Giants Talk: A San Francisco Giants Podcast

Bob Melvin joins Alex Pavlovic on "Giants Talk" to discuss how he envisions the Giants' lineup, his expectations for Ryan Walker and Camilo Doval next season, and why he believes Kyle Harrison is "hungrier." Plus, Cole Kuiper and Alex break down the Giants' free-agent pursuit of Corbin Burnes and if they have a shot at 23-year-old Japanese superstar pitcher Rōki Sasaki.Intro::40 – Will the Giants get Corbin Burnes?3:55 – Reporting on if Burnes prefers a short-term deal and why Giants would prefer a longer-term deal6:00 – Cole is over one-and-done deals but Alex likes them8:15 – Options if the Giants don’t sign Burnes?11:50 –  Why Giants are a good spot for Rōki Sasaki?16:00 – Kyle Tucker signs, what Giants would have had to give up to get himBob Melvin:21:30 - How it's been working with Buster Posey22:45 - On his initial conversation with Posey23:50 - Being empowered to run his department by Posey24:45 - How he envisions the Giants' lineup26:00 - On being more accountable27:15 - Piecing together the Giants' lineup28:45 - Expectations for Ryan Walker and Camilo Doval30:45 - Upside of pitching group32:00 - Why Kyle Harrison is "hungrier"33:00 - Update on Marco Luciano34:00 - Melvins' message getting ready for camp35:00 - What Giants will play like in 2025

Willy Adames joins Alex Pavlovic on "Giants Talk" to discuss why he bought into Buster Posey and the Giants' vision for his future, his excitement to play alongside Matt Chapman and why he chose to wear #2. Intro::55 - Willy Adames press conference break down3:05 - How the Adames deal went down3:50 - Kyle Tucker available6:00 - First base and DH options7:05 - Corbin Burnes speculation Willy Adames:8:40 - Why he bought into Buster Posey and the Giants' vision9:40 - On if the Giants made assurances that they will compete10:20 - On the city of San Francisco11:10 - How he celebrated after signing his contract11:55 - If he’s spoked to Logan Webb or any other teammates yet12:55 - On being a "connecter" teammate13:45 - On hitting at Oracle14:40 - His excitement for playing alongside Matt Chapman15:10 - Why he chose to wear #2

Buster Posey joins Alex Pavlovic on "Giants Talk" from the MLB Winter Meetings to discuss the Willy Adames signing, why the Giants were out on Juan Soto's free agency and gives his thoughts on Rōki Sasaki.Intro:1:00 – Roki Sasaki speculation3:45 – Corbin Burnes speculationBuster Posey:6:20 - Buster Posey on his experience so far at the MLB Winter Meetings7:00  – When in the process Willy Adames became the guy for the Giants7:45 – On speaking with Logan Webb and Adames as they build the roster8:30 – Why they were out on Juan Soto9:30 – On the pitching market10:20 – On if they will meet with Rōki Sasaki11:50 – On connecting back to the World Series years and players13:15 – How does he anticipate using his former teammates?14:45 – On understanding the importance of the team’s history and players15:40 – Best and worst part of the new job

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down the league's reaction to the Giants' reported Willy Adames agreement, how it has brought clarity to San Francisco's infield, and discuss the latest updates on Jung Hoo Lee, Jordan Hicks and Camilo Doval.1:00 – Reactions to reported Willy Adames signing6:30 – Plan to introduce Adames this week7:00 – Clarity on the in-field lineup8:30 – Updates on Jung Hoo Lee, Camilo Doval, and Jordan Hicks21:00 – Michael Conforto signs with the Dodgers23:30 – Juan Soto signs record contract with the Mets30:10 – Alex Cobb signs with the Tigers33:30 – MLB Winter Meetings auction

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down the Giants' reported seven-year, $182 million contract with star shortstop Willy Adames and what this means for the rest of San Francisco's offseason plans.:45 – Giants reportedly agree to record contract with Willy Adames4:30 – Details on contract6:20 – Breaking down Buster Posey’s first deal, why getting it done before Juan Soto signs was important9:00 – Any red flags about Adames?12:00 – How good can Giants’ infield be?17:00 – Are the Giants changing their perception with this deal?19:00 – What do the rest of the Winter Meetings look like for the Giants?23:00 – Do the Giants now have a “star player?”27:00 – Buster establishing the Giants’ identity

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down Brandon Crawford's legacy in San Francisco after he announced his retirement, what Blake Snell signing with the Dodgers means and what Buster Posey should look to accomplish at the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings.:45 – Discussing Brandon Crawford’s retirement and legacy with the Giants7:15 – Alex and Cole's favorite Crawford moment11:00 – Blake Snell signs with the Dodgers18:30 – On the Dodgers’ deferred contracts, should more teams spend?24:30 – What does Snell to LA mean for the Giants pursuit of a starting pitcher?27:45 – Other recent MLB signings30:45 – Rob Manfred and the “golden at-bat” rule35:15 – What should Buster Posey look to accomplish at the Winter Meetings?

