Takeaways From SF Giants Manager Bob Melvin's KNBR Interview

[@bobbest8627]

Nice vid… I think I was your 63rd subscriber. You’re pretty much echoing the same thoughts I have. I’d like to see Bivins get some more time in the Biggs… Even if it’s not with the Giants. Great story for a grinder.

[@EYDShow]

I’d love to see him up in the bigs as well! Unfortunately with SF it becomes a numbers game and I’m not sure if he’d crack their pen given how many arms they have. Might depend on if they want to stretch someone like Roupp out as a starter in Sac. And thanks for sticking with us this long! We’re going to try to keep improving the show and bringing different types of content in the future!

[@tomdolan9761]

I'm with you on Bryce...he's on his own time table. There's no reason to rush him given the state of the rebuild

[@ProducerRyan212]

Good episode 😊

[@EYDShow]

Appreciate you!

[@DeeeeDrawwwwsss93]

I’m overall okay with the place of the team. I am a bit bummed that they didn’t pursue Santander especially given the contract he got. But I can’t be terribly mad at giving these young guys a legit shot

[@EYDShow]

If the kids get a shot in 2025 I’ll be thrilled. We’ll at least know how close the team is next offseason and have a good feel on their needs.

[@fandyllic1975]

Don’t like Wade leading off regularly, since he is also injury prone and giving him tons of at bats risks early injury. He should also be monitored carefully, since if his OBP drops, his value at the top of the lineup drops dramatically.

[@supermandevin4717]

I know this is super far fetched but I genuinely think it’s possible Jerar Encarnacion is capable of having a Brent Rooker type of break out, his approach is much improved from his time with the marlins, the pop obviously plays, and he has similar if not better metrics to Rooker pre breakout, if by the grace of god that happens I think there’s a shot at the wildcard with this team

[@EYDShow]

While not likely, it is certainly possible. Would be awesome if they found a gem in Jerar.

[@SanFranFan30]

Wade needs to be in the 8 or 9 hole, having some one who can simply can get on base at the back end of the lineup is useful and could provide coverage to guys like Bailey and Wilmer in the bottom of the lineup.

[@SeeiingStars]

Ideally how would you like the top 6 of the lineup to look? I like Willy at the 3 or 4 hole, as he is our most consistent RBI guy. I honestly like Ramos somewhere in that top 5

[@EYDShow]

As it currently stands: Lee Adames Wade Ramos Chapman Yaz Fitz Bailey (Depending on who DH insert them somewhere in there) In a perfect world Fitz improves his swing and miss a bunch and you have him lead off and essentially bump everyone else down.

[@dumbguyheath4264]

I don’t mind Lee batting third. With his high exit velocity it seems like he can hit for more extra base power than initially expected. Also the Giants struck out too much with men on base. Put him third with his low strikeout rate and it might help them get more runners in

[@EYDShow]

My main issue has less to do with Lee an more to do with Wade. While it’s nice that he gets on base he is a complete clog on the paths. I feel Lee has tremendous upside to be a high end OBP guy while also chipping in 15+ SB. Just my .02

[@dumbguyheath4264]

@ I wonder if Fitz improves on his swing and miss rate if he might take over leading off at some point. He has the speed for it

[@EYDShow]

@ if he can get the whiff/K rates under 25% each I think it definitely becomes a real possibility. I feel Lee is an ideal 2 hitter honestly.

[@elielder]

It would be sweet if someone would teach Grant McRae to bunt Willie Maze-Haze style.

[@nickbovi]

In the outfield, I want to see Ramos in right, Lee in center and Matos in left if he shows he deserves it. I don't really understand the platoon thing at all, Yaz is a 4th outfielder, plain and simple. He is a good fielder, but i don't understand the whole fascination with him starting platoon. Hopefully Matos force the issue in spring training. I don't the Lee batting 3rd thing either, Adames should be batting 3rd, and Lee leading off. Maybe you have Lamonte batting second his OBP is still important in the 2nd spot. There are times when things so obvious, but front office just doesn't see it.

