KNBR San Francisco Giants Reporter Kerry Crowley on Coaching Changes, 2018 Season

Q: Now, let’s move forward. It’s obvious the coaching changes won’t fix the near 100-loss season. What changes do you see them making in 2018 to get back to the postseason?

A: You need a new center fielder, a new power hitter in the lineup, and you need a shored-up bullpen. Whether that means bringing in a left-hander, which I would prefer the Giants do. I think it makes sense on bringing in a right-hander in the bullpen. You need to shore up the back-end because the starting rotation is solid. And you got pieces in the field to build around in Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford. The lineup ultimately needs to add about 60 home runs for it to be competitive. And so, the Giants need to add incrementally–add pieces. I think that’s important for them to do.

Q: Now, to kind of give fans a little hope. I know Bob Nightingale of USA Today did. He doubled down on that the Giants are the frontrunners for Giancarlo Stanton. And you being around the team and covering the team for a season now, what do you think? Do you think the Giants are just kind of holding their cards a little bit? Or is what Nightingale saying…is there some truth to that? What do you think?

A: Oh, I think there’s certainly some truth to that because they have to explore every possible option when it comes to power. And when you’re thinking about what the Miami Marlins are trying to do…they’re trying to drastically reduce their salary totals. So, I don’t think it might cost the Giants as much as outsiders perceive it would to acquire Giancarlo Stanton. I think San Francisco could maybe get away with a salary dump or two with Denard Span or someone else like that to acquire Giancarlo Stanton. I think the Giants could be selective, and also, ask for another piece, maybe Christian Yelich or maybe a Dee Gordon. But I think if you’re doing a deal for Giancarlo Stanton, it’s not as black-and-white, cut-and-dry as it might seem.

More from Around the Foghorn

• SF Giants sign veteran 1B John Nogowski to minor league deal
• SF Giants call on veteran LHP Scott Kazmir for big start against Padres
• SF Giants: Update on Alex Dickerson’s rehab assignment
• Atlanta claims SF Giants C Chadwick Tromp off waivers
• SF Giants: Could Johnny Cueto help down the stretch?

Q: Realistically, they probably need about three players to get to the level they want to be at. Three young, dynamic players…would you say that’s correct?

A: Yeah, absolutely. And I think that’s part of my whole philosophy of they need to bring in a center fielder, and they need to bring in 60 home runs. And I think you’re not going to reach 60 home runs by bringing in one player. I think you’re going to reach 60 home runs in this lineup by adding incrementally and adding pieces. You need a left fielder. You need a third baseman. And you need a center fielder. You may need a right fielder. You may need a first baseman. You may need a second baseman if the Giants really go drastic, and all of a sudden, their core players are in trades or other discussions. So, I think the right way to build the Giants is adding three players. How they go about that…I’m not sure.

Q: It’s going to be an interesting offseason indeed. Now, if somebody wanted to check out your work, where can he or she go?

A: The place to go is KNBR.com. That’s where all our KNBR staff writers’ work is housed. And we’ve got great coverage of the 49ers right now. Kevin Lynch is doing a good job over there. I’m covering the Warriors, keeping that seat warm until Giants spring training starts up. And Vince, I can’t wait, and I know you can’t wait either.

Next: Three San Francisco Giants Who Need to Have Rebound Seasons in 2018

Vince: We’ll definitely have to do this again. Thank you so much, Kerry for your time.

Kerry: Awesome, thank you so much, Vince.