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic are joined by Duane Kuiper to discuss the Giants' possible outfield lineup next season, how the team can balance free agency with playing time for young players, and if Madison Bumgarner could return to San Francisco as an advisor.1:00 – What Giants' outfield might look like for 2025 season5:45 – Free agency vs. giving young players opportunities8:00 – On having a different left-fielder every year since Barry Bonds10:00 – Alyssa Nakken leaves15:00 – Bobby Evans rejoins the team along with Jeff Berry20:40 – Contracts tendered for LaMonte Wade Jr., Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers as Austin Warren re-signs22:00 – Awards season review23:30 – Carson Ragsdale and Carson Seymour are added to the 40-man roster24:30 – Madison Bumgarner coming back to the Giants as an advisor?Duane Kuiper:27:15 – Duane Kuiper on watching a World Series game with Mike Krukow29:45 – On Buster Posey taking over as President of Baseball Operations35:20 – Which positions the Giants need to fill this offseason39:00 – On who he expects to play in the outfield next season41:50 – Going on the Giants Hawaii trip

New San Francisco Giants general manager Zack Minasian sits down with Alex Pavlovic to discuss the team's identity and why his lifetime around baseball makes him a good fit for the position. Cole Kuiper and Alex also break down Randy Winn's new role with the team and answer fan's mailbag questions.Intro:1:00 - Randy Winn named Vice President of Player Development7:00 - Austin Slater signs with the Chicago White Sox9:00 - Which Giants will be back after the non-tender deadline?12:15 - Mailbag Q’sZack Minasian:22:10 - On becoming a new dad and GM23:20 - What an interview with Buster Posey is like24:15 - If the thought he had a chance at the job after Posey's press conference25:30 - On scouting  Posey when he was a player27:00 - On the moment he got the GM job27:45 - What moves he feels stand out in his career29:00 - Why pitching and defense need to be the Giants' identity moving forward31:00 - On confidence in Giants' current pitching,32:45 - Tyler Fitzgerald maybe moving to 2nd and if they need to upgrade shortstop33:30 - Breaking down the outfield situation36:00 - On Luis Matos and Marco Luciano's development, expectations for next season38:50 - On Randy Winn becoming VP of player development, how they plan on approaching player development41:45 - His background growing up in MLB clubhouses, on the validation from getting the GM job44:30 - Dynamic between him and his brother Perry, who's GM of the Angels48:20 - On Tommy Lasorda being his godfather

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic discuss the Giants' possible infield lineup next season, including if free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim could make his way to San Francisco this offseason, along with other possible options this offseason 1:00 – Explaining what the GM meetings are for2:50 – Uncertainty for the Giants' offseason9:20 – Why so many former Giants are working together elsewhere12:50 – Juan Soto watch begins15:00 – Giants’ infielders breakdown17:20 – Could Ha-Seong Kim sign with the Giants?22:00 – Could Willy Adames sign with the Giants?26:30 – Can Bryce Eldridge continue his “meteoric” rise?31:35 – What does the future look like for Tyler Fitzgerald & Casey Schmitt?34:00 – Around the MLB

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down why the Giants promoted Zack Minasian to be their general manager, share their reaction to Patrick Bailey and Matt Chapman winning NL Gold Gloves, and discuss if the bullpen is set after several relievers had breakout 2024 seasons. :45 – Why the Giants hired Zack Minasian as GM10:00 – Comings and goings in San Francisco25:50 – Bailey and Chapman win Gold Gloves27:45 – On the Dodgers' celebration30:15 – Biggest winners from the Dodgers' World Series win35:30 – Will Soto be back with the Yankees?37:45 – Breaking down the bullpen

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down the Giants' starting pitching options this offseason, if they believe Blake Snell will be back with the team and discuss the World Series matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. 1:00 – Takeaways from the World Series matchup11:00 - Do the Giants need to just spend the money this offseason?14:15 – Comparing the Giants use of bullpen games to the Dodgers this postseason19:00 – On starting pitching and how they can improve next season24:00 – Will Blake Snell be back?28:30 – Pitching free agent options34:40 – Where do the Giants stand with their young pitchers, are they ready?36:00 – Will Jordan Hicks remain a starter?37:45 – Predicting the Giants’ 2025 starting rotation40:40 – Mailbag Q’s

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down how the Giants might handle arbitration-eligible players, this year’s World Series matchup, and what their future roster could look like. Cole and Alex also answer fan questions about the Giants’ offseason. :45 - J.P. Martinez promoted to be Giants' new pitching coach6:15 - Unofficial embargo on news during the World Series7:30 - How will Giants handle arbitration-eligible players Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, LaMonte Wade, Jr. and Mike Yastrzemski?21:00 - Breaking down the World Series matchup25:30 - Discussing the players in the World Series the Giants missed out on30:30 - What will the Giants’ future roster look like in a few years? And can the Giants sign Juan Soto this offseason?

