Five players & five plotlines
FIVE PLAYERS
Mauricio Dubón
The Giants felt they gained one of the most versatile high-level prospects in baseball when they acquired Dubón in exchange for relievers Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black at last year’s trade deadline. The former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand initially reported to Triple-a, but it wasn’t long before the Honduras native burst onto the scene in San Francisco with a smooth swing and impressive glove at both shortstop and second base. The Giants are optimistic that Dubón will use this season to develop into the type of super-utility weapon who can make an impact all over the diamond and be a leader of the team’s next core. Expect Dubón to receive plenty of opportunities at second base and shortstop, but don’t be surprised if he finds a home in center field, rotates into the corner outfield spots or plays a few innings at first base. The next wave of Giants talent will be expected to make versatility and positional flexibility key components of their skill set, and Dubón is simply the first prospect to reach the shore.
Mike Yastrzemski
Yastrzemski spent six seasons in the Orioles’ minor league system and never received a shot at the major league level, but he never gave up the dream. After a minor trade brought him to the Giants last March, he received a promotion from Triple-a in May and became the team’s best hitter. Is the 29-year-old’s success repeatable? The organization is betting on it.
Tyler Beede
There’s no question Beede has the talent to succeed in the majors, but the Giants are wondering if he can be consistent. Beede has flashes where he looks like the best pitcher on the staff and moments where his command evades him and he morphs into the worst. The 2020 season could be make-or-break for Beede in the majors.
Logan Webb
It’s possible Webb has the highest upside of any pitcher in the Giants organization as the 23-year-old right-hander has been dominant for much of his minor league career. With a low- to mid-90s fastball and plus offspeed offerings with his changeup and slider, Webb has the tools to be a top-of-the-rotation starter if he continues developing.
Joey Bart
The Giants aren’t certain when Bart will arrive in the majors, but it should happen at some point during the 2020 season. His debut can’t come soon enough for fans who know Bart could be the cornerstone of a new era and play the same role Buster Posey did during the Giants’ golden years.
FIVE PLOTLINES
KAPLER’S SECOND TRY
In two mediocre seasons with the Phillies, Giants manager Gabe Kapler drew criticism for the team’s inability to meet expectations. He now takes over a Giants club with lesser talent and has the added challenge of following a beloved future Hall of Fame manager in Bruce Bochy. Will the lessons Kapler learned in his first go-around lead to more success in San Francisco?
VETS’ LAST STAND
Giants veterans including Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford all face uncertain futures as the organization looks to identify members of a future core that can turn the club into a perennial contender again. Will playing time be slashed for some of the incumbent starters, or will a new era inspire the longest-tenured players to step up their games?
OUT OF NOWHERE
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi loves to scour the waiver wire, make small trades and sign minor league freeagents to create depth. Zaidi’s efforts led the Giants to players such as Mike Yastrzemski and Alex Dickerson last season and his résumé suggests he has a knack for discovering new talent. Who’s the surprise breakthrough performer for the Giants in 2020?
MAKING HISTORY
It’s one thing to have the biggest coaching staff in MLB history with 13 people. It’s another to have the first woman coach in the majors in assistant Alyssa Nakken. The three-time allconference softball player at Sacramento State has experience in baseball operations from the
University of San Francisco and in the Giants organization and now she’ll step into a role no woman has ever held. It’s exciting territory for Nakken, who embraces her role as a pioneer.
CLOSING THE DOOR
The Giants only won 77 games last season, but the record could have been significantly worse if not for the heroics of All-star closer Will Smith. With Smith leading the charge at the back end of the bullpen, the Giants’ 38 one-run wins were the most by any MLB team since 1993. With the left-hander now a member of the Braves, the Giants will need similar stability in the late innings if they hope to improve their record for the third straight year.
TRADE BAIT
Jeff Samardzija: After concerns mounted following a season marred by a shoulder injury in 2018, Samardzija re-established himself in 2019 and enjoyed his best year since he was an All-star in 2014. With a contract that will expire after the season, Samardzija could become one of the most attractive potential additions to a number of different contenders at this year’s deadline.
Tony Watson: Almost every team with postseason dreams could use another proven left-handed relief option.
Brandon Belt: If Belt is healthy and picks up a few home runs thanks to the new dimensions of Oracle Park, he could be on the move.
Johnny Cueto: If the Giants are willing to pay a portion of Cueto’s 2021 salary, contenders will show interest this July.
Hunter Pence: Say-it-ain’t-so! The Giants will want to audition young outfielders and Pence will want another ring.