The baseball starved can officially say now that we are in the home stretch of a long off-season. In less than a month’s time, the Giants will be playing Spring Training games in Arizona. In just over two weeks, pitchers and catchers will report to Scottsdale Stadium to officially cut the ribbon on the 2025 MLB season. As these landmark events in the calendar approach, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of teams have put a bow on their off-seasons. Giants included.
Not all off-seasons were created equal. Especially not in the National League West. The Giants did… Fine for themselves. Buster Posey’s first off-season as the man in charge of the franchise he loves so dearly was solid. He added Willy Adames and Justin Verlander, but much like his predecessor, swung and missed on the biggest fish. To make matters just a bit worse, the biggest fish end up in the same pond, as the Dodgers and Diamondbacks loaded up. The Padres are still more than formidable as well. Los Angeles isn’t just a hated rival of the Giants now, it’s a defending champion, gluttonous, detestable force that continues to stack talent with its deep pockets and deeper connections.
Duane Kuiper joined Murph & Markus this morning, and was asked about the Dodgers never ending conveyor belt of talent acquisition. He was asked, but he certainly didn’t answer. It’s safe to say Kuip speaks for most of the Giants fanbase.
Amen, Kuip. Amen.
It was a busy morning with Murph & Markus, as they were also visited by Giants manager Bob Melvin. Melvin also discussed the Dodgers’ off-season, expressing some palpable distaste for the stockpiling without explicitly denouncing it.
Melvin also had high praise for the Giants’ No. 1 prospect, 2023 first round pick Bryce Eldridge. Eldridge had a tremendous first full season in pro ball in 2024, catching the attention of coaches, fans, and peers. Melvin is no exception. The Giants’ skipper was able to meet Eldridge for the first time at the Giants training facility in Arizona recently. He praised his swing and his physicality, while also hinting that the Giants trepidation in adding a first base piece was contingent upon their expectations of Eldridge to contribute in the Major Leagues sooner rather than later.
No pressure, kid.
Since the Giants didn’t net a big fish at first base this off-season, the club will roll into 2025 with a familiar platoon at first base. Lamonte Wade Jr. and Wilmer Flores will platoon at the position. While practical in the short term, it’s hardly a reality that excites Giants fans.
Justin Verlander didn’t say it specifically during his introductory press conference last week, but it’s clear that his role as a mentor for some of the Giants’ young pitchers will be a part of his role with the team this year. Melvin expanded on the benefits of having a legend like Verlander on the staff, and how he expects the 42-year-old future hall of famer to contribute on the bump.
Check out the full Bob Melvin interview below:
Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/murph-markus-podcast/1-22-bob-melvin-joined-murph-markus-to-recap-buste
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXKnjk2oe5c
And Kuip here! https://omny.fm/shows/murph-markus-podcast/1-22-duane-kuiper-joined-murph-markus-to-share-his