Down on the Farm: 8/30/2022

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers outscored the Sacramento River Cats 8-5.

Andrew Knapp C- 1 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .259.  

Ford Proctor 2B- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .259.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/0.  ERA= 5.02.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Harrisburg Senators defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-4.

Brett Auerbach LF- 1 for 2, HR(16), BB.  BA= .217.

Sean Roby 1B- 1 for 4, HR(24).  BA= .216.

Nick Avila RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.53.

Clay Helvey RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.14.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds beat the Everett Aquasox 6-1.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .267.

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .215.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .284.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1).  BA= .500.

Jake Wong RHP- 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.68.

Luciano's HR was his second grand slam within the last 2 weeks.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Stockton Ports outlasted the San Jose Giants 7-6(10 innings).

Wade Meckler LF- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB, SB(1). BA= .500.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 3, BB, HBP.  BA= .263.

Victor Bericoto RF- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .260.

Yoniel Ramirez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.86.

Willian Suarez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 7.00.

Game Wrap 8/30/2022: Padres 4 Giants 3

Another late Giants rally could not overcome 3 unearned runs caused by 4 errors as they dropped their 6'th game in a row.  

Logan Webb RHP- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.89.  Remember that shot up the middle in Webb's last start that got past Brandon Crawford SS to drive in 2 runs?  The official scorer changed it to an error which means Webb has now given up 7 unearned runs in his last two starts but his ERA drops well below last year's pace.  The errors in this game made him throw enough extra pitches to fall just short of a QS.

3 of the 4 errors were charged to throws by Brandon Crawford(2) and J.D. Davis 3B(1).  None were good throws but it's very possible none would have been errors if a healthy Brandon Belt was playing 1B.  The other error was on Austin Wynns 4'th catcher interference call of the season.  Wynns was playing C and Yermin Mercedes 1B was on the roster because Joey Bart C went on the concussion IL 

Speaking of injuries, Austin Slater CF got picked off for the how many'th time and dislocated his left 5'th finger sliding into 2B.  He tried to stay in the game but came out in obvious pain. Ouch!  

Joc Pederson PH/LF- 2 for 2, HR(20).  BA= .262.  Joc tends to hit his HR's in bunches and he now has 2 in 2 games.  This one was a monster that appeared to just knick the inside of the tippy top of the RF foul pole and carom into the bay for a splash hit.  Joc is stating his case for FZ to pay him a little more to hang around next season.  If he does, I could see some fans starting to buy a few Pederson shirseys.  

*************************************************************************************

The loss dropped the Giants 9.5 games off the Wild Card pace and into a tie with the D'Backs for 4'th place in the NL West. Alex Wood LHP tries to get his season and the Giants back on track in an afternoon start facing Joe Musgrove RHP.  That could get ugly!

Game Wrap 8/29/2022: Padres 6 Giants 5

 Carlos Rodon LHP gave up 5 runs in 4 innings of work and a late Giants rally fell short.

Rodon gave up a 3-spot in the first inning then two more in the 4'th inning after a prolonged delay to start the third inning due to malfunctioning stadium lights.  A big down night for Rodon.  

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B/LF- 3 for 5.  BA= .186.  Wade Jr came into the game 1 for his last 19.  Per Fangraphs, he's arbitration eligible and out of options.  Another big decision for FZ this offseason.

Joc Pederson LF hist hs second HR in his last 7 game, a 2-run shot in the 4'th inning to get the Giants their first 2 runs.  He's hitting .348 over his last 7 games and .333 over his last 15.  He might be worth trying to keep around for next season.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .260.  Estrada has probably been the Giants most consistent player this season.

J. D. Davis PH/1B- 2 for 2.  BA= .247.  Davis had been slumping and has a .118 BA over his last 7 games.  Per Fangraphs, he is arbitration eligible next season and has options.

Jarlin Garcia LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 2.84.  Garcia has been terrific in long relief situations but terrible in high leverage late-inning situations.  His FB/Breaking Ball/Change repertoire is more of a SP mix.  Maybe he could be stretched out to be a #5 SP? ....or just leave him in a long-relief role?

Joey Bart C left the game early on a concussion protocol after taking a foul tip off the mask.  Not good!

Evan Longoria 3B is going to try to play through the hammy and is DTD. Also not good.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants are now 8.5 games behind the Padres in the Wild Card race.  Logan Webb RHP goes against Blake Snell LHP tonight.

Down on the Farm: 8/28/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 5-2.

Austin Dean RF- 1 for 3, HR(16).  BA= .270.

Dixon Machado SS- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .268.

Ronnie Williams RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 7/0.  ERA= 5.54.

Andrew Vasquez LHP, R.J. Dabovich RHP, Ken Giles RHP and Joey Marciano LHP- 1 scoreless inning each.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks downed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-2.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .230.

Brandon Martorano C- 2 for 4, 2 SB(9).  BA= .225.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.96.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils beat the Eugene Emeralds 6-3.

Carter Williams PH/LF- 3 for 3, 2B.  BA= .264.

Bullpen game.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Modesto Nuts 5-4.

Hayden Cantrelle DH- 0 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .279.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 4, 2B(34).  BA= .262.

Damon Dues LF- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .286.

Anyesber Sivira 2B- 2 for 4. SB(2).  BA= .289.

Eric Silva RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.88.

Joe Kemlage RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.58.

Silva is on the small side for a pitcher.  He may be worn down from his first full season of pro ball. Arteaga leads the Cal League in doubles.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:  ACL Giants Black outscored the ACL Rockies 6-5.

Patrick Hilson LF- 2 for 4, HBP.

Thomas Gavello 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1), HBP.  

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.

Liam Simon RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.

Giants Black squad wins the ACL championship!

Game Wrap 8/28/2022: Twins 8 Giants 3

Jakob Junis RHP got roughed up for 6 ER in 4.1 IP and the sick and injured Giants lineup failed to drive in enough baserunners as the Twins completed a sweep in Minneapolis.   

The Giants started the day with YtY complaining of a calf injury, Joc Pederson with groin tightness and Luis Gonzalez feeling ill.  YtY started the game anyway but didn't look like he was feeling too good.  Evan Longoria left the game early with right hamstring tightness and Gonzalez came in to fill the gap.  Got all that?  

The lineup got 13 runners on base including 4 doubles yet managed just 3 runs.  

*************************************************************************************

The Giants return home to face the Padres who lead them by 7.5 games for the final Wild Card playoff spot, so there's a chance to make up some ground.....or else fall behind by double digits.  Carlos Rodon LHP gets the call for game 1 tomorrow evening facing Mike Clevinger RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/27/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats shut down the Reno Aces 6-0.

