To no one's surprise Gabe Kapler was named NL Manager of the Year. He got 28 of the 30 first-place votes. He deserved it. The Giants were the most actively-managed team in MLB and they far exceeded all pre-season expectations. They won 107 games and captured the NL West flag on the final day, denying the Dodgers who were expected to run away with the division.
Congrats to Kap!
--M.C.
9 comments:
Deserved.
This was a no brainer. Kapler is brilliant.
This next Season will be the big test for him. Last Regular Season, everything magically went right. That had a lot to do w/ Kapler, particularly the way that he got the vets to buy into the plan. But, the best Manager in the Universe has no right to expect a 107-win Season - weird stuff has to happen organically, too, & it most certainly did. And, no one expects that in consecutive Seasons.
This coming year, two big variables that will make Kapler's job harder, because their influence certainly helped him:
- No Posey
- No Wotus
Most teams that have historic seasons have a big drop-off the following year. As you say a lot had to "go right" for the Giants to rack up 107 wins.
I actually think 2020 was a bigger test. Kap was new, had a lot of baggage, and was an unpopular choice with the fans. Yet the team played with purpose and conviction and showed signs of being much better than the results. Kap put up with a lot of doubt and criticism but was confident in his abilities (and had the F.O.'s support) and did not waver from doing what he thought needed to be done. He was able to look past the negativity and he was able to grow and learn and get better at his job.
I think 2022 will be more about personnel than coaching. That is, it still takes talent to win and the F.O. will need to add key people to keep the team competitive. I'm not concerned about the coaching side--they seem to have a good structure in place and it will continue to bear fruit. But it will be hard to repeat something like signing three free agent starters and have them all perform well!
I have not heard anything about Brandon Belt. Did he accept the Q.O.? Are they negotiating a new deal? Is he headed for free agency? I'd sure like to know!
https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/brandon-belt-to-return-to-giants
Yeah, saw that, thanks!
I'm happy.
The giants played almost 500 ball in 2020 without Posey. I should say also without Casali too. They may have played 500 ball if the last game of the 2020 season had not been one of the worst umpired game since they started keeping track of calls. Glad Kap took the honor overwhelmingly as he should have, and it is nice to know we have Brandon Belt back.
Logan Webb turns 25 today. He's two years younger than Corbin Burnes, the NL CYA winner. Both big righties were 4th-round picks. Both are California boys (Burnes is from Bakersfield and pitched at St. Mary's). Both had their "breakouts" in their third MLB seasons.
I see big things ahead for Logan Webb!
Giants pitching prospect RJ Dabovich talks to David Laurila of FanGraphs about his development as a pitcher. This is a fascinating read. Dabovich is also a 4th-round pick and is currently in AA. If you want a sense of what a young pitcher has to learn in order to succeed in pro ball and also some sense as to how these guys are coached in the minors you should read the article. Laurila has a regular Sunday column on FG and he is always interesting.
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