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down what new president of baseball operations Buster Posey will seek in potential GM candidates and answer fan questions about the Giants’ offseason. Cole and Alex also discuss the MLB playoffs and make their World Series predictions.1:00 Breaking down NLCS, ALCS matchups15:00 World Series predictions16:30 Potential Giants GM candidates29:30 Are the Giants done with 'heavy lifting' after Matt Chapman deal?40:00 What does future look like for Marco Luciano, Tyler Fitzgerald, Brett Wisely?

Alex Pavlovic and Cole Kuiper look back at the 2024 season and analyze the Giants’ biggest surprises, disappointments and front-office mistakes that resulted in an 80-82 record. They also discuss new president of baseball operations Buster Posey’s potential impact on top prospects such as Bryce Eldridge and Marco Luciano.3:00 Biggest surprises of 2024 season7:00 Biggest disappointment13:00 Breakthrough performance24:00 Biggest front-office mistake

Alex Pavlovic and Cole Kuiper assess Farhan Zaidi’s tenure and look forward to how Buster Posey’s leadership style will translate to his new role. Also, Alex catches up with Posey and Giants chairman Greg Johnson to discuss the search for San Francisco's next general manager and how Buster’s perspective as a player will benefit him in his new job.8:00 Assessing Farhan's tenure26:00 Examing Posey's leadership style33:00 Buster Posey shares 'excitement' of new role37:45 Posey on GM search41:30 Greg Johnson on Posey's readiness for new role

Alex Pavlovic and George Kontos discuss what led to the Giants' decision to part ways with Farhan Zaidi, the surprising announcement of Buster Posey as his replacement, and what changes should be made for San Francisco to regain a winning culture.1:10 Posey named Giants' president of baseball operations3:00 How Posey can bring winning culture back to San Francisco10:05 Can Posey be a successful player recruiter?12:45 What led to Giants' decision to part ways with Zaidi

Alex Pavlovic and Cole Kuiper analyze what we should take away from Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi’s discussion with the media this week in Arizona. Also, Alex and Cole examine the Giants’ recent positive vibes, Grant McCray’s concerning strikeout rate and how Bryce Eldridge’s rise could impact the team’s free agency approach.1:00 Giants playing well now that pressure is off7:30 Grant McCray's concerning strikeout rate12:30 Takeaways from Farhan Zaidi's discussion with media20:00 How Bryce Eldridge could impact Giants free agency approach32:00 Previewing the Giants-Cardinals series

Alex Pavlovic chats with Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge to discuss his fast-tracked MLB journey and learning to play first base. Also, Cole Kuiper and Alex analyze Marco Luciano’s tough season and why San Francisco shouldn’t give up on him yet.5:30 Giants two biggest mistakes in handling Luciano10:00 Comparing Luciano's development to Heliot Ramos22:30 Can Matt Chapman get to 30 homers?25:30 Discussing Shohei Ohtani's historic season38:00 Eldridge discusses Triple-A promotion48:15 Eldridge shares biggest adjustment to playing first base

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic discuss Farhan Zaidi’s future with the Giants and detail the organizational implications if they decide to move. Cole and Alex also analyze if Bob Melvin should be on the heat seat, and why Marco Luciano’s position will be one of San Francisco's biggest offseason questions to answer.2:30 Discussing Farhan's future with Giants10:30 Is Bob Melvin on the hot seat?20:30 Why Marco Luciano will be one of the biggest offseason questions28:00 How both Giants, Orioles screwed up potential Blake Snell trade36:45 Looking around MLB

Cole Kuiper and Alex Pavlovic break down Bryce Eldridge’s promotion to Triple-A and when he could potentially make the jump to San Francisco. Also, Cole and Alex examine Buster Posey’s reported involvement in Matt Champan’s contract extension and if it signals anything about Farhan Zaidi’s future.1:00 Bryce Eldridge to Triple-A8:30 Buster Posey takes lead in Matt Chapman negotiations12:30 Does Posey's increased involvement signal anything about Farhan Zaidi's future?21:00 Discussing Heliot Ramos' splash hit