tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73894270403941110332024-03-19T01:47:16.617-07:00When the Giants Come to Town..."When the Giants Come to Town..." is my blog intended to chronicle my thoughts on San Francisco Giants baseball. My special interest is in prospects and the farm system, but of course, will comment on all aspects of the San Francisco Giants. I will also comment on baseball in general, particularly from a fantasy baseball perspective. I hope you will find the site informative, and invite you to join in the discussion.DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.comBlogger7730125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-83727978006619575222024-03-18T21:46:00.000-07:002024-03-18T21:46:00.432-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/18/2024: Giants 4 Reds 2; Giants Sign Blake Snell!; Renel Out<p> Kyle Harrison was sharp in 5 innings of work in a Giants spring training win. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Marco Luciano</b> SS- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .143. <b> Luciano</b>'s bat seems be finally coming to life. Is it too little, too late for him to start the season as the Giants starting SS?</p><p><b>Joey Bart</b> C- 0 for 1, 2 BB. BA= .400. The curious case of <b>Joey Bart</b> continues. He's had a great spring but is there any other ending than his release at the end of spring training?</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ismael Munguia</b> LF- 2 for 3, 3B. BA= .519. <b>Munguia</b>'s bat-to-ball skills continue to impress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 5/2. ERA= 1.93. <b>Harrison</b> looks primed to have a breakout season. ROY candidate?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blayne Enlow</b> RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.00. <b>Enlow</b> has looked good this spring but opportunities for NRI's are fading with the signing of <b>Blake Snell</b> LHP and apparent imminent returns of <b>Alex Cobb</b> RHP and <b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spencer Bivens</b> RHP is listed as the starter tomorrow facing the Royals and <b>Seth Lugo</b> RHP in Scottsdale.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*************************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, well, well! What have we here? <b>Farhan Zaidi</b> today pulled off the free agency coup of the decade as <b>Blake</b> <b>Snell</b> agreed to a 2 year/$62 M contract with an opt out after year one. The breakdown is $15 M salary in 2024, $30 M salary in 2025 if he does not opt out and a bonus of $17 M to be paid in 2026 regardless of opt out. The AAV for CBT is $31 M which pushes them over the first penalty threshold. The deal also costs them a 3'rd round draft pick in what is looking like a fairly weak draft and another $500 K in international bonus pool money. Personally I am less worried about losing the draft picks than the possibility of losing a top international prospect who the Giants are rumored to be in on for Jan 205 signing period.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a fantastic deal for the Giants and <b>FZ</b> and pushes <b>DrB</b>'s Hot Stove League grade for <b>FZ</b> to not just an A but an A+. The + gets added on for absolutely owning <b>Scott Boras</b> in not just one but two contracts with his clients. <b>Snell</b> was MLBTR's 4 ranked free agent heading into the Hot Stove League season and projected to get a contract of 7 years/$200 M. At one point the Yankees were rumored to have offered him 6 yr/$150 M. <b>FZ</b> stared down <b>Boras</b>, waited out the market and got him signed for a fraction of either of those numbers only a modestly higher AAV and with zero longterm risk. You can't do it much better than that. You have to think <b>Scott Boras </b>grossly misread the market with his reputation taking a major hit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*************************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a sadder note, the Giants announced that <b>Renel Brooks-Moon</b> will not be back as the Oracle Park PA announcer ending a storied and much-beloved career for a pioneer for women involved in sports. <b> Renel</b> is the only PA announcer in the history of Pac Bell/AT&T/Oracle Park and will be missed.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-13911772957497302012024-03-17T20:53:00.000-07:002024-03-17T20:53:28.275-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/17/2024: Rockies 5 Giants 3<p><b> Logan Webb</b> ramping up to 5.1 IP and <b>Keaton Winn</b> making his first in-game appearance of the spring were the biggest stories of a fairly uneventful game. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 9.00. Again, all we are looking from from <b>Webb</b> in the spring is ramping up workload and staying healthy. The K/BB sure looks good, though!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.40. First appearance of the spring after experiencing R elbow soreness before games started. 3 K's in 1.2 IP looks good to me. Don't rush it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wilmer Flores</b> 1B had 2 hits including a double. 6 other players had one hit each with Tom Murphy C and <b>Thairo Estrada</b> 2B recording doubles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP gets the start tomorrow evening against the Reds and <b>Frankie Montas</b> RHP. </div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-4957243399467311392024-03-16T18:39:00.000-07:002024-03-17T08:51:34.459-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/16/2024: Giants 6 Guardians 0; Giants 11 White Sox 7<p> The Giants may have found some patches for their pitching holes in a split-squad twin bill following an off day and a rainout. </p><p><b>Game 1</b>: <b> Daulton Jefferies</b> pitched 4 scoreless innings and 4 relievers completed the shutout. