Speaking alongside President and CEO Larry Baer, Farhan Zaidi rationalizes the Giants’ winter action thus far, saying “Our goal this offseason has been to surround our core of players, which we still believe is a championship core of players, with the right complementary players.” Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle provides the clip (via Twitter), wherein Zaidi charms a crowd with good-natured humor, referring to his title as “the guy who reports to [Baer],” while also holding firm to an offseason strategy that has preached patience above all else. To hear him refer to the roster as having a “championship core” feels a tad hopeful, though to his credit, Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt, did quite literally form the core of two World Series winners – three for Posey, Bumgarner and Pablo Sandoval, who were all on the 2010 squad. So while Zaidi’s not wrong, one might also point out they also have the core of an 84-win team, an 87-win team, a 64-win team, and a 73-win team. Let’s check in on the goings-on from a couple other NL clubs…
- While the Mets continue to keep tabs on lefty Gio Gonzalez, their interest has not reached the “multiyear level,” per sny.tv’s Andy Martino (via Twitter). The Mets are emboldened by a strong second half from Jason Vargas, who combines with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler to form the presumptive starting five for the Amazins. Given the injury history of that group, starting depth is an important consideration for GM Brodie Van Wagenen, but Gonzalez should land a clearer path to a guaranteed rotation role elsewhere. If Gio’s market never does materialize, the Mets could circle back, but for the time being they appear content with the likes of Walker Lockett, Corey Oswalt and Hector Santiago providing the rotation depth. Martino notes that Seth Lugo, who started 31 games for the Mets across the past three seasons, will not be considered for the rotation, as they plan on deploying him solely as a reliever in 2019. Lugo, 29, impressed in a swing role last year as his strikeout rate saw a year-over-year increase from 7.5 K/9 to 9.1 K/9.
- The Reds have been active on the trade market all winter, especially in hunting starting pitching. They were one of the teams with early noted interest in Corey Kluber before swinging separate deals for Alex Wood, Tanner Roark, and Sonny Gray. They have also kept tabs on J.T. Realmuto, still one of the teams in the running for the Marlins’ star backstop. One name that both the Indians and Marlins have asked about is Jonathan India, the Reds top draft choice from a year ago. Per Fangraphs’ Kiley McDaniel (via Twitter), top prospects Nick Senzel, Hunter Greene, and Taylor Trammell are viewed as tough gets, leading teams to ask for India instead, but Cincinnati has as of yet refrained from including India in any kind of deal. It certainly makes sense for the Reds to hold onto India in the event that Scooter Gennett departs in free agency after 2019, but they’ll have a tough time getting a talent of Kluber’s or Realmuto’s caliber without surrendering any of the four aforementioned youngsters.
I’m not buying the Giants as a championship team unless Zaidi has a time machine.
He has to say that to the fans to make them feel good and go to games. So far Zaidi has done everything that points to doing a rebuild. There are to many bad contracts that hurts the rebuild. If giant fans stay patient and let him rebuild they should be competitive in a few years.
Takes 4-5 years.
Wish he would deal the few assets he has to work with for some prospects. Tall order for Bart and Ramos to have all the hope for the future on their shoulders alone.
The only assets to sell right now is the relief assets. Bum, Crawford, and Belt had down years so waiting to trade them on a rebound is best thing he could do. If bum comes back and pitches well they could flip him for a couple top prospects at the trade deadline.
Crawford won’t be going anywhere. No trade clause. I can’t wait to see how these vets do this year. Might surprise you. Just saying
Keep up the funny bruh…lmfao
Guys it’s his first season and he’s an ACTING GM but his title is president of baseball operations! Remember they have yet to hire the new GM he’s making these moves based off of his position with LA and the need to put a team on the field without hiring a gm(timeline for his hire kind of removed that as an option) but he also doesn’t want to prevent a hiring with bad signings to what could be the next GM who tries to bring back championships!
The Giants fans who got all excited about Zaidi will be changing their tune very soon. As a Dodgers fan I could not care less about his departure. If anything, I was happy to see him go. Quite frankly, I don’t think he made much of a difference at all.
Yes good think Friedman is still there, trading 3 quality players for Homer Bailey and then signing an injury prone CF who didn’t even hit .260 last year!
Imagine thinking Homer Bailey was the Dodgers prize in that deal and not the top 2B prospect or other pitching prospect.
Ya might want to look that trade over a little closer!
Giants fans know next to nothing about prospects. Can’t really blame them with that baron farm system.
barren?
How Trump of me…
LOL
People said the exact same thing in 2010,2012,2014….
The Core of the Giants are not the reason they won 84 games,it was not enough of everything else or depth + injuries Zaidi is correct but then again you have to watch and pay attention to know this and also not listen to the Media who survive on their ratings
The word “rationalize” is a bit loaded. It implies that you don’t accept his explanation. Is that the case?