Jason Krizan 2B- 2 for 3, 2 HR(11), BB.  BA= .283.

Heliot Ramos RF- 1 for 4, HR(8).  BA= .217.

Wei-Chieh Huang RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.75.

Ben Bowden LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.82.

Shelby Miller RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.42.

First HR by Heliot since July 7.  Wonder if we'll see Shelby Miller with the Giants in Sept?

*************************************************************************************

AA: Richmond Flying Squirrels sank the Akron Rubber Ducks 8-4.

Shane Matheny CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .263.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, 2B, SF, SB(16).  BA= .228.

Brett Auerbach C- 2 for 5, HR(15).  BA= .215.

Landon Roupp RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 6.1.  ERA= 4.50.

Landon Roupp has had a tremendous season and appears to be on track to be the first pitcher from the 2021 draft class to reach the majors.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils edged out the Eugene Emeralds 2-1.

Nick Zwack LHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 4.91.

Evan Gates RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.78.

Gates is NDFA from 2021 who has very quietly had a tremendous season across two levels.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Modesto Nuts 6-5.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .287.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .263.

Alexander Suarez CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .232.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.79.

Arteaga has had a remarkably consistent season.  He has impressively withstood the rigors of full season ball at age 19.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:  ACL Giants Black beat the ACL Rockies 4-1.

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 4, SB.

Patrick Hilson LF- 2 for 3, 2B, HBP. 

Nomar Medina LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. 

I did not notice the change in opponents.  Giants Black vs Rangers was a one game series.  Giants Black even series against Rockies at 1-1.  Nomar Medina is one of several international prospect names to emerge as serious pitching prospects this season.

Game Wrap 8/27/2022: Twins 3 Giants 2

 Alex Cobb RHP was electric for 5 innings and the Giants took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the 9'th inning which the Fox broadcast team said "felt insurmountable" only to suffer another bullpen failure and a crushing come-from-ahead loss in 10 innings.  

Cobb's pitching line:  5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.81.  Cobb's ERA over his last 15 starts is 3.27.  He is signed through next season which is looking like a great deal for the Giants.

The Giants offense mustered just 4 hits in the game with Joey Bart C having the only XBH.  His double in the 5'th inning set up a SF by Tommy La Stella DH.  It would have driven in a run but Austin Slater CF, who led off the inning with a walk got picked off 1B.  Is it just me or have Giants baserunners been picked off a lot this season?

*************************************************************************************

Churn Watch:

Luis Gonzalez LF was recalled from AAA Sacramento before the game and Bryce Johnson OF was optioned back to AAA.

*************************************************************************************

We had a vigorous discussion after yesterday's Game Wrap which I greatly appreciate.  Theseus mentioned that Zack Wheeler RHP is back on the IL and comped Alex Wood LHP's career favorably to Wheeler's.  That reactivated a thought I have had for awhile now that in this day of "five and dive" starts, an "ace" pitcher might not have as much impact on team wins as we tend to think.  I looked at the team W-L record for each of the Giants SP's this season.  Here is what I found:

Carlos Rodon:

Pitcher W-L= 12-6.  ERA= 2.81.  5.9 IP/Start.  Team W-L= 12-13.

Logan Webb: 

Pitcher W-L= 11-7.  ERA= 3.33.  6.1 IP/Start.  Team W-L= 14-12.

Alex Wood:

Pitcher W-L= 8-11.  ERA= 5.00, 5.0 IP/Start.  Team W-L= 12-13.

Alex Cobb:

Pitcher W-L= 4-6.  ERA= 3.81.  5.2 IP/Start.  Team W-L= 7-14.

Jake Junis:

Pitcher W-L= 4-3.  ERA= 3.58.  5.1 IP/Start.  Team W-L= 8-5.  

Conclusion:  It's nice to have a SP like Carlos Rodon but probably not worth a 7 figure contract.  Bullpen depth is now the name of the game.  FZ might be smarter to invest that money in upgrading the bullpen.

*************************************************************************************

Jake Junis RHP gets the start today as the Giants try to stave off a sweep facing former not-forever Giant Aaron Sanchez RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/26/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outlasted the Reno Aces 7-3(10 innings).

Yermin Mercedes 1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .269.

Andrew Knapp DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .257.

Austin Dean RF- 1 for 4, HR(15), BB.  BA= .270.

Dixon Machado SS- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .278.

Norwith Gudino RHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 9.00.

Cole Waites RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

R. J. Dabovich RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.11.

Ken Giles RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 9.35.

Luis Ortiz RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.98.

Dean's HR was a walk-off grand slam.  I am irrationally intrigued by Dixon Machado.  Look for Cole Waites to be called up when rosters expand.  Luis Ortiz has quietly not given up an ER since June 23.

************************************************************************************* 

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks downed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-2.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 3 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .368.

John Gavin LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

As impressive as Vaun Brown's season has been, Schmitt's has been just as impressive and exciting.  Wow! How many times have we seen a Giants hitting prospect conquer A+ and AA in one season?  

*************************************************************************************

A+: Eugene Emeralds crushed the Tri-City Dust Devils 14-2.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 6, HR(1).  BA= .500.

Jimmy Glowenke SS- 2 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .205.

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 5, SB(9).  BA= .214.

Patrick Bailey DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(12), HBP.  BA= .220.

Andy Thomas C- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .249.

Luis Toribio 3B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .206.

Simon Whiteman 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SB(13).  BA= .189.

Nick Swiney LHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.11.

Northwest League!  Meet Grant McCray!  Get to know him while you can because he might not be around long. Wow! What a smashing A+ debut for Grant McCray!  Patrick Bailey is slashing .264/.375/.509 in August.  If you only look at his BA, you would call Bailey's season lost, but his overall slash line is .220/.337/.413 for an OPS of .750. That comes with a 15.1 BB% and a 23.0 K%.  Those are actually very good ratios that bode well for the future. The best part is he has stayed on the field and collected 678 PA's over his first two seasons in the organization.  Between Bailey's underrated season and Luis Matos late season resurgence, the Giants farm system is looking a whole lot better than just a month ago.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 6-2.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 2 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .286.

Alexander Suarez CF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B.  BA= .228.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.39.

Jose Cruz RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.40.

Ben Madison RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.91.

Suarez is about as tooled up as anybody in the Giants organization.  He may repeat SJ next season but he has time to develop those tools.  Jose Cruz has quietly had a tremendous season.  He is Rule 5 eligible and could draw some interest from other teams.

***********************************************************************************

Complex Watch:  ACL Rockies edged out the ACL Giants Black 5-4(Game 2 of ACL Quarterfinals).

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 3, 3B, BB.