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Mike Yastrzemski</b> RF- 2 for 4, SB(1). BA= .200. <b> YtY</b> got off to a slow start to the spring with sore shoulder. Still plenty of time to get his timing down for Opening Day.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jimmy Glowenke</b> PR/3B- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= 1.000. Is <b>Jimmy G</b> a sleeper in the system? He's had 2 PA's this spring with a double and HR. He OPS'd .798 at 2 levels last year including a stint in AA Richmond. Round 2C signability pick in the shortened 2020 draft which is looking like one of the great Giants drafts of all time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Matt Chapman</b> 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1), HBP. BA= .308. Easy oppo-field power. Hope we see more of that through the season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thairo Estrada</b> 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .281. <b>Thairo</b> looking like he's ready to start the season tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS- 2 for 3, 3B. BA= .529. Well, we all know he's not going to hit .529 on the season. Will he hit over .200?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Daulton Jefferies</b> RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.64. Don't forget <b>Jefferies</b> was once a fairly highly regarded prospect before injuries derailed his career. If he can stay healthy, I think he can be more than a decent backend SP.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Landon Roupp</b> RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 3/0. ERA= 3.60. The Legend of the Curveball keeps growing. We talk about the Giants needing a lefty reliever. They also need at least 1 an probably 2 more relievers. <b>Roupp</b> looking like a legit option for one of those roster spots as a multi-inning dude.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b>Rogers Bros</b> and <b>Amir Garrett</b> pitched a scoreless frame apiece. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">***********************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Game 2</b>: <b> Spencer Howard</b> pitched 4 perfect innings and <b>David Villar</b> had a huge day at the plate in a high-scoring win. Key Lines:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Austin Slater</b> CF- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1). BA= .111. <b>Slater</b> also got a late start due to elbow soreness. He also has time to get his timing down by Opening Day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> 2B- 2 for 4, SB(3). BA= .233. Consensus seems to be that Fitz is winning the utility MI role.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>David Villar</b> DH- 4 for 5, HR(3). BA= .353. What does the future hold for <b>David Villar</b>?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Casey Schmitt</b> 3B- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .143. <b> Schmitt</b> has not had much success at the plate this spring but is clearly drawing more walks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Joey Bart</b> C- 1 for 3, HBP. BA= .417. What does the future hold for <b>Joey Bart</b>?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ismael Munguia</b> LF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .522. Strong batting skills but limited power. Similar profile to <b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> and <b>Wade Meckler</b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chase Pinder</b> RF- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .438. Brother of <b>Chad</b>, <b>Pinder</b> was brought in to provide OF depth. Responded with a strong spring. Is there room on the roster? Minor league record shows strong on-base skills with limited power.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spencer Howard</b> RHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 3/5. ERA= 1.86. Very similar bio as <b>Daulton Jefferies</b>. Once highly regarded pitching prospect got derailed by injuries. Could these two solve the Giants backend rotation holes, at least temporarily?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/0. ERA= 2.35. <b>Sanchez</b> hurt himself with a throwing error. He has emerged as a serious option for second LH reliever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">***********************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP finally makes his spring training debut tomorrow facing the Rockies and <b>Cal</b> <b>Quantrill </b>RHP in Scottsdale.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-223586785259192552024-03-16T08:21:00.000-07:002024-03-16T08:26:17.941-07:00Spring Training Update: More Rainouts and a Looming Roster Crunch<p>The Giants had a day off Thursday then had Friday's game against the A's rained out. Sadly, the Spring Breakout game featuring prospects scheduled later in the day was also rained out. We've had several intense discussions about the Giants pitching situation and whether they need to acquire another veteran starting pitcher. One big problem which I have not seen discussed that much is a looming roster crunch for both starting and relief pitching. This is a nice break in game action to drill down on that. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a list of pitchers currently on the 40 man roster divided into categories:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Healthy SP's In Camp: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Injured SP's In Camp(questionable for Opening Day Active Roster):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Alex Cobb</b> RHP- recovering from hip surgery, ahead of schedule but has not pitched in a game yet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sean Hjelle</b> RHP- Elbow sprain, will definitely miss Opening Day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP- Elbow pain. Throwing but has not appeared in a game since being shut down. