Time for another Giants mailbag. As always, these are real questions from real readers (as far as we know) sending real tweets and real emails.

We got a lot of mail over the weekend (and thanks for that!) so we'll split it up and roll out two mailbags this Memorial Day. The second mailbag will be published around noon, so stay tuned to NJ.com.

In this first installment of the mailbag, we'll talk Jerry Reese, Paul Perkins and potential defensive captains, among other things. Let's get to it:

2. Does Reese survive if they finish under 8 wins? — MJ (@MJ916) May 29, 2016

I'm not a big fan of declaring baselines for a coach or general manager's dismissal/retention before a season starts. Winning season/losing season, playoffs/no playoffs - those are absolutes that sound good, but a team's journey is very important, and completely unknowable until it's over.

For example: Wrong sport, but I don't think Red Sox ownership thought they'd ever fire their manager after getting to Game 7 of the ALCS in 2003. But Grady Little's (mis)management of that game made all the difference.

That being said, I feel pretty confident in saying Reese will be the Giants' general manager in 2017, even if they miss the playoffs and post a losing record again. John Mara stuck his neck out in January to defend Reese and deliver a forceful vote of confidence. He's not going to back off that stance after one season. The Giants are not looking to rebuild Rome in a year. They have a multiple-season plan, and I expect Reese to be part of it.

****

given all of the changes, should we go into this season with few expectations, or still expect to finish better than last year? — Joey Chapman (@Joey_Chapman) May 26, 2016

I think the Giants will be better in 2016. Right now, I think they'll go 8-8. But there's no reason fans should not enter this season with playoff hopes. They just spent over $200 million on free agents and had a good draft after a 6-10 season that had them in playoff contention for 15 of 17 weeks. There are definitely reasons for optimism. I think the Giants will win 6-10 games this season; where they fall on that spectrum is anyone's guess.

****

I've asked a few of you guys this one no answers. Projected captain of the D? — James (@Jmeyers032) May 26, 2016

That's a good question, James (awesome name by the way). Jon Beason was the Giants' defensive captain last season, but he's retired now. Cullen Jenkins was a game captain several times, but he's no longer with the team.

The Giants have very high hopes for Jason Pierre-Paul this season. It would not shock me if a captaincy is in his immediate future. Former Giants captain Justin Tuck has been pretty vocal this offseason about his belief in Pierre-Paul, and Pierre-Paul is considered a team leader by his peers. Even last year, Pierre-Paul took on some captain-like duties, such as being the defensive representative to speak with the media the day after a loss (Eli Manning is almost always the offensive player who speaks after a defeat) on several occasions.

Linebacker J.T. Thomas is another candidate. He did not have much of an impact in his first season with the Giants due to injuries, but he is considered a leader by his teammates. Fellow linebackers Jonathan Casillas, Jasper Brinkley and Mark Herzlich could also be in the mix. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is more of a lead-by-example player. My assumption is that the Giants' new defensive acquisitions would not be named captains right off the bat, in case you are wondering about them.

****

#giants how far behind will paul perkins be having missed otas? He seems to have a lot of potential. Can hemake final 53 or PS — goblue (@giantsfan459) May 29, 2016

I would not worry too much. The reason Perkins can't participate in OTAs is a rule that prevents rookies from entering offseason programs until their schools are out of session, even if a player is no longer enrolled in school. In Perkins' case, UCLA has

trimesters

a quarters system (h/t Mickster), and the final one runs into June.

This is a really dumb rule, but not a new rule; the Giants knew about it when they drafted Perkins. He has the playbook, and the Giants are permitted to send him practice tape and speak with him over the phone. Perkins will be back before the voluntary minicamp begins, and his spot on the 53-man roster is in no danger.

****

With the drafting of Apple, and hopefully a somewhat-legit centerfielder, do you see the Giants playing more man-press this year? -- emailed question from Tarik A.

I think it's a possibility. It's not just Apple, it's also the acquisition of Janoris Jenkins, and whether or not the Giants generate a consistent, strong pass rush. It's way too early to know, but it's something to watch once preseason games and training camp arrive.

James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find and like NJ.com Giants on Facebook.