Patrick Hilson LF- 2 for 4, 2B.

Reggie Crawford DH- 1 for 4, HR.

Mikell Manzano RHP- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.

Reggie Crawford hits his first pro HR! File Mikell Manzano's name away for future reference.  He struck out 81 batters in 55 IP in the regular season to back up 70 K's in 48.1 IP in the DSL last year.

Game Wrap 8/26/2022: Twins 9 Giants 0

 The Giants first ever game in Target Field was an unmitigated disaster as Alex Wood LHP got pummeled for 8 runs in 3 IP and the offense failed to show up against Joe Ryan RHP.

Wood suffered his second disaster start in a row.  He allowed 8 baserunners and all 8 scored.  Just to give you an idea of what his command was like, he hit two batters while attempting backdoor sliders with two strikes.  Both of those runners scored.  Given that Wood is signed for next season and his rather lengthy injury history, the Giants might want to think about shutting him down for the season or at least have him skip a start or two.

*************************************************************************************

Churn Watch:  The Giants selected the contract of Scott Alexander LHP from AAA Sacramento.  They optioned Thomas Szupacki LHP to AAA and placed Sam Long LHP on the 60 day IL with an oblique strain.  The Giants currently have 7 players on the 60-day IL.  Lamonte Wade Jr OF/1B was a late scratch from the lineup due to hip tightness.

*************************************************************************************

Alex Cobb RHP will look for more success tomorrow evening facing Sonny Gray RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/25/2022

AAA:  Reno Aces strafed the Sacramento River Cats 13-4.

Jason Vosler DH/1B- 2 for 5, HR(14).  BA= .230.

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .219.

Dixon Machado SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .281.

Tristan Beck RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K.  ERA= 5.64.

Yunior Marte RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.57.

Heliot Ramos is 6 for 17 over his last 4 games.   I hope the Giants find a way to keep Dixon Machado in the organization.  If they want to get younger and more athletic, he is one option.  Jason Krizan 1B/RHP and Jhonny Pereda C added solo HR's.  Also hope they keep Yunior around.  Love the name!

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks downed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-2.

Tristan Peters RF- 2 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .235.

Brett Auerbach LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .212.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .340.

Keaton Winn RHP- 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA=  3.27.

Brett Auerbach is finishing the season strong with a .288/.373/.515 slash line for August.  Casey Schmitt is another guy whose season is reminiscent of Brandon Belt's 2010.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils edged out the Eugene Emeralds 5-4.

Carter Williams RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .243.

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 5, SB(8).  BA= .211.

Carson Seymour RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Tanner Andrews RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Good to see Luis Matos finish the season strong.  Is Tanner Andrews a 2-way player now?

*************************************************************************************

A:  Modesto Nuts outscored the San Jose Giants 10-8.

Hayden Cantrelle DH- 1 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB(10).  BA= .277.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .261.

Anyesber Sivira 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .282.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 3.54.

Matt Mikulski LHP gave up 9 runs in 2 IP at start of game.  Nice season for Lonsway but in a very conservative placement.  His BB/9 improved as the season progressed.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:  ACL Giants Black outscored the ACL Rangers 9-6(game 1 of ACL Playoffs).

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  

Patrick Hilson LF- 2 for 4, 2 2B, HBP.

Reggie Crawford DH- 2 for 5.

Dilan Rosario 2B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR, HBP. 

Elian Rayo 3B- 2 for 5, 2B.  

Miguel Mora RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.

Spender Miles RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1).

Down on the Farm: 8/24/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 4-2.

Luis Gonzalez LF- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .289.

Yermin Mercedes 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .254.

Willie Calhoun DH- 2 for 2, 2 BB.   BA= .268.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 4.92.

Cole Waites RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Shelby Miller RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(6).  ERA= 3.62.

Saw a Twitter comment that Cole Waites is the first member of the 2019 draft class to make AAA.  Look for him to be the first to make the majors too.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-2.

Shane Matheny CF- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .266.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .241.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 5.11.

Wilson completes his rehab assignment and is back in AA.  He had been briefly promoted to AAA before his injury.  Teng has 139 K's in 116.1 IP but has also issued 65 BB's.  

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Tri-City Dust Devils 5-3.

Luis Matos CF- 4 for 5, 2B, HR(10).  BA= .205.

Jairo Pomares LF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .260.

Mason Black RHP- 7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 10 K's.  ERA= 4.32.

Great to see Luis Matos finish the season strong.  Hopefully this sets him up for strong start next season with a promotion to AA before the end of his age 21 season. Similar sentiments for Pomares although he is a year older.  I should mention that Marco Luciano SS came out of this game after reaching base twice.  I have not seen any news about an injury.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 9-1.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 5, HR(21).  BA= .291.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .261.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, SF.  BA= .259.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 3.78.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:  The regular season has ended in the Complexes.  Giants Black team made the ACL playoffs.

Game Wrap 8/24/2022: Tigers 6 Giants 1

 Logan Webb RHP apparently did something to anger the BABIP gods and they punished him with a vengeance in the 5'th inning when the Tigers scored all 6 of their runs in what should have been an easy inning for Webb.

Through 4 innings, Webb allowed no hits, 2 walks and had 5 K's.  Then, after 1 out in the 5'th inning, this happened:  GB single, GB double(on a ball that bounced over Wilmer Flores 1B), walk, K, GB single(deflected by Brandon Crawford SS)- 2 runs, LD single- run, GB single- run, pitching change, LD double- 2 runs.  Giants pitchers have had a whole lot of bad luck this season but this might be the single unluckiest inning of all!   4.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 5/0.  

Giants offense didn't do much against Matt Manning RHP but Joey Bart C wend 2 for 4 to raise his BA to .230.

After allowing the two inherited runners to score, Thomas Szupacki LHP settled down:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 16.88.

Alex Young LHP and Zack Littell RHP pitched a scoreless inning each with 3 K's for Young and 2 for Littell.

*************************************************************************************

Before the game, Brandon Belt 1B went back on the IL for knee inflammation and Bryce Johnson OF was recalled from AAA Sacramento.  Gotta think there is a possibility that Belt has played his last game for the Giants and possibly of his career.  The knee situation seems intractable.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants have travel day from Detroit to Minneapolis where they start a weekend series against the Twins on Friday evening with Alex Wood LHP facing TBD.  The Giants remain 5.5 games behind the Padres for the final Wild Card playoff spot and have actually gained a game on the Padres over the past 10 games.

Down on the Farm: 8/23/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats destroyed the Reno Aces 11-1.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .284.

Andrew Knapp C- 2 for 4, 2 HR(11).  BA= .252.

Dixon Machado SS- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .250.

