attending a game, this is moving the Giants back to a big budget team. A $284m budget doesn’t leave them far off the magic $300m number, although they remain $100m behind the Yankees and the Dodgers. The Giants have plenty of budget space for any elite free agents that should hit the market at the end of the month.

 

[benp28]

Catchers

Neither of the Giants’ Catchers had stand out seasons, but an 2.8 WAR from the position is not a disaster. Both players are under contract for next year, Castro’s $3.5m a more attractive contract than Ramos’ $9.9m. This is not a priority position for upgrade but should the right deal present itself a new starter with a stronger bat would be attractive.

Infield

Gabino Galindo had a strong first full year in the majors, a 132 wRC+ coming with a BB% above 10% and a SO% below 20%. The 2046 Scouting Discovery will have a league minimum contract next year and, despite the lack of power, will have the right to fight for the 1B role in 2055.

2B Ernesto Pantoja was the star of the position players on the Giants roster, a 122 wRC+ helping him to 3.4 WAR with 24 HRs and 83 RBIs. Pantoja is entering his arbitration years and, looking for $20m a year for a long term contract, the Giants are likely to go year-to-year for now.

Steve Boyd earned the everyday 3B spot (shifting to SS against LHP) for the season and returned a 115 wRC+ and 3.1 WAR, a consecutive year hitting above league average. He will return on a league minimum contract in 2055.

Joel Hudson is the first interesting decision for the Giants. The 2049 1st round pick SS is entering his second arbitration year, has an elite glove (two-time GG winner) but a bat that is unplayable against LHP and put up an 89 wRC+ this year, and is fragile. The challenge is that the Giants don’t have a ready-made replacement in a critical defensive position. As such the likeliest outcome is that Hudson returns for 2055, with the Giants hoping that 2055 delivers the long-term answer as his replacement.

Kevin Dobbs had only 155 IP in the field, at 1B, but appeared in 88 primarily as a DH. He is entering his second year of arbitration, and is injury prone, but a 153 wRC+ will bring him back in 2055, even if that was a likely slight overperformance and regression is on the way. He will be fighting for the 1B role with Galindo, with it unlikely the Giants can carry both.

Nevio Clinton only had 161 PAs as an utility infielder, playing at all the infield positions other than 1B while, for the second year, hitting just below the league average (93 wRC+). Entering the second year of arbitration, that is probably who he is – a below league average hitter, who can cover all of the infield to an adequate level. He is a captain who is happy to sit on the bench, which has its value, and that may be enough to bring him back in 2055 although the Giants would certainly entertain any reasonable offers.

Clinton’s biggest threat is probably Ben Thomas. The 2047 16th round pick earned his first call up the big leagues and offers a similar defensive profile to Clinton with a slightly better hitting profile and on a league minimum contract. It is unlikely the Giants take both into next season although they may be given Spring Training to earn their spot.

Juan Magana, meanwhile, is the biggest threat to Kevin Dobbs/Gabrino Galindo. Another 2054 call up, the #54 ranked prospect in baseball hit 1.008 OPS+ in his first 87 PA. The Giants will send him through a defensive programme this offseason in the hope that they can turn him into a passable 2B but 1B/DH is his likeliest position.

Outfield

Once again, the Giants outfield was a source of underachievement. Six players played in over 80 G and none of them look like cornerstones for the franchise.

RF Germains Curtis played the most games, 131, and is the only player heading into arbitration, and it will be his second year. He was unable to replicate his performance of last year, though, his wRC+ dropping from 101 to 89, although he remains an elite glove. The former Rule 5 pick is likely to move on before free agency, either in trade or through non-tendering.

CF Jaquan Willie remains an elite CF, putting up a 10.4 ZR with 1.044 efficiency but his bat continues to be underwhelming with a 70 wRC+ for the season bordering on unplayable. On a minimum salary, and with that glove, Willie will likely return in 2055 but has to hit and the Giants will be in the market for an upgrade.

That upgrade may come in the form of Sergio Ibarra, who earned a recall to the big leagues after spending all of 2053 in Sacramento. A plus defender in CF, Ibarra is not quite as strong as Willie but is a better hitter, hitting close to league average with a 97 wRC+ and putting up a positive ZR and Efficiency in CF. Another league minimum salary, it is likely that Ibarra’s ability to play all three OF positions earns him at least a 4th OF role, if not more.

