Connor Grossman joins the Giants Warmup to talk about the Giants struggles
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In this episode of KNBR's Giants Warmup, host Kerry Crowley welcomes back Connor Grossman to discuss the San Francisco Giants' 2026 season opener against the Yankees and their upcoming series with the Padres. Grossman offers a cautiously optimistic yet skeptical outlook, predicting the Giants will start around .500 but ultimately finish just outside the playoffs due to a weak pitching staff and bullpen depth issues. He highlights the team’s potential turnaround in the second half under new manager Tony Vitello, emphasizing the importance of resilience and roster development. A major focus is on Buster Posey’s leadership and decision-making, particularly regarding the promotion of young prospect Bryce Eldridge and aggressive in-season moves at the trade deadline. Grossman draws parallels between Eldridge’s path and Posey’s own rookie journey, suggesting a deliberate strategy to let young talent earn their way. The conversation underscores the Giants’ need to balance youth development with playoff aspirations, with the season’s narrative hinging on front-office boldness and player performance under pressure.
The Giants are projected to start around .500 but likely miss the playoffs due to bullpen and pitching depth concerns.
Buster Posey is expected to make bold, high-stakes decisions at the trade deadline to improve the roster.
Prospect Bryce Eldridge’s promotion will be closely watched and may be delayed to maximize his development.
The team’s second-half performance will be critical—success could redefine their season despite a shaky start.
Manager Tony Vitello’s ability to build resilience and manage the bullpen will be a key factor in the Giants’ late-season push.
Opening the Season with Connor Grossman
Kerry Crowley welcomes Connor Grossman to the show, setting the stage for a deep dive into the Giants' 2026 season outlook. The episode begins with a preview of the opening series against the Yankees and Padres.
Season Outlook: Heartbreak in the Second Half
“I think this season ends for the Giants with a small step forward, which is a playoff race that comes down to the last week of the season, whereas in these past few years their playoff hopes have really fizzled out in early to mid-September.”
The Bullpen Problem: A Season-Long Challenge
“I don't think pitching-wise it's playoff caliber. And that's one of the reasons that I think that they're going to get off to a mediocre start.”
Buster Posey’s Big Decisions: The Trade Deadline & Promotions
“I don't think he would do the same thing... He knows the message it sends to the clubhouse, for the fan base.”
Bryce Eldridge: A Prospect’s Path to the Big Leagues
The episode explores Eldridge’s decision to start the season in AAA, with Grossman suggesting this is a strategic move to mirror Posey’s own development. He emphasizes the long-term vision and the pressure of having two elite first basemen on the roster.
“I don't think he would do the same thing... He knows the message it sends to the clubhouse, for the fan base.”
“I think this season ends for the Giants with a small step forward, which is a playoff race that comes down to the last week of the season, whereas in these past few years their playoff hopes have really fizzled out in early to mid-September.”
“It's not even to say that he regrets what he did a year ago. I just don't think he has the stomach and frankly the interest to do it again.”
Host
Guest
Connor Grossman
person
Buster Posey
person
Kerry Crowley
person
Bryce Eldridge
person
Tony Vitello
person
Ryan Walker
person
Padres
other
Duvall
person
Yankees
other
Marty Lurie
person
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