[@EYDShow]

Agreed pretty much on all fronts. I just hope Matos really gets a legit shot to win the job.

[@lynnbyrd9819]

Yes, most of what he or Buster has said before. Pencil that starting lineup in...with Flores, Matos, Schmitt, Encarnacion, and Huff/ Murphy on the bench. We know most of what the starting staff will look like and most of the bullpen. Hicks is a starter for the first few months at least.

[@EYDShow]

I just like that he left the door open for the young guys to win a job, potentially even as a starter when it comes to someone like Matos in RF. If they’re not going to clear the way for them, at least give them a legit shot to win the job.

[@lynnbyrd9819]

I agree. Even a Matos-Yaz platoon in RF and a Wade-Wilmer at 1B might work. You still have a DH spot. I do prefer a regular everyday lineup otherwise. I'm all for Matos earning the job in the spring.

[@jwerdy5179]

Yeah why does Yaz have to be an every day right fielder when he hits like .220 all season? Just another reason Melvin was a terrible coach last year. Nothing he did made sense

[@RoadKingRob]

I look forward to the day we no longer have Yaz and Jr but for now it is what it is. Both are mediocre thus making the Giants mediocre, again. Another .500 season on tap but maybe we go over this time by a game or two.

[@tomdolan9761]

Having Wade lead off is simply brain dead. He's slow as the second coming of Christ so why would you literally block the possibility of RBIs? Flores is a waste of time. I know this isn't going to be a contender but I think if the youngsters seize the day and the starting pitching does well at least they'll be watchable

[@Jkend199]

Giants philosophy: hit the ball as hard as you can (overswing) Do not shorten up and take swing out to "Put the ball in play" just hit the ball as hard as you can... Result, lots of fly ball outs, lots of balls not squared up and lot and lots of strikeouts... also terrible situational hitting and hitting with RISP Throw in terrible base running (how many unnecessary outs did the giants run into on the bases, freeze on a line drive, don't try and stretch a single into a double... exct.) almost no stolen bases (yes most of the team is too slow... there are some guys on the team who have the speed AND STILL DONT EVEN ATTEMPT TO STEAL, CUZ NO ONE TEACHES THEM HOW) We saw the Yankees fall on their faces in the playoffs with a lot of the same fundamental problems... but they have so much raw talent they got to the series anyway, the Giants don't have that kind of talent. This HIT THE BALL HARD SHIT is the entire philosophy of baseball right now, its leading to 20%+ strikeouts and FUCKING TERRIBLE situational hitting, no 2 strike approach, few sac flies NO SAC BUNTS AT ALL. The giants play in a park that IS NOT HOMERUN FRIENDLY. 2 takeaways... 1 if your whole schtik is hitting homeruns (Pete Alonso) you don't want to play for the Giants. 2 If you aren't AAron Judge, swinging for the fences in Oracle is a bad idea that is gunna lead to a lot of unnecessary fly ball outs... The giants need a completely new hitting philosophy, they aren't in a little band box like Cincinati... Look what happened to Soler... and Conforto, AND SO MANY OTHERS, all brought in for power, all failed miserably, how many more times do we need to see it BEFORE FUCKING REALITY SINKS IN ORACLE IS NOT A GODDAMN HOMERUN PARK. You wanna change the field, bring the fences in, demolish the wall and make it homerun park, fine, do it, but until you do Oracle Park will remain what it has been since it opened, a pitcher's paradise. Everyone thinks Arraez is shit, cuz he doesn't hit for power... he hits for a great avg, almost never strikes out, is constantly on base, put the ball in play almost every at bat, hits righties and lefties equally well, doesn't go into prolonged slumps or miss half the season with injuries AND HE FUCKIN HITS WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION... Ya know what's even better, ha's criminally undervalued which means you might be able to get him at a price that isn't outrageous, and you might be able to get him for 5-6 years, IN HIS FUCKING PRIME, NOT AFTER HE HAS STARTED TO DECLINE... Why is no one talking about Arraez, rumor is that the Padres are at least listening to offers... Listen I know Arraez isn't a complete package, he's not fast, he's not a base stealer, he's not a good defender... Pete Alonso has all the same problems... but he hits homeruns... I DONT FUCKING CARE. In Oracle Park homeruns are not the answer, what we need is a hit machine someone who hits for avg, who is always on base, who doesn't have to sit against lefties cuz he can't fuckin hit them... who isn't going to strike out 25% of the fucking time, who won't hit .190 with RISP who doesn't spend 1/2 of every goddamn season on the IL year after fucking year... And he won't break the bank, cuz no one wants him... and we won't be getting him as his production tanks at the end of his career... Why is no one talking to the Padres and getting a feel for what it would take to get this guy, he's not perfect, but he's perfect for the Giants.