LF Gianvito Heaton missed a third of the season but still managed 25 HR, demonstrating his leap forward in power last offseason. His 91 wRC+ however, showed his lack of contact ability, with a SO% of 37.9%. One of the few lefties on the roster, he will certainly be back in 2055 and the Giants will likely try for gold again in the development lab to improve his 2-strike approach.

Luis Castro disappointed in his 85 G, putting up a 94 wRC+ although he is an elite glove in the corners. He does have some unrealised potential and, at 25, this is probably the key offseason for him to realise that contact potential if he wants to keep his roster place for 2055.

Wilfredo Polo missed 3 months of the season with a strained ACL but might be the best pure hitter on the roster. A 147 wRC+ was in line with his 2052 season and entering the last year of minimum salary, the Giants likely have to find a role for him on the 2055 roster, despite his limitations defensively limiting him to DH.

Luis Garnica, the 2046 Scouting Discovery, earned his call up to the big leagues with his 137 wRC+ in Sacramento, but it is hard to see where the 24-year old will break into the roster. His plus corner defense is the equal of Castro, but his potential bat is a lot weaker and, with fragile injury proneness, Garnica will most likely start in Sacramento in 2055.

Early 2055 Projections

C Juan Ramos
1B Kevin Dobbs / Gabino Galindo
2B Ernesto Pantoja
3B Steve Boyd
SS Joel Hudson

LF Gianvito Heaton
CF Jaquan Willie
RF Luis Castro

DH Wilfredo Polo

C Jesus Castro
IF Juan Magana
IF Nevio Clinton / Ben Thomas
OF Sergio Ibarra
OF TBC

Trade / Non-Tendered

Germains Curtis

Option

Luis Garnica



Starters

The Giants were very lucky, then very unlucky, when it came to their starting rotation and health. They had five starters who started 30 or more games (although Chris Krupa had 21 of those starts for the Rangers), and another started 25. However, they also lost two of those pitchers within a few days to season ending injuries.

Andy Frederick was again the ace of the staff with a 79 FIP-, 174.1 IP, and 4.2 WAR, with 195 K (coming from a 10.1 K/9 rate that registered as the 8th best of all time amongst Giants pitchers). He contract increases to $31m next year but the Giants are happy to pay that, although they will hope a trip to the Development Lab can improve his durability.

Juan Montoya’s sophomore season was, injury aside, a successful one. A 96 FIP- and 2.5 WAR cements him as a solid middle of the rotation option for the Giants although his injury lasting for another 3 months frustratingly will cost him a chance in the development lab to improve his off pitches. A minimum salary contract for next year means he will be back, hopefully in the back half of the rotation.

Chris Krupa is an impending Free Agent and it seems unlikely the Giants will bring him back as the 31-year old is looking for a 6-year contract. He was a successful rental, a 3.28 ERA from his 12 GS with a 1.1 WAR.

Jesus Barbosa is eligible for arbitration for the first time and at only $2.6m is most likely worth the cost. He put up 1.1 WAR in his 30 GS, going 152.1 IP, and providing 107 FIP-, just above league average. Ideally Barbosa will have a long relief role in 2055, backing up a stronger rotation.

Juan Barboza was given every chance by Stewart to show his worth but was ultimately worse than a replacement player, his 130 FIP- from an unattractive 1.7 HR/9. He will be on a league minimum contract in 2055 and likely will start the season in Sacramento to provide depth.

Cason Willard ended with 139.1 IP and therefore did not meet his Vesting requirement for 2055. He will be a free agent and the Giants will not be submitting a bid for his services. The former Royal had a 4.84 ERA and provided 1.1 WAR from his 25 GS.

Greg Ward, the #56 ranked prospect was a September call up and made 3 starts at the end of the season. He was effective as both a starter and a reliever although a 35-grade curveball as his third pitch means that the Giants would prefer the 2049 7th round to have a bullpen role.

Bullpen

It was a strong bullpen with the majority coming back on league minimum contracts, although there are a few decisions to be made.

Mike Stark is the only pending Free Agent for the Giants and, after a successful season, the Giants have offered him a 3-year contract with two team options – it will overpay him $10m in 2055 which will drop to $6.5m for the next two years if the team picks up the options.

On the players arbitration eligible, Rickey Martino is in his 3rd year and while a 28:14 SD:MD ratio is slightly worse than previous years, he was still worth 1.0 WAR from his 63 G. Equally, an SV% less than 80% suggests there might be a battle for the closer role in 2055.

A save fail means this will be picked up at the end of preseason 2055.