Luis Ortiz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.15.

Andrew Vasquez LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Yunior Marte RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 3.74.

Luis Ortiz has not allowed a run since June 23:  3-0, 0.00, 17 IP, 4 BB, 15 K.  I hope the Giants find a way to keep Dixon Machado around next season.  He didn't set the world on fire in the 5 games he played filling in at SS but he also didn't embarrass himself.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outlasted the Akron Rubber Ducks 8-5(10 innings).

Shane Matheny CF- 3 for 5.  BA= .266.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .211.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R,  3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.91.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.90.

Melvin Adon RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 6.43.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Tri-City Dust Devils 9-2.

Vaun Brown RF- 1 for 4, BB, SB(21).  BA= .357.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 4, BB, SB(7).  BA= .196.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .288.

Patrick Bailey C- 3 for 5.  BA= .216.

Robert Emery 1B- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .247.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .208.

Jake Wong RHP- 4 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.83.

Abel Adames RHP- 4 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.82.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Modesto Nuts smothered the San Jose Giants 4-0.

Eric Silva RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 5.77.

Ben Madison RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.05.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP(ACL, 19 yo)- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP(ACL, 18 yo)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.27.

Lazaro Morales CF(DSL, 18 yo)- 3 for 3, BB, SB(9).  BA= .299.

Guillermo Williamson 1B(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 3, 2 2B.  BA= .234.

Game Wrap 8/23/2022: Giants 3 Tigers 1

Carlos Rodon LHP pitched 7 dominant innings and Evan Longoria was again the offensive star as the Giants took game 1 of the 2-gamer from the Tigers.  

Carlos Rodon LHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.81.  Rodon now leads the NL in K's and is tied with Gerrit Cole for the MLB lead.  He needs one more double digit K game to tie Tim Lincecum and Jason Schmidt for for the franchise record.  His fWAR of 4.7 is tied with Sandy Alcantara for the NL lead for pitchers.  BTW, Kevin Gausman leads the AL and MLB with 4.8. With those numbers, you have to think he has a serious shot at winning the NL Cy Young Award.  Oh, and he is going to get paid this offseason.  My heart tells me the Giants should be the ones to pay him, but my brain tells me it's better to let some other team take that risk and find another pitcher eager to bet on himself with a short term deal.

Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .264.  Longo is hitting .409 with 3 HR's in his last 7 games.  This Longo is well worth the extra $8 M to keep him around another season.  The problem is this Longo has only played 61 games with 206 PA's.  Tough call coming up for FZ.

Joc Pederson LF- 2 for 3, BB.  Pederson knocked in the Giants first run with a single in the first inning.  He still has only 1 HR in his last 30 games but is batting .317 over his last 15.  Joc is a free agent after the season. Will he be back?

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(18).  ERA= 2.58.  It wasn't looking good for Doval when he loaded the bases with just one out.  One of those runners was not his fault as he slipped on what looked like wet grass trying to field a swinging bunt by Javier Baez.  No worries!  Camilo calmly struck out Miggy Cabrera on called third strike on.....wait for it......a slider!  Harold Castro grounded out.  Game over!

*************************************************************************************

Churn Watch:

The Giants claimed Jonathan Bermudez LHP off waivers from the Astros and optioned him to AAA Sacramento.  The corresponding move was to recall Gregory Santos RHP from AAA and place him on the 60-day IL.  Bermudez has had a rough season for the Astros' AAA team but has put up solid numbers in previous seasons.

Turns out Jakob Junis RHP has a chip fracture in his left hand after all.  He's going to try to pitch through it since it's not his throwing hand.

*************************************************************************************

Logan Webb RHP tries for the sweep of the two game series tomorrow in a 10:10 AM PDT start facing Matt Manning RHP. 

Down on the Farm: 8/22/2022

 There were no games scheduled for full season league teams.

Complex Watch:

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .500.  Looks like Wilson will play out the season at the complex?  Maybe he's working on something specific? 

Matt Higgins RF- 2 for 3.  BA= .344.  NDFA.

Derwin Laya PH/3B(ACL, 18 yo)- 1 for 1, HR(3).  BA= .176.

Ken Giles RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 18.00.  Yep, it's THAT Ken Giles.  Giants signed him to a minor league deal after he was DFA'd by the Mariners(who else?) and he elected free agency.  Mariners got tired of waiting for him to fully recover from TJ surgery 2. years ago.  Not sure if this deal carries over to next season or not.  Giants have signed several of those wraparound minor league deals under FZ.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Pretty sure Whisenhunt can be a fast mover in the system, but you never know.

Mikell Manzano RHP(ACL, 19 ho)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.93.  81 K in 55 IP.  Strong candidate to make DrB's 2023 Giants top 50 Prospects list.

Patrick Hilson LF(ACL, 21 yo)- 3 for 5, 2 HR(9).  BA= .296. Breakout season for Hilson.  Too little, too late?  This is his 5'th season in the organization counting 2020.

Nomar Medina LHP(ACL, 19 yo)- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.22.  70 K's in 65 IP.

William Kempner RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.70.  3'rd round draft pick.

Samir Chires RHP(DSL, 18 yo)- 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.45.  

Saul Bautista RF(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 3, 2 2B, BB, SB(17).  BA= .281.  Switch-hitter who has improved his numbers significantly from age 17 last year.

Guillermo Williamson 1B(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(7).  BA= .231.  True outcomes.  Not necessarily a good thing for a kid this young.  The power is intriguing, though.

Down on the Farm: 8/21/2022

 AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators came from behind to beat the Sacramento River Cats 6-3.

Yermin Mercedes 1B- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .255.

Austin Dean RF- 1 for 4, HR(14).  BA= .272.

Drew Jackson LF- 1 for 3, HR(4).  BA= .236.

Scott Alexander LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-5.

Landon Roupp RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K.  ERA= 9.00.

Matt Frisbee RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.18.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Hillboro Hops 8-3.

Vaun Brown RF- 2 for 2, 2B, 3B, 3 HBP, SB(20).  BA= .360.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 4, HR(9), SF.  BA= .195.

Nick Zwack LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 5.40.

Jesus Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.78.

More goodness from Vaun Brown but 3 HBP's?  Matos' HR was a grand slam and he drove in a total of 5 runs.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Inland Empire 66'ers shut down the San Jose Giants 5-0.

Nothing to see here.

Game Wrap 8/21/2022: Giants 9 Rockies 8

 The Giants blew a 6-2 lead, then an 8-6 lead and finally outlasted the Rockies in 11 innings.  

