San Francisco Giants: Pre-Spring Training Roster Prediction

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Hunter Strickland used to considered the Giants’ future closer. Could he still be? (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) /

Bullpen:

Here is how I think the initial depth chart will shake out, and with their specific and defined roles as well. There is probably a 100% consensus among fans as to who the closer will be, so we’ll set it from the top, down.

Closer: Mark Melancon
Setup Man: Derek Law
7th inning: Hunter Strickland/Will Smith
Long(ish) Relief: Ty Blach (or whoever comes in second in the 5th starter competition) and Steven Okert
Swiss Army Knife/Gap Maintenance: George Kontos

We’ve mentioned before as to how the Giants love to use Kontos as a guy to maintain whatever gap is in the scoreline. He’s done really well at that over the last few years so I think his spot is always safe.

Law, Strickland ,and smith are also safe. Unless, they show up and implode in spring training or get hurt, or other terrible things occur. Strickland would be great in the seventh, along with Smith, depending on the matchup. And Law might be primed to take over the setup man role if he continues the trajectory he set for himself last year.

Overall, the bullpen looks like it will have a fluid competition for the roles underneath Melancon in that group. Six spots and a whole lot of pitchers vying for them and the respective roles.