[@EYDShow]

I agree with the majority of what you just put here. I’ve felt like 3 things I’ve consistently emphasized on this channel that I personally value are: speed, contact ability and extra base power in general (not limited to HR). We can’t have zero power, but we need guys that can drive the ball line or line and fly. Now regarding Arraez. The reason I personally haven’t brought him up is simply because I see zero chance of him being traded within the division. Realistically for SD to trade him in the division it is going to take a drastic overpay from SF, like including Bryce type of overpay. When trading big time players within the division there is simply too much pressure on both teams to not lose the trade.

[@Jkend199]

@@EYDShow maybe the Padre's wouldn't trade him within the division, maybe they would demand Eldridge or something else the Giants are unwilling to trade... I would be talking to them... I think the Giants should be talking to them... If he ends up not being traded then when he does hit the free agent market in 26 I would be making him an offer, not something ridiculous, but definitely something competitive...

[@EYDShow]

@ yeah I’d for sure be talking with them, but because of the complications of moving him in the division the cost for SF to acquire him will be higher than any team outside the division. That’s where it gets tricky. I ultimately don’t see SF ponying up what it would cost for him.

[@harukuhitoki2991]

Id add...I WANT a 100 RBI GUY!!!

[@EYDShow]

@@harukuhitoki2991 here’s to hoping Adames is that guy

[@ChrisMDavis-zf7ft]

Giants ownership just gives me headaches anymore. I get they don’t want to burn 2 more draft picks but this team won’t finish above 3 with a wild card spot just out of grasp. So a 3/4 place finish in west. They have money to spend makes me feel there guy Tucker will be there target like Adames this yr. They are not going to get a player the clogs the roster that they are not 100% on. This might be a multi yr rebuild.

[@EYDShow]

I do think Posey has his sights set on 2026 as a target to full on compete. I’d imagine they’re hoping guys take big leaps and they compete this season but they’re unwilling to damage their future to contend now.

[@tomdolan9761]

Having Wade lead off is simply brain dead. He's slow as the second coming of Christ so why would you literally block the possibility of RBIs? Flores is a waste of time. I know this isn't going to be a contender but I think if the youngsters seize the day and the starting pitching does well at least they'll be watchable

[@GoldRush97]

“…slow as the second coming of Christ” 🤣

[@jwerdy5179]

Wade and Flores have proven they're capable of playing good ball in this league. They were plagued last season with minor injuries that affected their game. Flores, even when healthy, was not being used enough to get into a rhythm. But they're not bad players. Is Pete Alonso a better option? Yes. But to say Wade and Flores will be the downfall of the Giants next year? Really? Flores hit .282 with 23 homers the season before last. Guys like Slater, Conforto, Soler, hurt the team much worse than the 1st basemen did last year. It would be great to have Alonso but Wade and Flores aren't team killers. I'd rather see guys like Wisely and Villar off the 26 man roster