SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster:BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE #
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN #
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (39)
*Projected 2012 Payroll: est. $115,240,000, according to MLBDC Magazine
Projected Disabled List Position Players 2B Freddy Sanchez+ UPDATE 3/30 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (recovery from shoulder surgery) Pitchers RHP Ryan Vogelsong+ UPDATE 3/30 - placed on 15-Day DL (strained back), retroactive to March 26th; likely to be activated in time for game on April 15th
LHP Dan Runzler+ UPDATE 3/30 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (strained lat)
LHP Eric SurkampBA#7BP#7 + UPDATE 3/30 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (strained flexor tendon)
Optioned to Minors
C Eli Whiteside 1B Angel Villalona UPDATE 4/6 - placed on Restricted List 2B Charlie Culberson BA#11 BP#11 + UPDATE 2/20 - out indefinitely (broken finger) 3B Conor Gillaspie* BA#13 BP#20 SS Ehire Adrianza BA#9BP#13 OF Tyler Graham OF Roger Kieschnick* BA#27
Minor League Free Agents Position Players
C Max Ramirez(12/13: signed w/KC)
1B Wes Hodges 1B/OF Travis Ishikawa* (12/12: signed w/MIL)
IF/OF Edgar Gonzalez (12/21: signed w/CHC) IF/OF Bill Hall(2/7: signed w/NYY)
OF Brad Eldred (1/20: signed w/DET)
Pitchers
RHP Osiris Matos
RHP Ronnie Ray
LHP Travis Blackley
LHP Geno Espineli
LHP Alex Hinshaw (12/1: signed w/SD)
LHP David Quinowski
Released/Traded •C Chris Stewart## UPDATE 4/4 - traded to Yankees •IF Mike Fontenot* UPDATE 4/3 - released •OF Darren FordUPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/2 - signed minor league deal with Seattle •OF Andres Torres** UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets •RHP Waldis JoaquinUPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/14 - signed minor league deal with Nationals •RHP Ramon RamirezUPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets •LHP Jonathan SanchezUPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals •LHP Ryan Verdugo UPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
OFFSEASON PREVIEWposted 9/28/2011
Unlike their World Series run of last season, the Giants' offense never got going in 2011 and the team was pretty much finished as soon as the Diamondbacks surpassed them at the top of the division. LosingBuster Posey to a season-ending injury in late May was the beginning of the end. Aubrey Huff, who had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2010 (.891 OPS), may have had his worst this year (.673 OPS) and just about every other position player not named Pablo Sandovalalsohad subpar years. The return of Posey and second baseman Freddy Sanchez (dislocated shoulder) should help and Brandon Beltshould be ready for regular playing time. Whether manager Bruce Bochy gives it to him is another story.
Posey is expected back behind the plate in 2012.
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
The most obvious need may be at the shortstop position, with corner outfield and possibly center field also in need of an upgrade. I'm sure they'd love to sign Jose Reyesbut they'll be in competition with a few other teams that can afford a $100 million-plus contract. Jimmy Rollinsis also a free agent but there's a significant drop-off on the free agent market after those two with Clint Barmes and Rafael Furcal in the next tier of potential free agent targets. In the outfield, Nate Schierholtz is an adequate regular but he'll have to settle for a backup role if the Giants can acquire an impact bat that can play a corner outfield spot. Andres Torres' job in center field can't be safe after an injury-plagued season in which he posted a .641 OPS, a significant drop-off from his breakout season of 2010 (.822 OPS, 26 SB). Carlos Beltran, who had a .931 OPS in 43 games after being acquired from the Mets, would be costly to re-sign. Although he was relatively healthy in 2011, he'll be 35 next April and a multi-year deal may be too risky.
Even with Jonathan Sanchez' inconsistent performance and multiple stints on the disabled list, the rotation was as good as ever thanks to the continued improvement from 22 year-old Madison Bumgarner (3.21 ERA, 23 quality starts) and the surprising performance of 34 year-old journeyman Ryan Vogelsong, who won 13 games and posted a rotation-best 2.71 ERA. Those two will return behind co-aces Matt Cain and Tim Lincecumwith Sanchez the fifth starter unless they shop him this winter. There isn't a ton of starting pitching depth in the organization but Eric Surkamp had a few good starts to begin his big league career and they can always go back to Barry Zito or give Dan Runzler a shot. Then again, finding a reliable #5 starter this offseason could be a priority of GM Brian Sabean if they decide to trade Sanchez.