The Giants core players are no longer core-type, but they would function as good complementary players.
The longer they extend the inevitable the harder the rebuild will be.
They remind me a little of the Phillies just before their blowup-rebuild.
Agreed, reminds me of the path of the current Cubbies also.
The current cubs who made the playoffs and look highly likely to do so again? Yes, MikeYank you really nailed it.
They lost the division race to the Brewers and then also lost the wild card game to the Rockies, in back to back home games.
No matter how you spin it, the Cubs fell way short in 2018
The Phillies were older,do your homework,try again
Did I say they were identical? No I didn’t. Reading comprehension.
Zaidi is not stupid. He knows the window has closed but he can’t come out and say it
I’m sure you said the same in 12,14. Like everyone else.
It’s fun to type words on mlbtraderumors isn’t it? I’m sure you picked the Giants to win it all in 10,12,14 too….
Am I the only one who really likes the Reds approach this winter? They’re still unlikely to make the playoffs, but it’s no longer out of the realm of possibilities. They’ve added Kemp, Puig, Wood, Roark, and Gray for very little. They haven’t sold the farm OR broken the bank at all in order to contend. And that is exactly why I don’t think they’ll trade for Realmuto or any other big name the rest of this off-season.
I give them full credit for trying. I don’t have a lot of confidence in them succeeding, but full credit for trying.
If they aren’t in contention they’ll trade off the guys they traded for that on the last year of their deals and get back as good or better prospects than they gave up this off season.. it’s a nice win-win plan
No, lots of people love it. Myself included. I wouldn’t be shocked if they work out something longterm with Wood and Puig before next offseason.
They added a bunch of C and D talent to a division that has 3 teams with plenty of A/B talent. They’ll battle the Pirates for last again.
Very bad assessment. Do me a favor. Go through the division and match each team position by position, post them here.
This is your homework for the weekend. Have it on my desk by Monday!
Yep one thru 8 they match up well with anyone in the division.. I’ll admit their starting pitching has some work to do but there is at least hope and that’s more than than they have had in a long time…Cubs and cards still have their questions this year also…
I have an assignment for you, come apologize for your obnoxious comment when the Reds finish dead last again. Which is far more likely to happen than them making the postseason by adding a bunch of mediocre arms and aging OFs and BP arms.
Their bullpen is also on par with any team in the division besides perhaps Milwaukee I’d say. They could probably use one more good arm in there, but it was a very solid bullpen last season.
Fun! I love arbitrary grading systems. @Reverie Tell me more.
The Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals are all expected to be good teams, but none are expected to be great. It makes all the sense in the world for the Reds to push for 2019. They can legitimately expect to be in the mix now, and if they do manage to add JTR before the season starts, they’ll be really interesting.
Where do you buy your crack? Two of those teams lead the nl in wins last season.
Key words: “…last year.”
right, Brewers are projected to finish last according fangraphs. Granted it’s a really tightly bunched division
Fangraphs is as delusional as these Reds supporters lol
I would be very surprised if either the Cubs or Brewers matched their 2018 win total in 2019.
Wrong key words DONE. Typing and reading are really hard, huh?
Why hang on so tightly to Senzel? A few articles earlier mentioned he’s a 3rd baseman who is blocked for several years. So you take a real gamble by giving him a shot at center field? Why not use him as the primary piece in a Kluber or Realmuto trade then to get what you want/need?
The kid played 2nd in college. As of now Scooter has not been extended, so he leaves after this year. If I had any say in the front office I would keep Senzel in the minors for 3 Weeks to open the season (Bryant Treatment) then let him play CF for this season while also being a super utility sub. Senzel becomes second baseman for the next 6 years beginning next year. He grades above average on all categories. Appears to be a possible star in the making.
Senzel isn’t going anywhere. Neither is hunter Greene. If they aren’t going to extend scooter then Senzel will be at 2nd in late 2019.
That’s a good take
I fully agree but I hate service time manipulation. I get the reasoning behind it I think it just sucks. We’ve seen top prospects fall out or get hurt so if the kids have a honestly good shot they deserve it regardless of the service time clock and yes I get this goes both ways.
Hban22, I’m completely on board with everything that has been done to this point.
I agree, it’s nice to see them at least attempt to field a competitive team. Wild card is not out of the question if everything lines up perfect.
Seth Lugo started 5 games for the Mets last season. Not 13 as the article would have you believe.
Was going to say the same thing… pretty sure the author read the wrong column on baseball reference as Lugo had 13 “GFs” for the Mets last year, closing out 13 games – not starting them.
Good catch! Thank you!
They stated it was for the past 3 seasons not just 2018.
TC Zencka (the author) saw my comment and fixed it in the article. So my comment looks stupid now lol.
