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Deadline Fallout: How the Giants’ Deadline Moves Reshape the Lineup, the Pitching Staff, and August’s Road to September
Buster pretty much did exactly what we prognosticated in the last blog. He tore down the lineup in a net sell/retool with a few high-upside additions and a clear short‑term roster reset. He traded LHP Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres and received pitching prospect Miguel Mendez and shortstop Joniel Hernandez in return. He acquired INF Marcelo Mayer from the Red Sox (Boston received LHP Erik Miller). Mayer is a former top prospect working back from injuries. Finally, the Giants and Braves completed a swap that sent Tyler Mahle to Atlanta and brought RHP Anthony Molina (depth/low‑risk arm) to SF. Then, 2 days ago, Arraez and Calin Killian were sent to the Phillies for 2 minor league pitchers. And, as a last word, Goodbye Heliot Ramos, we never really got to know you, but you certainly can hit, and I’m sure you are going to look great in Yankee pin stripes.
The Immediate Implications: Rotation depth & payroll: trading Ray (who has been effective this year) is a short-term pivot to replenish the farm with young prospects. Miguel Mendez projects as a high‑leverage developmental arm in the organization; Joniel Hernandez is a long‑term infield upside piece; Marcelo Mayer brings an offensive profile that, if healthy, can be a middle‑infield/utility bat with extra‑base power. I’m sure we will be waiting to see what they can do in Sacramento (or San Jose) before next year (or in September if they get called up). Trading Arraez puts pressure on Casey Schmidt to heal and the young infielders (Basabe at 2nd and Christian Koss at 3rd) to step up and perform. Basabe is a treat to watch, his first hit (in his first AB) was a double. The kid looks like a keeper.
August will test the new pieces, and some of the old ones.
As of today (8/6) the G-Men are 48 and 67, 13 games back of the only team in baseball (and in the NL West) that is (rightfully) more hated than the Yankees in their glory days, or the Red Sox after the cheating scandal of 2018. Out of consideration and politeness I will not mention them again except to observe that they are using their ill-gotten wealth to sweep up all the free agent pitchers (Skubel? Really?) they can buy. We will, however, see them again this season at the end of September. More on that series later.
How the Line-up Looks Now
Jung Hoo Lee — a table setter and a fan favorite for his hustle. Casey Schmitt (if Schmitt is available and off the DL); Bryce Elridge (the second coming of Barry Bonds without the steroids); Rafael Devers with Matt Chapman as protection (if Matt gets off the DL, which may not happen until the end of August, or he gets shut down); and Willy Adames. The remaining guys are a bench mix of platoon/defensive replacements including Basabe, Drew Gilbert and whoever we see coming up from Sacramento. The bottom of the lineup will be the catcher platoon (Susac, Haas or Rodriguez).
I’d analyze the pitching staff but, beyond Webb, Roupp and the relievers there is not much to write home about (Mahle is gone). Maybe by the end of the upcoming three team face-off, we will have a better idea of which Giants can consistently throw a baseball across the plate.
Most likely near term callup’s
Parks Harber (3B/1B/OF — organizational top 30): strong Triple‑A production. He’s the shortest path to provide left‑side pop / bench depth. High probability call‑up if the Giants want internal reinforcement. Bo Davidson (outfield): has been a top spring riser and could be rewarded for production — a likely mid‑August pickup if a corner outfielder or platoon spot opens. Jonah Cox or Drew Cavanaugh (catcher/utility): if the Giants need catching depth or flexibility, these younger pieces (already drawing attention this season) are candidates. Miguel Mendez (recent acquisition from Padres): because he came from the Padres as the return for Ray and is a pitching prospect whom the Giants have added to depth; if he’s on the 40‑man or performing well, he could be fast-tracked into bullpen/rotation depth by late August. Marcelo Mayer: acquisition with upside but his immediate availability is tempered by injury history; he’s a candidate for a September role or late‑August call if he’s healthy.
A Final Word for Buster Posey
This is now well and truly Busters team. He’s building it and he owns it (along with Tony Vitalli, a college coach managing a major league team) so I expect to see him take a lot more active role in player management (maybe not game management but who know who is on those headphones) as this season winds down. Hell, he’s even made up with KNBR.
The Upcoming Series (Tigers, Astros and Rockies, Oh My!)
Tigers have several young, dangerous hitters (Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter); they have power and multiple left/right threats. Those hitters remain the main threats. Detroit is 56 and 59, in 4th place in the AL Central and generally heading to the same place the Giants will be at the end of season – going home.
The Astros have one of the stronger lineups in the American League with Yordan Álvarez, Jose Altuve, Jeremy Peña, plus depth pieces and excellent pitching. They have an exceptionally dangerous lineup and are leading the AL West over the Rangers (but not by much). This will be a difficult series.
Rockies are typically a weak road team but Coors‑boosted at home; away they struggle. Colorado’s roster is volatile and generally among the lower-run producers away from Coors. The Giants should be favored to win this series.
Here are the games available:
FRI 8/7: 7:15 Tigers [4]
SUN 8/9: 1:05 Tigers [3 - I'm going and looking for Company] - Hat Day
MON: 8/10: 6:45 Astros [3 – I’m going and looking for Company]
FRI: 8/14: 7:15 Rockies [3 – I’m going and looking for Company]
SAT: 8/15: 1:05 Rockies [4] – Sweatshirt day
SUN: 8/16: 1:05 Rockies [4]
Let the torture commence.
Ciao, and GO GIANTS!
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THE PROTOCOL: The firm has four seats in Section 118 (Premium Lower Boxes), Rows 25 and 26. These are awesome seats directly below the press box and 25 rows behind the home plate on the left side behind the screen. It is foul ball territory for left-handed batters, so bring your glove – I have collected 22 foul balls myself over 23 years and am looking for more. If we don’t use all the tickets ourselves (or clients and friends of the firm don't claim them by calling me and reserving a game), then my next step is to give the tickets TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO GETS BACK TO ME PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE SERIOUS. If you ask for the tickets and don't use them, you will be taken off the list unless there is a seriously good reason. There will be a waitlist.
When there are four seats available (we split up a lot of games) we will allocate the tickets two and two if the first people back just want two tickets. You can also go for four and might get them. I'm the Czar, my call.
Oh, and BTW, The Czar found the original Hinman & Carmichael brick from 2000 (after looking for it every year since 2000) and found H&C’s Gotham Club Founders Bat! If you are on the patio or in the Club, look for the symbols of baseball!