The bullpen remained a strength for the Giants, despite the loss of closer Brian Wilson for over a month due to elbow inflammation. Sergio Romo was dominant (1.52 ERA, 5 BB, 69 K, 23 Hld) and Jeremy Affeldt, Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez, and Ramon Ramirez all had very good seasons. The two lefties, Affeldt and Lopez, can both become free agents although Affeldt has a $5 million club option. Bringing both back would be ideal considering there aren't any minor league left-handed relievers ready to step in and there isn't much available on the free agent market. Right-hander Heath Hembree, a 5th Round draft pick in 2010, had a 1.86 ERA, 38 saves, and 76 strikeouts in 53.1 innings between Double-A Richmond and Hi-A San Jose. Look for him to reach the big leagues in 2012.
•UPDATE 10/30 - Lopez has reportedly been re-signed to a two-year, $8.5M deal and Affeldt had his club option exercised.
•UPDATE 11/7 - Sabean did trade Sanchez in order to add some much-needed offense. Outfielder Melky Cabrera was acquired from Kansas City in exchange for Sanchez and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo. There is room in the rotation for Zito but it wouldn't be surprising if they try and acquire an upgrade for the last rotation spot. Cabrera could play any outfield spot, although it's too early to know where he'll end up.
IMO....Pagan has to be the prime candidate to leadoff and play CF which likely moves Melky to the bench as a 4th outfielder (sucks for him). Melky's D is too iffy to play RF at AT&T. With this addition, the only way Huff plays any LF is if Belt falls on his face and has to go back to AAA.
So far Sabean has traded 2 likely nontenders (Sanchez and Torres) for something of value (Cabrera and Pagan). (though he did have to throw in a competent reliever)
If Melky hits like he did in 2011, I don't think he'll be on the bench. And they didn't trade J. Sanchez and a decent prospect (Verdugo) for a 4th OF. Plus, Cabrera is going to make a couple million dollars in arbitration. They can't view him as a backup.
With that said, it sounds like they're going to let it play out in Spring Training. Baseball players get hurt often so that would clear things up real fast. But not even Bochy knows what's going to happen right now. If everyone is healthy, I can see him rotating guys in and out of the lineup regularly. So even the 'odd man out' could get 3-4 starts per week.
Melky did a lot in a big stadium with huge gaps last season. Its hard to have him as a bench player but Pagan is a far more dynamic player in my eyes as far as speed on the bases and in the field.
I don't see this lineup working. From a management and common sense standpoint, you'd never bat three lefties in a row if you don't have to. I'd see Cabrera, Sanchez, Huff/Belt, Posey, Belt/Huff, Sandoval, Schierholtz, Crawford working the best. I'd hate to see Pablo dropped to the six slot, but unles you drop Posey to the fifth slot, I can't see another viable option.
Sandoval is their best hitter. You stick him in the #3 hole and then go from there. A healthy Posey would be #4. I don't think any other lineup spots are set and they will likely be interchangeable throughout the season.
I really like Shierholtz ability to hit in the clutch but Pagan brings so much more to the table than he does. A viable 40+ steal threat and 50+ extra base hit ability is quite a talent.
If he can come close to repeating his 2010 this trade will look like a steal for Sabean. Can't wait to see him putting balls in the alley at home and running all day
I think Bochy will get Pagan, Cabrera, and Schierholtz plenty of AB's. I've heard him rave about Schierholtz, which is why I'm reluctant to take him out of the projected starting lineup even after Pagan was acquired. I would think it's time to get Belt in the lineup everyday but that may not be the case. Posey is expected to get time at 1B, as well. Injuries always happen so this may not be much of an issue by Opening Day.
Love your site. As a Giants blogger, I come here quite often.
Just a couple questions & thoughts...
1. Do you really see Melky starting in RF and leading off? My guess is that Pagan will be at the top of the order everyday and Melky will be in LF with Schierholtz in RF (Belt will start the season on the bench).
2. I also think Chris Stewart will beat out Eli Whiteside and be Posey's main backup to start the season. Of course, Posey could start the season on the DL and both Whiteside and Stewart would be on the Opening Day roster....let's hope not.
Hey Troy. All good arguments. The Giants are the toughest team to predict because they have so many guys expected to get playing time. You may be right about Belt but it makes absolutely no sense to keep him in the majors if he's not playing everyday. Of course, they did it last season so they'd probably do it again. I know Bochy said Posey would be playing some 1B and Huff would be out in LF so I figured they were gonna stick Belt at 1B the majority of the time with Posey getting an occasional start. Hate seeing Belt moved back and forth between 1B and OF and between majors and AAA.