I think Gio would be a fantastic pick up for the Mets, and I wouldn’t hesitate to give him two years. He’s a solid, consistent back of the rotation guy who has never been injury-plagued. Further, his career number at Citi at stellar: 108 innings at 1.75 ERA.
I totally agree
Career numbers at Citi have been against the Mets. A team that has historically struggled against LHP
I wouldn’t read too much into his Citi Field numbers against (mostly) mediocre to bad Mets teams, but I do think that signing Gio would be a good move to bolster the rotation against injuries.
Vargas had a good second half, but he’s still essentially a 5 inning pitcher with a relatively poor track record. And I think it’s pretty safe to expect at least one of the other starters to miss significant time based on their histories.
Yeah, I wouldn’t place a ton of stock in his Citi numbers, either, but they’re great. In addition to what you mentioned, he also accrued those numbers as a younger pitcher in his prime. Still, at least they’re promising.
Too bad Game that Wagon Wheels ATM card’s account has a zero balance.
If I were him, I’d be shopping Bumgarner, Posey, Crawford, Belt, Smith, Watson, and Melancon. Then hoping from anything good from Samardzija, to flip at the trade deadline. I would be willing to eat as much money as possible on all those deals to acquire the most amount of pieces for the future as possible. Go all in on a rebuild!
Good thing you aren’t him because hardly anybody would pay a decent prospect for Posey coming off season ending surgery, no ones going to pay a decent prospect for Crawford and if they did he’s expressed multiple times that hes not waiving his NTC. Melancon and Samardzija are unmoveable contracts. Belt would fetch little to no return because of his injuries and contract. Bumgarner is coming off a down year and is best to be traded at the deadline. The only logical people to trade are Watson and Smith.
Would you rather hang on to a veteran core or get something in return? What are you gaining by holding on to players when you wont win? Sure start the season and let these guys have a chance to play better, but to act like the Giants are better off with these guys is delusional.
Right now they couldn’t get much of anything, even if they paid most of the contracts. Better to let them play and reestablish their value. Then they can either pay most and get quality prospects or dump their salaries and have financial flexibility.
And no, the Giants will not tank completely like the Astros did a few years ago. They are a big market team with fans they need to please. Some of their young guys are highly underrated by most fans and you’d be surprised to see them being better than you might think.
Some of their young guys are highly underrated? At what level? They’ve dealt to prospects away as early as last season for guys like Cutch and Longo. They have Bary and Ramos in their system. They need a whole lot more to get to the level The dodgers are. With the Padres having a loaded farm and the Rox still being solid the Giants are coming anywhere near contention. What is their young core moving forward? Dereck Rodriguez and their 2 strong minor league prospects? That’s all they have.
They aren’t going to get down to a 50 million dollar payroll. (As it would be virtually impossible for them to do that with the contracts they have on the books moving forward) but they certainly aren’t going to be good while they rebuild. This is a barren farm with a team that has lots of cash owed to underperforming old vets. There’s no quick fix for that.
I think these players would all be sell low at this point, except Smith and Watson. Wait until the deadline, and trade off any who have rebounded.
I like the sentiment. Zaidi has been taking calls on Bumgarner, but not shopping him. He had been reportedly a little more active on Smith and Watson.
Crawford has a full no trade clause. I think Posey does too and is coming off hip surgery. Belt has a partial and needs to show he can stay healthy to be a trade candidate. Melancon might be movable if he pitches well but that contact is massive. His would be more of a get under the luxury tax move.
If you think Giants management hasnt looked at those options, you are foolish. Would you accept an A ball pitcher that no one has heard of for the face of your franchise (coming off injury and a rental)? I’m sure the fans wouldn’t be happy. It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. That’s the level of return being offered, so it’s better for job security to wait and watch.
Gio would be a great insurance policy for the Mets. Going into the season with their current SP depth would be a mistake.
Not even just as insurance. Have him take Vargas’s spot and put the latter in the bullpen as the long man/6th starter. I’d be very happy with such an arraignment.
Can Bobby Evans be fired twice? What an absolute disaster he was for the Giants. I’m predicting another season not one player on that team hits 20 homeruns.
They probably finish last in the NL West too. With their payroll, Baer should have been sent packing too.
What’s not to like about Gio
It’s all about the contract
2/10 works for me but he wants the overpay that Harvey got!
Can’t blame him for asking. He’s been a better pitcher more recently. Harvey has looked like a #4 or 5 ever since he came back. Gio in ‘17 was a #2 starter. I don’t think he’ll get it but I don’t fault him for trying
Z sounds like he is on LSD
Stating facts?
C’mon MLBTR. Get the Reds-Realmuto thread goin separate again. It’s HEATING UP!
