MLB team reports:
The Giants and Blue Jays look to rebuild into playoff contenders; one might be on a faster track.
Five issues facing the Giants:
Mad-Bum’s status:
The Giants were willing to listen to offers for ace left-hander Madison Bumgarner, according to at least one news media report. But it appears that could be more likely to happen during the season. Bumgarner, the fourtime All-Star and 2014 World Series MVP, is slated to make $12 million in 2019 after the Giants picked up the final option on the contract he signed in 2013.
There are other questions in the rotation: Right-hander Johnny Cueto had Tommy John surgery in August and won’t be back until late in the 2019 season at the earliest. Righty Jeff Samardzija spent time on the disabled list last season with shoulder issues. The Giants also have expressed interest in Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Whatever happens with the rotation, manager Bruce Bochy has indicated a willingness to use “openers.”
All eyes on Zaidi:
New president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has an uphill battle in trying to turn things around in San Francisco and with the team’s depleted minor league system. Zaidi worked four years under Dodgers President Andrew Friedman.
The Giants didn’t make any major moves at the winter meetings, adding players only through waiver claims (outfielder Mike Gerber from the Tigers) and the Rule 5 draft (left-hander Travis Bergen from the Blue Jays, outfielder Drew Ferguson from the Astros, third baseman Peter Maris from the Rays and left-hander Sam Moll from the Blue Jays). Outfield questions:
The projected starting outfield of Austin Slater, Steven Duggar and Chris Shaw has played 171 combined games in the majors, making Slater the “veteran” with 108 games under his belt. Mac Williamson, who played in 28 games for the Giants last season, also could be a factor.
But the Giants are looking to add at least one proven outfielder, either via trade or affordable free agent options. They opened the winter meetings by claiming Gerber.
Posey’s power:
Catcher Buster Posey is coming off season-ending surgery to repair a microfracture in his right hip that limited him to 105 games and just five home runs. But even before last season, Posey’s power numbers have dipped ever since his career-high 24 home runs and 103 RBI in 2012.
Since then, he’s averaged 14 home runs and 74 RBI per 162 games. The Giants need a healthy Posey. San Francisco was 29th in the majors in runs, home runs, slugging percentage and OPS in 2018.
Thinking about Tulo:
According to Yahoo Sports, Zaidi and Bochy were among those who attended an open workout for shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who was released by the Blue Jays in December despite having two years and $38 million remaining on his contract.
The 34-year-old missed the entire 2018 season after surgery to remove bone spurs from both heels in April. Tulowitzki, who has played only shortstop in his career, could shift to second and platoon with Joe Panik if the Giants were to sign him.