Good memory. At the time it really looked like they intended to let him manage in 2018. Even though Klentak was then able to bring in his own guy, I think Middleton was the one pushing to take the rebuild forward another step towards being a more respectable team in 2018, which was probably a mistake (both then and when it almost worked and they were buyers at the deadline). Santana and Arrieta were supposed to join Hoskins as veteran building blocks, along with a young middle IF on its way, and, well, we know how that worked out. Same with Gabe.
For sure Melvin's money is meaningless; I suppose if they picked it up it just becomes a nice gesture. Giants ownership is rich but still seem cut more from the old Phillies model or even the new one - old money and more than 30 investors, not the new money cowboys like with the Mets and Dodgers.
I suspect the Giants might be going through the same thing the Phillies did in the front office. Zaidi was the ultimate quant, and an LA guy (hence, Kapler) and now they're going away from that. Phillies wound up striking a good balance with an experienced and confident PBO willing to delegate (and, let's face it, they lucked out that the mediocre Girardi hire turned into what his firing became). No idea what lies ahead for SF. Their GM is the brother of the Angels GM.