Not so sure what having 3 core members of the 2010 championship team has to do with the 2019 season.
Reds were able 2 keep up with cubs/cards/brewers this past year in middle of season, check win/loss column without additions, people will b surprised how many runs they can score now, with new bat/pitch coaches they will tweak out the best rotation/hitting they have had for awhile
Load of crap from Faidi. Yes his last name is Zaidi. His nickname is Faidi, as in Zaidi will fade fast. The wait and see approach to not dealing guys, and not building around guys to win is a recipe for disaster. Go for it or start the rebuild, this in-between works for nobody.
“our core of players, which we still believe is a championship core of players”
uh, not in 2019…
Giants are looking at 70 wins
Reds need to sign keuchel and hold pat with those 4 guys… reds have bad luck with minors but they can’t strike out on all 4 of them without a star…
I worked part time in the press box for the Giants AA team from 2011-2016 and these guys haven’t had a real prospect in a while now. The wave with Panik and Duvall was it. Duvall never even played for them.
All those pitchers haven’t planned out/didn’t pan out. Tyler Beede still has a good shot obviously, but Clayton Blackburn was touted, Kyle Crick is a first round bust. In the big, a couple others that came up around the same time need to take a step forward to really propel the Giants (Ty Blach, Chris Stratton)
This is the absolute last year before the GM needs to strip it down and go. If they are down by the break, they need to pull the trigger. They have more money than most and might be able to pick it back up quickly, maybe not 4-5, but less.
You have to figure if brass really thought they were contenders, rumors would have at least swirled on Harper and Machado.
Also, Andrew Suarez as a young pitcher that could step up.
People are giving up on the Giants too easily. They are focused too much on these factors: 1) their final record, 2) their elderly core, 3) their poor 2.5 seasons ™, 4) Dodgers winning division title 6 years in a row. What they should be focused on is their good young pitching staff.
Starting rotation has Bum, Pomeranz, Holland, D-Rod, Suarez, Stratton, and probably Samardzija. All have had extended (10-20) consecutive starts where their ERA are 3.0-ish or better in recent years (Pom and Shark 16-17, Stratton 17-18, Holland D-Rod, Suarez 2018). Pitching quality for the young guys (D-Rod and Suarez in particular; Stratton has elite curveball spin that he needs to utilize more consistently for results) is rated highly, so it’s reasonable to think that they can continue to be good, and with a year under their belt, be more consistent. This is like Cain and Lincecum’s first year, when they were good and bad, up and down, before figuring out things. This is a rotation that could be pretty good in 2019, both because they showed some extended good before, as well as because we have so many options should any falter (the three young guys still have options, and if Pom fails, nobody’s claiming him on DFA).. And there’s Blach and Anderson to step in as well.
Add in a bullpen that was already pretty good in 2018, overall 5th in NL if I recall right, and we’ll have Smith all season in 2019, Moronta has a season under his belt, hopefully Black can be more consistent, and I think Okert is ready to step up as well. Plus there’s Adon in the minors, and probably the starters above who aren’t in the starting rotation.
Together, plus Duggar mostly starting in CF (-11 DRS outside of him 2018; -32 DRS in 2017), plus great defensive IF, should be a pretty good competitive core for defense. People forget that the Giants were .500 before they punted September (or were forced to, due to all the injuries). With a modicum of health (literally every key position in 2018 suffered a significant lost of production due to injuries, except 2B, and there Panik underperformed) and young players’ growth from their first season, they should be a .500 team again if not better.
Also, Bochy cost the Giants a lot in 2018. First and most of all, he batted the wrong guy at leadoff in 2018, until he put Cutch there. Without Cutch, leadoff hitters had .270 OBP, which is horrible. Duggar himself had a .303 OBP, which would be a big improvement (and Duggar should be the leadoff guy in 2019). That cost the Giants 3-5 wins. He (and the FO) forced Samardzija twice to come back when he wasn’t ready, and the team went 2-8 with him, that cost 2 wins because they were .500 or better with the other starters. He (and the FO) forced Cueto to pitch in July when he wasn’t ready and that cost another win, they were 1-3 with him, should have been 2-2. Altogether, that cost them 6-8 wins, and at the end of August they were 68-68, and so they could have been 74-76 wins instead, and ahead of both LA and AZ at that time.
Overall, I think the Giants will be around .500 (unlike most who are thinking more of the same, 2017-18), and could be competitive for NL West title, Rockies and Dodgers lost a number of players via trades or FA whose production will need to be replaced, and they are relying on young players to step up too. The Giants still need to sign a starting corner OF, like Marwin, which I’m assuming will happen, they need one, in my mind, to reach .500 as it’s impossible to say whether any of the current young OF are capable of producing enough, though I’m hopeful about Mac. Of course, if injuries hits every key position again, it’ll be more of the same.