Things to get excited about for 2017

The return of Giants baseball from winter hibernation is certainly exciting enough, don’t you think? But there are some specific things about the 2017 Giants that I’m feeling stoked about. For one, how about Matt Moore? For another, how about Eduardo Nunez? I don’t think either player has shown his full potential. Moore will be 28 in June and Nunez will be 29. These guys ought to be at their physical peaks–the Giants were smart to grab them both. Let’s imagine a full season from both of them with Moore complementing the outstanding one-two MadBum-JohnnyC combo and Nunez filling out an already outstanding infield. We are going to enjoy watching these guys.

Mark Melancon was of course the obvious upgrade the bullpen needed, but I’m excited for some of the youngsters like Derek Law and Steven Okert and perhaps even Kyle Crick. “Old vets” like Hunter Strickland and Cory Gearrin will be more seasoned and I expect they’ll be stalwart contributors. We didn’t really get to see what Will Smith can do, I feel like Bochy did not know him well enough last season and that this year he may get a chance to be, for lack of a better term, Jeremy Affeldt Lite. The fact that Matt Cain is physically healthy (at least that’s the word) is exciting. My expectations are muted, but if he can be effective as a fifth starter that will make the rotation among the best in the game.

Gorkys Hernandez and Jarrett Parker both bring some excitement to the outfield. Untested, sure, but that’s part of it. The uncertainty in the outfield, what with both Pence and Span being below par last season, is a problem, but I feel good about the process. There are vets aplenty to push these guys and I have faith that they will step up. They don’t have to be superstars, just solid major-leaguers, and I believe the team has the support and coaching necessary to achieve that. Then again, Mac Williamson and Chris Marrero could make some roster decisions really tough. That’s good. When you cut or re-assign talented players, that means you have a deep club.

What are you guys excited about?

–M.C.

p.s. I forgot to mention Jae-gyun Hwang, Mr. Excitement. Who know what this guy can do?