The universe of possible future relievers for the Giants is vast and includes several names we have already listed in the SP depth charts. Instead of an exhaustive listing of all of the organizations relief pitchers, I will highlight a few who for whatever reason are on my radar as relievers to watch. First, let's sort out who will be contending for an Opening Day assignment in the Giants bullpen. We'll assume they are going outside the organization for the closer and we will assume none of their current FA's, Casilla, Lopez or Romo are going to be re-signed.
Locks: Will Smith LHP, Derek Law RHP, Hunter Strickland RHP, George Kontos.
Likely: Cory Gearrin RHP.
Contenders(for 1 spots): Ty Blach LHP(if he's not the 5'th starter), Steven Okert LHP, Josh Osich LHP, Albert Suarez RHP.
Of course, if they sign/trade for more than 1 reliever, it could bump everybody down a notch or two.
Now, let's take a look at a few key relief pitcher prospects in the minors(not including potential converted starters such as Joan Gregorio, Chris Stratton, Sam Coonrod, Dan Slania and others.
AAA:
Tyler Rogers RHP, 26 yo- 2-2, 3.27, 24, BB, 46 K, GO/AO= 4.69!(2 levels). ERA ballooned to 6.10 in Sacramento, but his peripherals stayed about the same. He is doing much better in the hitter friendly Arizona Fall League, 0-1, 2.08, 8.2 IP, 2 BB, 9 K, GO/AO= 2.00. He's a submariner whose release point millimeters from the dirt has garnered some inneresting images from the AFL.
AA:
Rodolfo Martinez, RHP, 23 yo- 1-4, 3.35, 53.2 IP, 25 BB, 50 K, GO/AO= 1.18(2 levels). The hard throwing Martinez dominated the Cal League in the first half, but got crushed after a promotion to AA. Continued to struggle in the AFL where his velocity was reported to be down raising injury concerns.
Chase Johnson, RHP, 25 yo- 1-4, 3.77, 52.1 IP, 18 BB, 37 K, GO/AO= 1.69. Abruptly moved to the bullpen midseason and later the DL. Not sure of his current health status. He was closing games for the Flying Squirrels when he hit the DL.
Carlos Alvarado, RHP, 27 yo- 1-0, 1.72, 31.1 IP, 1 BB, 37 K's(3 levels). I've always like Alvarado despite his advanced age for level at every step. He's listed at 6'4", 175 lbs. and has always put up interesting numbers not the least of which is the 1 BB in 31.1 IP for 2016.
HIGH A:
Reyes Maronta, RHP, 24 yo- 0-3, 2.59, 59 IP, 20 BB, 93 K. Doesn't throw quite as hard as Rodolfo Martinez did in San Jose, but still sits in the mid-upper 90's. Was Martinez' setup man in the first half then took over the Closer role in SJ when Rodolfo moved up. Listed at 6'0", 175 lbs. He's at least 50 lbs heavier than that. Physically a strong resemblance to Jean Machi.
LOW A:
Cesar Yanez, RHP, 22 yo- 1-0, 2.22, 28.1 IP, 15 BB, 35 K(2 levels). I don't really have any reason to believe Yanez has a huge upside except a gut feeling. I like his listed size at 6'5", 175 lbs, and his numbers.
SHORT SEASON:
Patrick Ruotolo RHP, 22 yo- 2-2, 1.13, 24 IP, 14 BB, 42 K's(2 levels). Most of those numbers were put up in Arizona which is too low a level for a college draftee. On the other hand, his peripherals were the best of a weak crop of pitching draftees.
DSL:
Jesus Reyes RHP, 20 yo- 4-1, 1.51, 35.2 IP, 17 BB, 46 K, GO/AO= 2.00. Giants pitching representative to the DSL All Star Game. Expect to see him in Arizona next summer. 6'4", 175 lbs.
Jasier Herrera RHP, 19 yo- 3-1, 3.27, 22 IP, 7 BB, 21 K, GO/AO=1.28. Like his size at 6'5", 175 lbs. second season in the DSL. Was this enough to get him to Arizona?
