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Spring Training and what we look forward to as the G-Men return home from the desert heat to the cool confines of Oracle Park.
The Czar returned from Scottsdale on Sunday night, having been invigorated by watching a 10 to 7 victory over a loaded Cleveland club and seeing the new manager (Tony Vitalli) in action for the first time. The biggest question of the new season will be how the managing style of Vitalli, just out of managing in college with the Tennessee Vols, plays out over a long major league season. The Czar was also privileged to attend a lunch with Hunter Pence last week, where Tony V’s prospects were the subject of the day. Hunter believes that Tony V’s take no prisoners style and energy will invigorate not only the team, but the fan base. That was certainly the way it looked in Scottsdale, where (in 105-degree heat, which melted the Tribe) the young Giants played sharp defense, hit the ball hard, and, for good measure, beat the new computer ABS system on an overturned call at the plate by Patrick Bailey.
Hunter also prognosticated that the G-Men will beat the team from LA that may not be named. From his mouth to God’s ear, as the saying goes, but the season is 160 games long, and the attitude of the team from LA needs to be addressed. The first series at home (in April) against LA will be telling.
What will we see in 2026 that differs from 2025?
Harrison Bader takes over for Jung Hoo Lee in center field. The Giants don’t need Bader to be great for there to be a significant improvement in center field defense. They just need him to be decent. He’s had seasons of 18 and 15 Runs Saved in center in the past, and had 6 Runs Saved in 81 games in center last season.
Moving Jung Hoo to right field also looks like a good experiment. Center fielders usually do well at the corner outfield spots, and Lee has been hitting well in spring training.
Willy Adames is looking good at SS and made several stunning stops when I saw him. He should be even better this year at home.
Rafael Devers is hitting the cover off the ball, but has early-season yips at 1st base. Perhaps the fact that Bryce Elridge was sent down to the minors for the moment (he will be back) has taken some of the pressure off.
Jared Olivia - remember this name. He is speedy (13 of 14 stolen bases), hits the cover off the ball, and if he makes the team, he will make a difference.
Daniel Susac as backup to Patrick Bailey. He has a great arm and is a consistent hitter
The pitching is where the rubber will meet the road.
There is no one better in baseball than Logan Webb, and he looks ready for the season.
Behind Logan is Robbie Ray, who started the game against the Guardians and pitched like it was more than an exhibition game.
However, behind Webb and Ray, the pitching looks questionable because of too many injuries. The question here is who is going to break camp as the 3rd and 4th starters.
One name to watch is Tyler Mahle, who started for the Giants today against the River Cats, pitching five innings and allowing only one hit (home run to Elridge) while striking out four.
The Upshot? The G-Men have the hitting, but the pitching is a question mark. The next two exhibition games (tonight and tomorrow night) may clarify the last decisions.
The 2026 Season begins tomorrow night against the best team in the Mexican League
The Sultanes are the best of the Mexican league and are geared up to show they belong with the big boys of the MLB. They have won 10 League titles against the best teams in their league and want to show the US Fans that they should not only be respected but feared. We suspect that there will be more to these games than normal exhibition games.
We have pre-season seats available for tonight and Tuesday night against the Sultanes. After that, we revert to regular season style (with the 4/2 series against the Mets, and the 4/6 series against the Phillies up next – there will be tickets for those series, so stay tuned).
MON 3/23 – 6:45 Sultanes (4)
TUES 3/24 - 6:45 Sultanes (4)
Let the torture continue.
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!