Evan Longoria 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(11), BB.  BA= .258.  Longoria was the star of this game on both sides of the ball.  The HR was a grand slam to give the Giants a 6-2 lead in the 7'th inning.  He also made a dazzling barehanded catch and throw on a high chopper and got the final out of the game on a tag play at 3B after a tremendous throw from RF by Lamonte Wade Jr.  The runner was initially called safe but the replay showed Longo just nicked his heel with the glove before his hand hit the bag.  If this is the Longo they could be sure of getting for a full season, he would be well worth the $8 M difference between his buyout and option, but can he stay healthy for a full season?  Hasn't happened for several years.

Jakob Junis RHP- 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 3.58.  Junis was sailing along with a QS and at only 85 pitches when he had to exit the game after a comebacker ricocheted off his left wrist and chest.  Fortunately X-rays did not show a fracture.  Junis is arbitration eligible but not a free agent until 2024 so he should be back next season which gives the Giants 5 SP's essentially under contract for next season, not counting Rodon.  So does FZ pick up a depth piece or two out of The Churn and hold the fort until Kyle Harrison arrives or does he try to bring in an ace and push the rest down the depth chart?  I'm guessing he will let Rodon go and try to find a high-upside bounce-back dude like Gausman and Rodon.  No matter what he does, it will be for naught unless he addresses the bullpen.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants get a travel day ahead of two game series against the Tigers in Detroit.  Carlos Rodon LHP faces Drew Hutchison RHP in game one Tuesday evening.

*************************************************************************************

Churn Watch:

The Giants claimed Patrick Mazeika C off waivers from the Mets.  Mazeika hits LH.  He's hit just .190 in 159 MLB PA's but has a career minor league OBP of .371 with little power.  His peak power season was 16 HR's for AA Binghampton in 2019.  To make room for Mazeika on the 40-man roster, the Giants recalled Donovan Walton and placed him on the 60-day IL. 

Down on the Farm: 8/20/2022

AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators outscored the Sacramento River Cats 12-8.

Luis Gonzalez RF- 1 for 3, BB, SF.  BA= .292.

David Villar DH- 1 for 3, HR(27), BB, HBP.  BA= .282.

Willie Calhoun LF- 2 for 3, HR(9).  BA= .261.

Ford Proctor 2B/3B- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .211.

3 HR in last two games for Villar.  Second game back from IL for Calhoun since 7/27.  Injuries have had a significant impact on his career.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 5-1.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 HR(21).  BA= .230.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .417.

Nick Avila RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 0.66.

Clay Helvey RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.60.

Here are Fitzgerald's monthly BA splits for AA Richmond:  April- .145, May- .226, June- .179, July- .257, August- .383.  He was part of the 2019 draft class so will be Rule 5 eligible.  I doubt he gets added to the 40-man roster.  If he'a part of the organization next season a reasonable placement would be back in Richmond with possibility of promotion if he continues to hit.  So far Casey Schmitt has not needed to adjust anything.  He has another year before he becomes Rule 5 eligible.  A longer look at AA Richmond would be a reasonable placement for him to start next season again with opportunity to move up if he keeps hitting.  Nick Avila impressed in spring training and has shown that was not a fluke across two levels.  He's another Rule 5 eligible dude.  Man, the 2020 lost season took a hammer to a lot of baseball careers!

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Hillsboro Hops beat the Eugene Emeralds 5-2.

Vaun Brown CF- 3 for 4, 3B.  BA= .351.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Inland Empire 66'ers 16-1.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .292.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 4, BB, HBP.  BA= .258.

Jared Dupere RF- 3 for 4, HR(10), 2 BB.  BA= .304.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 5.  BA= .260.

Damon Dues 2B- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .600.

Ronoldo Flores DH- 1 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .290.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/0.  ERA= 2.32.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.57.

Trevor McDonald has quietly had a terrific season for SJ.  He has another year before he hits Rule 5 eligibility.  Jose Cruz is Rule 5 eligible this offseason and fits the profile of a typical selection.  Giants have a huge cohort of Rule 5 eligible prospects.  2020 has a lot to do with that.  Most likely they are not the only organization with a Rule 5 roster crunch.

***********************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

Diego Velasquez DH(ACL, 18 yo)- 2 for 2, HR(1), 2 BB, 2 SB(6).  BA= .275.  Long term development project who has shown progress this season.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .480.  Still rehabbing.  Expect we'll see him in the Arizona Fall League.

Ty Weber RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.86.  Not sure what Weber is doing in Arizona.  He' made 2 appearances there since last pitching in Eugene August 13.  Maybe they are stretching him out?  Maybe a Arizona Fall League sting in his future?

Game Wrap 8/20/2022: Rockies 4 Giants 3

 The Giants extended the Rockies into extra innings but the final outcome was another loss.  

Alex Cobb RHP had a QS:  6.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 12/1.  ERA= 3.99.  

Rockies SP Ryan Feltner RHP came into the game with an ERA of 6.39.  He retired all 9 batters first time through the lineup.   He allowed just one hit and one walk through 5 IP before Joey Bart C led off the 6'th inning with his 10'th HR.  

Brandon Crawford SS homered(7) in the 7'th inning to tie briefly tie the game.  He doubled in another run in the 9'th to tie the game again.  Crawford is hitting .304 over his last 7 games.

Camilo Doval RHP took the loss.  I haven't decided how I feel about Closers who lose extra-inning games since the "ghost runner" rule came about.

Remember Wynton Bernard?  He played for the Sacramento River Cats in 2017.  He drove in a run and scored a run in this game and is hitting .318 in 5 games for the Rockies.

YtY went 0 for 5 at the top of the lineup and his BA dropped to .208.  FZ has a big decision about whether to tender him a contract for 2023.  If the answer is no, it might be time to give someone else a chance to show what they can do over the rest of this season.

Brandon Belt 1B went 0 for 4 and his BA dropped to .213.  Belt will almost certainly not be back next season and it may be time to give his PA's to another player auditioning for next season.

*************************************************************************************

Jakob Junis RHP tries to salvage the final game of this series tomorrow afternoon against Kyle Freeland LHP who has been tough on the Giants.

Down on the Farm: 8/19/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats downed the Las Vegas Aviators 5-4.  

David Villar 3B- 2 for 4, 2 HR(26).  BA= .281.

Andrew Knapp C- 1 for 2, HR(9), BB, HBP.  BA= .240.

Ford Proctor DH- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .206.

Tristan Beck RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.40.

Shelby Miller RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(5).  ERA= 3.86.

Villar has a shot at a 30 HR season for the River Cats.  He also has MLB HR.  Tristan Beck has a 2.38 ERA in 34 IP over his last 6 starts with 33 K and 4 BB.  

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 8-4.

Shane Matheny CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .262.

