Giants take a swing at new season with new staff
March 11, 2020
With baseball season right around the corner, the San Francisco Giants have made some important roster modi cations, managerial changes, and even a historical move. With a new coaching staff and additions to the roster, will it be enough to even get to the playoffs?
With Madison Bumgarner leaving for Arizona with a five year, $85 million contract, the Giants need someone to replace him. Anthony Wustefeld ’23 said of Bumgarner’s departure, “I’m disappointed. I feel like somebody with experience, like Johnny Cueto, needs to step up and replace Madison Bumgarner.” Veterans Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija are looking to be that new ace the Giants need.
So far, the Giants acquired lefty Drew Smyly and righty Kevin Gausman. Both didn’t do too well last year, as they hope to have a bounce back year. The Giants lineup is looking mostly the same as last year, with veterans like Buster Posey and Evan Longoria looking to have a better year.
Mike Yastrzemski had a pretty remarkable season, and he’s looking like a piece of the next Giants’ core.
The Giants are also looking to bring up catcher Joey Bart, who is ranked the 14th best prospect in all of baseball as of right now. The Giants have also signed back Hunter Pence, who helped them win two World Series. He returns after spending one year with the Rangers, and even earning a spot in the all-star game.
Although Pence is much older now, he provides much needed experience and great enthusiasm in the locker room. There haven’t been any other major changes to the lineup, as the Giants look like they’re in the rebuilding process.
The Giants have made some major changes to the coaching staff. With Bruce Bochy retiring, the Giants have hired Gabe Kapler as the new manager. Kapler, who spent three years coaching the Phillies, has had a record of 161-163. Although he hasn’t led the Phillies to the playoffs, he’s looking to do it with the Giants.
The Giants have also hired Cubs executive Scott Harris as the new General Manager. He has spent seven successful years in the Cubs organization, including a World Series title in 2016. In addition to these new people, the Giants have also hired assistant coach Alyssa Nakken. This is a history-making move, as she is the first ever woman to be part of an MLB coaching staff. With all these new additions, will the Giants be able to have a successful year? And is there anything Giants fans can look forward to this year? Most of the players are looking healthy and are projected to perform above-average this season. Aside from that, perhaps fans can just enjoy another day of America’s pastime with garlic fries and hot dogs at Oracle Park.