With matchups playing an ever increasing role in analytical managing decisions, the increased demand for lefty relievers has created a relative shortage. The Giants have struggled to replace the lefty half of the "Core Four". Will Smith, who was supposed to replace Jeremy Affeldt fell victim to a torn UCL early in the spring and underwent TJ surgery. He should be back by May or June of next season. Steven Okert and Josh Osich struggled to pick up the slack left by Smith's untimely departure. Okert finally seemed to get into a groove late in the season and seems to be more likely to establish himself as a long term Giants bullpen member next season. Osich has to find some consistency somewhere, somehow.
AAA: DJ Snelton is a huge, 6'7", 245 lb lefty who dominated for Sacramento and is having similar success in the Arizona Fall League. He could contribute at the MLB level in 2018. Kraig Sitton is a minor league veteran hoping for a cup of coffee.
AA: Jarrett Martin, a big lefty, appeared midseason with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and pitched well.
A+: Carlos Diaz seemed go gain some traction with a sub-3 ERA and a K/9 greater than 9 for the San Jose Giants.
A: Sandro Cabrera pitched a lot of innings as a non-starter for the Augusta Greenjackets. Caleb Smith struggled in both San Jose and Augusta after a promising 2016.
Short Season: Alex Bostic and Greg Jacknewitz had ERA's over 5 for S-K.
Pretty tough to sort out whose a starter or reliever in the AZL and DSL.
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Does Steven Okert and Josh Osich struggling to pick up the slack last year provide a challenge for lefty Curt Young?
ReplyDelete5 years into his second stint with the A’s last June, he was fired amid a poor performance by the Oakland pitching staff.
Bad luck? Bad defense? Bad pitchers?
Analytics come to San Francisco?
Nothing will help the Giants more than good health and good luck!