Brandon Martorano C- 1 for 3, HR(10), BB, SF.  BA= .226.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 4 for 5, 2B.  BA= .406.

Carter Aldrete SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .208.

Keaton Winn RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Cole Waites RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.71.

The big news here is Schmitt and his .406 BA since being promoted to AA.  He still has a year until he is Rule 5 Draft eligible so the Giants may not have room on the 40 man roster until sometime next season, but he is one of relatively few bright spots in the farm system.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Hillsboro Hops 5-1.

Vaun Brown RF- 2 for 5, SB(19).  BA= .340.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, HR(9).  BA= .284.

Nick Swiney LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.23.

Luciano's HR was a grand slam.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Inland Empire 66'ers outscored the San Jose Giants 5-4.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, HR(20), BB.  BA= .291.

Ronoldo Flores C- 2 for 3, SF.  BA= .293.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.76.

Per Joe Ritzo, Grant McCray is the first player in SJ Giants history to hit 20 HR's and steal 20 bases in a season.  He currently has 35 SB's.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

John Bertrand LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  10'th round draft pick.

Wilkelma Castillo RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.96.

Lisander De La Cruz RHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 5.03.

Game Wrap 8/19/2022: Rockies 7 Giants 4

 Joc Pederson LF's bat came to life with 2 hits including his first HR since June 25, but that was not enough to overcome the 3 blasts Alex Wood LHP gave up as the Rockies built up a 7-0 lead the Giants were not able to overcome with late inning rallies.

*************************************************************************************

Alex Cobb RHP tries to even the series tomorrow evening facing Ryan Feltner RHP who comes in with an ERA of 6.39 in 50 IP.

Down on the Farm: 8/18/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats DNP.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-4.

Brandon Martorano C- 1 for 5, HR(9).  BA= .224.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, SB(14).  BA= .221.

Riley Mahan 1B- 1 for 3, HR(2), HBP.  BA= .320.

After struggling most of the season, Fitzgerald is batting .357 in August. 

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Hillsboro Hops buried the Eugene Emeralds 10-1.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4.  BA= .285.

Luciano is finally back and apparently fully healthy in Eugene.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Inland Empire 66'ers 11-9.

Yorlis Rodriguez 3B- 3 for 5, HR(14).  BA= .273.

Adrian Sugastey C- 3 for 4.  BA= .257.

Damon Dues SS- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SB(1).  BA= .667.

Anyesber Sivira 2B- 3 for 3, 3B, HR(4), SF.  BA= .267.

Ben Madison RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, Save(1).  ERA= 3.20.

Damon Dues was signed as a NDFA late last season and played briefly in the ACL.  He's 24 yo so very much of a longshot to ever sniff the major leagues.

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

Patrick Hilson LF(ACL)- 2 for 4, 3B, HBP.  BA= .289.  Nice season for Hilson but running out of time before Rule 5/minor league free agency.

Wade Meckler CF(ACL)- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA- .385.  8'th round draft pick.

Rolfi Jimenez RHP(ACL, 19 yo)- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.32.

Will Wilson SS(ACL)- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .476.  Still rehabbing.

Andrew Kachel 3B(ACL)- 3 for 5.  BA= .333.  16'th round draft pick.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP(ACL)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  2'nd round draft pick makes his pro debut.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP(ACL, 18 yo)- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 2.39.  54 K's in 37.2 IP.

Hayden Birdsong RHP(ACL)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.93.  6'th round draft pick.

Mauricio Estrella RHP(DSL, 18 yo)- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 3.36.  61 K's in 59 IP.

Jose Astudillo 3B(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, SF.  BA= .292.

Game Wrap 8/18/2022: D'Backs 5 Giants 0

 Someday in the future when we all look back on this season, there is a good chance we will remember 3 plays over the last two games that told us the season, and possibly era, was over:

In game 3 of this series, YtY was sent in to pinch run as the lead runner with runners at first and second and 1 out.  Kap obviously desperately wanted to add to a 2-1 lead.  YtY got picked off.  End of rally.  The D'Backs scored two runs the next inning and the Giants lost the game.

In game 4 of the series, the Giants ran into a very hot pitcher, Zac Gallen RHP.  Brandon Crawford SS, who won game 2 of the series with a walk-off HR, led off the 6'th inning with the Giants trailing 5-0.  He struck out on a foul bunt.  That's kind of understandable.  A HR there would not help much.  The Giants needed baserunners.

Then in the 7'th inning, Brandon Belt 1B came to the plate with two outs and runners at 2'nd and 3'rd.  He struck out on a foul bunt.  Think about that one for awhile and let me know when you think of a reason why it was OK for that to happen.  I'll wait.

There is just not much else to write about this game.  Gallen is having a helluva season(9-2, 2.78, 132.2 IP, 35 BB, 132 K) and he was obviously at the top of his game. The Giants lineup was no match.  

Logan Webb RHP is also having a helluva season but he struggled in this one and left the game in the 5'th inning after giving up 5 run, 3 earned.

Thomas Szupacki LHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 22.50.  Szupacki has a 97 MPH FB and a sharp slider.  It's possible the reason why his ERA was so high is he was tipping his pitches.  If he can keep pitching like this, he has a very bright future.

Zack Littell RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.73.  Littell comes off and extended absence on the IL.  This was a low-leverage situation but an indication that maybe some of the bullpen's struggles are related to fatigue.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants hit the road and start their trip with a weekend series in Coor's Field with Alex Wood LHP facing Jose Urena RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/17/2022

AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators edged out the Sacramento River Cats 3-2.

David Villar 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .278.

Dixon Machado SS- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .167.

Scott Alexander LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00. 

Scott Alexander looks like a name we'll be seeing on the mound in Oracle Park before too long.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels bombed the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 9-0.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(19), BB.  BA= .218.

Tristan Peters LF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .238.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.56.

Clay Helvey RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.14.

Another dominant start by Harrison who is quickly running out of things to prove at this level.  I read on Twitter that he broke out a tweaked changeup with more movement in this one.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Hillsboro Hops defeated the Eugene Emeralds 5-3.

Jake Wong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 4.96.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Inland Empire 66'ers beat the San Jose Giants 6-4.

Jared Dupere LF- 1 for 4, HR(9).   BA= .287.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .262.

Yorlis Rodriguez 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(13).  BA= .269.

Alexander Suarez RF- 1 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .230.

Eric Silva RHP- 4 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.95.

Game Wrap 8/17/2022: D'Backs 3 Giants 2

This game returned to many of the negative themes of the season:  An early lead, failure to add on runs, a rally-killing baserunning mistake, a bullpen failure in the 8'th ininng.  This time, there was no walk-off magic to save the evening.  