In the case of Pagan vs Melky in the leadoff spot, my feeling is that Melky had a great year at the top of the Royals' order. Pagan had a down year and hit lower in the Mets' order for part of the season. It will work itself out in Spring Training but they have two pretty good options there.
I think it's a toss-up with Stewart and Whiteside. When they re-signed Whiteside to a big league deal, I figured he would remain in a similar role as 2011. But it does make sense to add catching depth in case Posey is not 100%.
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9 comments:
IMO....Pagan has to be the prime candidate to leadoff and play CF which likely moves Melky to the bench as a 4th outfielder (sucks for him). Melky's D is too iffy to play RF at AT&T. With this addition, the only way Huff plays any LF is if Belt falls on his face and has to go back to AAA.
So far Sabean has traded 2 likely nontenders (Sanchez and Torres) for something of value (Cabrera and Pagan). (though he did have to throw in a competent reliever)
If Melky hits like he did in 2011, I don't think he'll be on the bench. And they didn't trade J. Sanchez and a decent prospect (Verdugo) for a 4th OF. Plus, Cabrera is going to make a couple million dollars in arbitration. They can't view him as a backup.
With that said, it sounds like they're going to let it play out in Spring Training. Baseball players get hurt often so that would clear things up real fast. But not even Bochy knows what's going to happen right now. If everyone is healthy, I can see him rotating guys in and out of the lineup regularly. So even the 'odd man out' could get 3-4 starts per week.
Melky did a lot in a big stadium with huge gaps last season. Its hard to have him as a bench player but Pagan is a far more dynamic player in my eyes as far as speed on the bases and in the field.
If it were up to me they would would be starting
I don't see this lineup working. From a management and common sense standpoint, you'd never bat three lefties in a row if you don't have to. I'd see Cabrera, Sanchez, Huff/Belt, Posey, Belt/Huff, Sandoval, Schierholtz, Crawford working the best. I'd hate to see Pablo dropped to the six slot, but unles you drop Posey to the fifth slot, I can't see another viable option.
Sandoval is their best hitter. You stick him in the #3 hole and then go from there. A healthy Posey would be #4. I don't think any other lineup spots are set and they will likely be interchangeable throughout the season.
I really like Shierholtz ability to hit in the clutch but Pagan brings so much more to the table than he does. A viable 40+ steal threat and 50+ extra base hit ability is quite a talent.
If he can come close to repeating his 2010 this trade will look like a steal for Sabean. Can't wait to see him putting balls in the alley at home and running all day
I think Bochy will get Pagan, Cabrera, and Schierholtz plenty of AB's. I've heard him rave about Schierholtz, which is why I'm reluctant to take him out of the projected starting lineup even after Pagan was acquired. I would think it's time to get Belt in the lineup everyday but that may not be the case. Posey is expected to get time at 1B, as well. Injuries always happen so this may not be much of an issue by Opening Day.
Hi Jason,
Love your site. As a Giants blogger, I come here quite often.
Just a couple questions & thoughts...
1. Do you really see Melky starting in RF and leading off? My guess is that Pagan will be at the top of the order everyday and Melky will be in LF with Schierholtz in RF (Belt will start the season on the bench).
2. I also think Chris Stewart will beat out Eli Whiteside and be Posey's main backup to start the season. Of course, Posey could start the season on the DL and both Whiteside and Stewart would be on the Opening Day roster....let's hope not.
Keep up the good work!
Hey Troy. All good arguments. The Giants are the toughest team to predict because they have so many guys expected to get playing time. You may be right about Belt but it makes absolutely no sense to keep him in the majors if he's not playing everyday. Of course, they did it last season so they'd probably do it again. I know Bochy said Posey would be playing some 1B and Huff would be out in LF so I figured they were gonna stick Belt at 1B the majority of the time with Posey getting an occasional start. Hate seeing Belt moved back and forth between 1B and OF and between majors and AAA.
In the case of Pagan vs Melky in the leadoff spot, my feeling is that Melky had a great year at the top of the Royals' order. Pagan had a down year and hit lower in the Mets' order for part of the season. It will work itself out in Spring Training but they have two pretty good options there.
I think it's a toss-up with Stewart and Whiteside. When they re-signed Whiteside to a big league deal, I figured he would remain in a similar role as 2011. But it does make sense to add catching depth in case Posey is not 100%.
Thanks for reading and thanks for the feedback!
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