San Francisco Giants 2019 Spring Training Preview: Starting Pitchers

The Long Shots

Logan Webb

Webb was added to the 40 man to protect him from the Rule-5 draft. The Giants like what they have in him, but he won’t start the year even in AAA likely. Webb has posted a sub 3.00 ERA the last two years in the minors, after finally getting healthy. Last season he destroyed the CAL League and had solid success in 6 starts at AA Richmond. He’ll probably start the year there again, unless the Giants see something in him this spring. But given his injury history and developmental track, it’s a safe bet he starts the year in Richmond before moving to Sacramento. Still, he’ll be an interesting watch this Spring Training.

Sam Coonrod

Coonrod has been injured for the last year, but has struggled with the higher levels of the Giants system. He’s still on the 40-man, but there isn’t much chance for him to make the big league roster this year. If anything, him returning to a healthy form in either AA or AAA will be a positive step forward for the Giants.

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Keyvius Sampson

Sampson was an interesting minor leagued deal, and is one of the Non-Roster Invites. He had solid success in the KBO, but whether or not that translates to the big leagues is another thing. If he ends up in AAA, that’s perfectly fine. He’ll be another intriguing watch for sure.

Shaun Anderson

Anderson has been an awesome get for the Giants thanks to their trade with the Red Sox for Eduardo Nunez. He’s become their top pitching prospect in the organization, and should be given a good look this spring.

His ETA is likely closer than anyone else on this list of “long shots” but thanks to his rating, he’ll certainly be given a chance.

Anderson could very well have been swapped out for Beede. However, navigating the 40 man roster to get him to their club is probably all that stands in Anderson’s way if he has a solid spring training.

Conner Menez

Menez was actually a surprising addition for me, but if he’s 23, he needs to be given a look in Spring Training. He still has a lot of work to do, and might be better off in the bullpen. Who knows. But he’s most certainly a wild card in this year’s spring training group.

Garrett Williams

Last but not least is Garrett Williams. Williams is also in the same camp as Conner Menez. A long shot, and likely will start the year in either AA or AAA.

Predictions: If the San Francisco Giants had an interest in naming a straight five man rotation, then my choices would be in the following order: Madison Bumgarner, Dereck Rodriguez, Derek Holland, Drew Pomeranz, and Andrew Suarez. I think Jeff Samardzija will be given plenty of time to get 100% right either on a rehab assignment or an extended spring training. Stay tuned! We’ll have a few more of these out this week.