Carlos Rodon LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 2.89.  Starting pitching has not been the Giants problem this season and tonight was no exception.  A dominating 6 innings from Rodon.   As Pavs tweeted, "he's going to be a very rich man!"

The Giants two runs came on solo HR's by Lamonte Wade Jr. RF(8) and J. D. Davis 3B(8).  Davis also made some nice plays on defense and is staking his claim to be the starting 3B next year.

Kap let the shaft out in the 7'th inning.  After Austin Wynns C led off the inning with a single off Tyler Holton LHP, he sent Thairo Estrada out to PH for Lamonte Wade Jr.  Estrada struck out.  He then sent Joey Bart PH/C out to PH for Joc Pederson LF.  Bart reached on a walk.  Kap then sent YtY out to pinch-run for Wynns at 2B.  He got picked off.  Rally over.

The two runs Dominic Leone RHP gave up in the 8'th inning may have partly been caused by a long delay after he threw the first pitch of the inning for a strike when a fan decided it was a good time to get arrested and fined.  That's what Kruk and Kuip warned us about when it was going down.

*************************************************************************************

Churn Watch:  

Luis Gonzalez OF was optioned to AAA Sacramento before the game and Zack Littell RHP was activated off the 15 day IL.  Not a popular move with fans but Gonzalez has been scuffling.

The Giants also claimed Andrew Vasquez LHP off waivers from the Phillies.  They DFA'd Steele Walker OF to make room on the 40-man roster.  Nice knowing ya, Steele!

*************************************************************************************

Logan Webb RHP tries to secure the series win tomorrow afternoon facing Zac Gallen RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/16/2022

 AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators bombed the Sacramento River Cats 12-1.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 9.00.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies trampled the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-2.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.08.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Hillsboro Hops 9-1.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .197.

Jairo Pomares LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .261.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 4, HR(11), BB.  BA= .204.

Jimmy Glowenke SS- 2 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .201.

Landon Roupp RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 1.67.

It's been a disappointing season for Luis Matos but he now has a 7-game hit streak and is 10 for 30 in that span. At age 20, he can repeat A+ ball and still be young for the league.  Jairo Pomares has really turned his season around.  Since July 21, he is 31 for 70 for a BA of .392.  Landon Roupp's performance this season takes some of the sting out of Will Bednar's struggles.

*************************************************************************************

A:  Inland Empire 66'ers edged out the San Jose Giants 4-3.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(19).   BA= .295.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4.  BA= .253.

Willian Suarez RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 9.00.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.70.

McCray keeps the pedal to the metal.  He has a shot at hitting .300 with 20 HR and 40 SB's.  He has another season before he is Rule 5 Draft Eligible....I think.  

*************************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

Carter Howell CF- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .381.  Howell is a NDFA out of Augustana College in South Dakota.  

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .500.  Will Wilson get some PA's in AA or AAA to finish the season?  He should be able to get some extra playing time in the Arizona Fall League.

Damon Dues 2B- 4 for 4, SB(2).  BA= .378.  NDFA from Wright St in 2021.

Mikell Manzano RHP(ACL, 19 yo)- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.08.  76 K in 53 IP.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  6'9", 220 lbs.  Signed as NDFA in 2021.  Makes his pro debut.

Reggie Crawford DH- 1 for 1, 2 BB.  BA= .250.  Didn't notice the Giants first round draft pick made his pro debut as a DH.  He's a 2-way player but probably won't pitch until next season as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Spencer Miles RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.  Giants 2022 4'th round draft pick.

All of the above lines from the ACL.

Game Wrap 8/16/2022: Giants 2 D'Backs 1

 Brandon Crawford SS hit a 2-out 2-run walk-off HR off Ian Kennedy RHP, a pitcher he had previously faced 41 times, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and give the Giants their 5'th consecutive win.

Thairo Estrada 2B made it possible with a 2-out triple off the RF wall to set up Crawford's clutch AB.  Prior to Crawford's HR, the Giants 4 doubles and went 0 for 8 with RISP.

Jakob Junis RHP- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 10/3.  ERA= 3.53.  Junis is the other guy who made it possible with 7 sparkling innings of work.  For a long time, though, it looked like the HR ball to Christian Walker 1B in the 4'th inning would be the game winner.  BTW, Walker is hitting just .220 but that was his 29'th HR of the season.

And lets not forget Alex Young LHP(ERA= 1.29) and John Brebbia RHP(ERA= 2.84) who pitched shutout innings to keep the Giants in it until the bottom of the 9'th.  Young, the former D'Back,  has now appeared in 6 games as a Giant and has allowed just 1 run in 6.2 IP.  He could be a keeper for next season.

*************************************************************************************

The win gained the Giants another full game on the Padres for the last Wild Card playoff spot.  They now trail by 4.5 games.

*************************************************************************************

Carlos Rodon LHP tries to extend the winning streak tomorrow evening facing Zach Davies RHP

Down on the Farm: 8/15/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Las Vegas Aviators 4-2.

Andrew Knapp C- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .245.  

Assuming Joey Bart does not let go of the starting catcher gig in SF, Andrew Knapp becomes an interesting candidate for back up.  He is hitting .306 for the River Cats since being acquired by the Giants.

*************************************************************************************

 

Complex Watch:  

Giants must be serious about getting as many PA's as possible for Will Wilson SS/DH.  He played in two games today, one for Giants Black and one for Giants Oranges teams at the ACL.  His composite line for the day:  1 for 3, 2B, 4 BB.  

Game Wrap 8/15/2022: Giants 6 D'Backs 1

Alex Cobb has pitched like a near-ace this season but was finally credited with a W for the first time since May 17.  Evan Longoria and Joey Bart were the offensive heroes in support of Cobb's strong start.

Alex Cobb RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R 3 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 3.99.    Ironically, that last W on May 17 may have been Cobb's worst start of the season as he allowed 7 ER in 5.1 IP in Coor's Field.  He allowed 6 ER in 6 IP in his next start when his ERA peaked at 6.25.  He's been lowering it every since.  Going into this game his xERA was 2.96, FIP 2.92 and xFIP 2.83 against an ERA of 4.15.  Also ironically, FIP was not impressed by tonight's start giving him a 5.12 against an ERA of 1.50.  It didn't like the 3 walks and only 5 K's in 6 IP.  As Vin Scully would say, "Go figure!".  

Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 3, HR(10), BB.  BA= .245.  Longoria drove in the first two runs of the game with a HR in the 4'th inning.  A healthy and productive Longo the rest of the way would go a long ways toward getting back in the Wild Card race.

