The Giants had their chances against Shohei Ohtani RHP but it was the Angels who broke through for 4 runs in the 6'th inning. Key Lines:
Sean Manaea LHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.10. Manaea looked terrific as the "featured" pitcher. Kap brought the hook after he gave up a ground-rule double to lead off the Angels' 6'th. Tristan Beck RHP looked like he would easily pitch his way out of it but he hung a couple of sliders and that was the ballgame. Can't really fault Kap's process. Sometimes players just don't execute.
The Giants lose the 3 game series and fall 6 games behind the NL West leading Dodgers and a game behind the Phillies for the first Wild Card playoff spot. The Giants are 2.5 games ahead of the Marlins for the second Wild Card playoff spot.
The Giants have a day off tomorrow before starting a weekend series against Forever Giant and Future Hall of Fame Manager Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers in Oracle Park.
Churn Watch:
AJ Pollock OF hit the IL with an oblique strain. Heliot Ramos OF was called up from AAA Sacramento to take his place on the active roster.
I hope Heliot hits and sticks this time.
ReplyDeletewas at the game with 2 buddies. Both mentioned how the Giants lacked any real names in their line up and weren't really that interesting or exciting to watch. Hard to argue as of late, especially with their offense. Of course getting Ohtani would help next year but this year, their brand is a little lacking since the kids have all cooled off too.
ReplyDeleteThe Blame Game:
ReplyDeleteWhen a pinch hitter or relief pitcher or even a lineup performs, the player(s) will get the Credit, as they should.
When it doesn't work the manager (usually) gets the Blame.
Truth is, mostly, pinch hitting doesn't work. According to Baseball-Reference, in 2022 pinch hitters were 592 for 2774, batting .213, and that's really bad considering how often the PH has a R/L advantage. A batting average of .213 won't get you much playing time unless you're a whiz C or SS.
Here are the Giants PH stats for the 4 years of the Kapler regime:
Delete2020: 16 for 60 with 4 HR. BA= .267.
2021: 69 for 346 with 18 HR. BA= .199.
2022: 49 for 203 with 5 HR. BA= .241
2023: 25 for 112 with 6 HR. BA= .223.
Total: 159 for 721 with 33 HR. BA= .220.
I couldn't find the number of PH PA's so can't normalize it to 600 which is the standard benchmark for a full season of PA's but if you normalize it to 500 AB's, that 29 HR. So I am pretty sure most teams would be happy to have a batter who hit .220 with 29 HR's in 500 AB's their everyday lineup.
Baseball Reference is your friend.
Correction: It's 23 HR/500 AB. 27 HR in 600 AB.
DeleteIt’s the dog days of summer, and both the Giants and Rangers are driving towards the playoffs. Bochy is back in town … bring it on!
ReplyDelete