The Giants had a special group in 2021 but it’ll be impossible to keep the band together in 2022. Buster Posey has retired, the entire starting rotation is a question mark beyond Logan Webb and other players like Brandon Belt are unrestricted free agents.
Shortstop Crawford joined 95.7 The Game's “Willard and Dibs” Tuesday morning to share his thoughts on the Giants heading into the offseason, saying he expects a decent amount of roster turnover. You can hear the full interview below:
“Obviously, we have a lot of free agents, so it’s possible that we have half of a new roster basically,” Crawford said. “I’m hoping to bring back at least a few of our guys that we have this year and kind of keep that group together and try to run it back next year.”
With Posey’s retirement and Belt’s uncertain future with the franchise, Crawford remains the lone holdover on the roster from the title-winning teams of the 2010s. The 34-year-old said he doesn’t dwell much on his place in the history of the Giants, unless prompted by radio hosts.
“I typically don’t, but when I keep getting reminded that I’m the only one left from the World Series teams,” Crawford said, “unless we sign Belt, which I’m obviously hoping for. You start to kind of think about that and reflect a little bit. We have a lot of great guys on the team and good leaders. I don’t think I’m going to be the only or anything like that.”
Crawford also discussed his career year, as he recently claimed his third career Gold Glove and put up career bests in home runs (24), RBI (90), batting average (.298), on-base percentage (.373) and slugging (.522).
“I had high expectations going into the season, but I don’t think anyone or I would have guessed that I would have had a career year by a long shot offensively,” Crawford said. “I always had the confidence that I’d get another Gold Glove, but it’s tough after you don’t win one for a few years, it’s tough to get one back.”
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Crawford had some fun with co-hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley in ‘The Big Finish’ of his interview and shed some light on the clubhouse culture of the team. He noted that Captain Belt is often the ringleader of the outrageous postgame clubhouse celebrations after wins.
“It’s crazy, some of the stuff gets pretty wild,” Crawford said. “Especially with Belt. Can’t get into much detail.”
Crawford is renowned for being the team’s clubhouse DJ and said he usually sets the tone for the starter with a playlist before each start. He also revealed Kevin Gausman’s go-to music choice.
“A lot of them don’t care,” Crawford said. “They’ll say, ‘Whatever, play whatever you want.’ For Gaus, I’d always play Lil Wayne.”
Starters like Gausman, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood and Johnny Cueto are on the open market after spending 2021 with the Giants. DJ B.C. Raw might have to make up some new playlists in 2022.
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