Joey Bart C- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .233.  Bart has really turned his season around.  He is 14 for 28 in his last 7 games and is hitting .303 over his last 30.  For me, the season is a success if Joey Bart gets established as the starting C going forward.  Add in Camilo Doval RHP settling in as Closer and FZ's job this offseason will be so much easier.

J. D. Davis DH- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .252.  Let's not forget the newcomer.  Davis had two hits and scored two runs.  He is slashing .345/.424/.690 since his trade to the Giants. Giants control his contract for one more season and he looks like a keeper for next year.

*************************************************************************************

Jake Junis RHP goes for the Giants 5'th straight win tomorrow evening facing Merrill Kelly RHP.  Kelly has been tough on the Giants so far.

Down on the Farm: 8/15/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats smothered the Salt Lake City Bees 9-2.

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .287. 

Jhonny Pereda C- 3 for 4.  BA= .272.

Sam Long LHP- 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.61.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Portland Sea Dogs outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-7.

Tristan Peters LF- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .235.

Carter Aldrete 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .217.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .400.

For a guy who was supposed to be a defense-first 3B and a project at the plate, Schmitt has been impressive at every level he's played so far.  AA is historically the toughest hurdle in the Giants minor league system for hitting prospects.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Vancouver Canadians topped the Eugene Emeralds 5-2.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 5, SB(6).  BA= .193.

Carter Williams RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .264.

Andy Thomas DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .255.

Nick Zwack LHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 6.48.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants outlasted the Stockton Ports 6-5(10 innings).

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 4, BB, SB(35).  BA= .290.

Jared Dupere LF- 1 for 4, HR(8).  BA= .301.

Victor Bericoto DH- 2 for 3, HR(11), BB.  BA= .263.

Anyesber Sivira 2B- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .256.  

Trevor McDonald RHP- 4.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.38.

Yoniel Ramirez RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Tempering my enthusiasm for Sivira until I see him sustain it, but I've always thought he had potential to be a dynamic player.

Game Wrap 8/14/2022: Giants 8 Pirates 7

 Thairo Estrada hit a walk-off 2-run HR to give the Giants the win in a see-saw game and sweep the 3-game series against one of the weaker teams in the league.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 5, HR(11), SB(16).  BA= .268.  Estrada has a shot at a 15/20 season and played himself into an essential piece of next year's team.  Is he the frontrunner for the Wilie Mac Award?  Gotta think it's down to him or Wilmer Flores from the position players.  Logan Webb has to be a consideration on the pitching side.

Wilmer Flores 3B/1B- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .258.  Speaking of Wilmer Flores, he says hot with 3 hits.  He's hitting .381 over his last 7 games, .240 over his last 15 and .307 over his last 30.

Lamonte Wade Jr RF/LF- 1 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .200.  The Giants need to pay for Lamonte's family to attend every game because he sure knows how to make their day when they come to the park.  He may be hitting just .200 but is at .333 over his last 7 games with 4 HR's.  I really need to see what Lamonte can go if he's healthy for a full season.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 4.  BA= .221.  Bart was back behind the plate after being DTD for several games with a bad ankle.  The two hits were both bloops but they are knocks in boxscore.  He scored on Wade Jr's HR after one of them.

Alex Wood LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 9 K.  ERA= 4.18.  Wood gave up a 3-spot in the 5'th inning.  Dominated the other 5 innings he pitched.

Jarlin Garcia LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.86.  Garcia probably saved the game for the Giants as John Brebbia RHP stared the 7'th inning and failed to record an out while allowing a 3-run bomb to Bryan Reynolds DH followed by a single.  Garcia came in and struck out the side while allowing a harmless single.  

Joc Pederson LF left the game after taking a pitch off his right pinky finger.  X-rays reportedly negative.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants start a 4-game series against the D'Backs tomorrow evening with Alex Cobb RHP facing TBD.

Down on the Farm: 8/13/2022

 AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees stung the Sacramento River Cats 8-4.

Isan Diaz 2B- 3 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .286.

Tristan Beck RHP- 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 9 K's, GO/AO= 8/2.  ERA= 5.71.

Tristan Beck has gotten progressively stronger over the season.  The overall ERA does not look great but he gave up 24 ER in 21.1 IP over his first 5 AAA starts and has progressively lowered his ERA since.  This was probably his most impressive start of the season, especially considering it was in Salt Lake City, one of the more notorious PCL launching pads.  I could see him contributing to the 2023 Giants but he will need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

*************************************************************************************

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Portland Sea Dogs 8-6.

Diego Rincones DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(8), SF.  BA= .259.

Armani Smith 1B- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .250.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .313.

Nick Avila RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 0.93.

Chris Wright LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.98.

Cole Waites RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.80.

Casey Schmitt is off to a nice start after promotion to AA.  Avila, Wright and Waites all look like future big league bullpen arms.  They were all drafted in 2019 and now face a Rule 5 Draft 40-man roster crunch.  Waites seems to be the most likely to be added due to his triple digit FB.

*************************************************************************************

A+:  Eugene Emeralds blanked the Vancouver Canadians 3-0.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 4, 3B.  BA= .189.

Carson Seymour RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

John Gavin LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Seymour was recently acquired from the Mets for Darin Ruf.  He was drafted in 2021 by the Mets.  Big dude:  6'6", 260 lbs.  Could be a fast mover.  Needs to cut down on walks.  I've been John Gavin fan since he was in college at Cal St. Fullerton.  Good to see him healthy and pitching well at any level.

*************************************************************************************

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Stockton Ports 11-5.  

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, SB(34). BA= .291.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .303.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .259.

Yorlis Rodriguez 3B- 2 for 5, HR(12).  BA= .265.

Alexander Suarez RF- 2 for 4, 2 2B, SF.  BA= .238.

Anyesber Sivira 2B- 5 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(2).  BA= .256.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 8/0.  ERA= 4.01.

Grant McCray has a shot at a 20/40 season.  Can he also hit .300?  Alexander Suarez has made impressive progress over the course of the season.  We've seen flashes from Sivira in the past but he's never had sustained success at the plate.  Going back to college at Ohio St., when Seth Lonsway commands his pitches, he is dominant, but he has games where he is wild.

***********************************************************************************

Complex Watch:

Elian Rayo 3B(ACL, 19 yo- 1 for 2, HR(6), BB.  BA= .239.  6 HR is pretty good pop for the ACL. Rayo is an extreme true outcomes guy with a 14 BB% and 35 K%.  

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .625.  Wilson continues to rake in his rehab assignment.

Jose Astudillo 1B(DSL, 18 yo)- 3 for 4, BB, 3 SB(5).  BA= .286.

Estanlin Cassiani CF(DSL, 19 yo)- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .413.  Cassiani has a chance to hit .400 for the DSL season.