In addition to Julian Fernandez, the RHP acquired in the major league phase, the Giants selected 2 players in the minor league phase yesterday: RHP Eduardo Rivera and 3B Wander Franco.
Eduardo Rivera, RHP. 6'5", 190 lbs. Rivera is a hard throwing RHP with perfect pitcher size who has kicked around the lower levels of the Yankees system for years. He was the Closer for the Staten Island Yankees last year in the NY-Penn league, which is short season A ball. He put up good numbers: 3-2, 1.90, 23.2 IP, 12.55 K/9, 4.94 BB/9, 6 Saves. The BB/9 is worrisome but the stuff is there. FB 95-97 MPH with a putaway curveball. I would think he will likely be assigned to San Jose where the Giants will try to cut down on those walks. Again, he will need to be added to the 40 man roster next year to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft again.
Wander Franco, 3B, B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs. Not to be confused with 2018 international prospect of the same name or another Wander Franco in the Astros organization. This Franco has been in the KC Royals organization. He is a light-hitting 3B, with some projectability in his frame. Last year's line(A+): .279/.319/.376, 19 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.8 BB%, 17.8 K%. Same rules apply as Eduardo Rivera.
Since the next four players picked were traded immediately, I assume the Giants could have done any one of those deals if they wanted to. The Giants must have really wanted Julian Fernandez.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the guys the Giants lost in the minor league phase? I know of Ewing, but the other two I never heard of.
Andrew Muren is an older pitcher who threw a few innings late last season after signing as a minor league FA with he Giants. Cervenka was just signed this offseason so apparently won't pitch an inning in a Giants affiliated uniform.
DeleteI would say I am much more impressed with the players the Giants acquired than the ones they lost, except possibly Albert Suarez. He could come back to haunt them.
DeleteSorry, Cervenka is a catcher so he won't catch a pitch in a Giants affiliated uniform.
DeleteAlbert Suarez typifies 2017 Giants: unlucky or suffered from non-stellar fielding or both.
ReplyDeleteDespite the persistent pessimism on this blog (blow it up NOW), unless the team has irreversibly aged prematurely, IF they address the significant defense weakness in the OF, have better luck with key injuries, and play to norm, they might not be as good as LA but they can make the playoffs and beat anyone in a series. They will always have a home-field advantage so they need only win a game or two on the road to advance.
Since the Giants are NOT going to become a POWER team, they must SEAL the defense, MOVE the line, and PITCH to form -- it's still, potentially, a good staff. jp
I hope I have not come across as pessimistic and I don't think the Giants need to blow it all up. The "inexpensive" offseason game plan is still in play, IMO, and could substantially bolster their chances in 2018.
DeleteI have advocated for trading Bumgarner if they can find a return of at 4 MLB-ready contributors including at least 1 elite prospect, but I don't see that a blowing it up. I see it as an upgrade of overall talent.
I didn't mean you (pessimistic), I meant most of us repliers. I'm probably more pessimistic than you are. I'd like to think that things are mostly in place, with a few tweaks, the Giants can contend for the playoffs. If they fall flat in April, it may be time for the Big Bang.
DeleteWhat is your take on the minor league staff overhaul announced today? Nice to see Ishikawa as a minor league coach. Don't remember an off season like this with so many staff changes and zero player movement lol, although Pavs tweeted they are close to finalizing some deals, so we'll see.
ReplyDeleteLG
Ooh, where'd you read about that LG?
Deletewww.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants
DeleteI have long advocated for MLB team to be more involved in assisting their minor league players with nutrition and conditioning, so that's a great step forward, IMO. As for adding an additional coach at each level, I think it's a good thing as long as they don't try to overcoach. First thing to work on? Pitch recognition! I am so sick of seeing promising hitting prospects come up and act like they have never seen a back foot slider before!
Deletelooks like the giants are committing to restocking the farm and slashing payroll this season, not a bad thing at all!!
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