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Injured SP's on 60-Day IL:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tristan Beck</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Robbie Ray</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Healthy SP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trevor McDonald</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Injured SP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kai-Wei Teng</b> RHP(oblique)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Healthy RP's In Camp:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Camilo Doval</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Luke Jackson</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tyler Rogers</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Taylor Rogers</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ryan Walker</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Injured RP's In Camp:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ethan Small</b> LHP(oblique- out several weeks)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Injured RP's on 60-day IL:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Austin Warren</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">RP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Erik Miller</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Randy Rodriquez</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's it. The Giants currently have 3 healthy SP's and 5 healthy RPs, 8 total, on the 40-man roster and in camp. To my eye, none of the other pitchers on the 40-man roster look ready to start the season either due to injury or to inexperience. This is already a daunting problem because it means they have at least 4 and possibly 5 pitching roster spots to fill that will require dropping players off the 40 man roster to make room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a list of non-roster invitees to spring training. I am not sure who is still in MLB camp and who is healthy but will divide into SP's and RP's: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">SP Non-roster Invitees: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hayden Birdsong</b> RHP- Reassigned?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blayne Enlow</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spencer Howard</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Daulton Jefferies</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tommy Romero</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Landen Roupp</b> RHP- Reasssigned?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Carson Seymour</b> RHP- Reassigned?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Carson Whisenhunt</b> LHP- Injured?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Reggie Crawford</b> LHP- Reassigned</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Black</b>, <b>Howard</b>, <b>Jefferies</b> and <b>Roupp</b> have had some encouraging appearances but again, room would have to be cleared on the 40-man roster for them to make the Opening Day Active Roster. My frontrunners are <b>Black </b>and<b> Jefferies</b>, although <b>Blayne Enlow</b> pitched very well against the first line Dodgers lineup last week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">RP Non-roster Invitees:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Avila</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jose Cruz</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Amir Garrett</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cody Stashak</b> RHP</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thomas Szapucki</b> LHP- Could be swingman.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Garrett</b> was clearly brought in with the intent for him to make the team but <b>Juan Sanchez</b> has been the most effective pitchers of this group so far.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, these are the options barring additional free agent signings or significant trades.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-59078249359611887402024-03-13T21:13:00.000-07:002024-03-14T02:43:04.871-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/13/2024: Reds 19 Giants 11<p>It was a rough day for pitchers in Scottsdale Stadium as the hitters padded their stat lines in a losing effort by the Giants. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF- 1 for 1, BB. BA= .348. <b>Lee</b> came out early due to leg tightness. <b> Bob Melvin</b> said it was purely precautionary. Let's hope so because so far Lee is exactly what the Giants thought they were getting when they signed him as a free agent. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Luis Matos</b> PH/CF/LF- 2 for 3, 2 2B, HBP. BA= .290. <b>Matos</b> bat cooled off a bit from his hot start but picked up in his last two games. 8 of his 9 hits have gone for extra bases.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wilmer Flores</b> 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .409. Best Giants hitter the last two seasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>David Villar</b> 1B- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .276. I still say <b>Villar</b> is going to have an <b>Adam Duvall</b> type of career for someone. Probably not the Giants.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thairo Estrada</b> 2B- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .250. First HR of the spring for <b>Thairo</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP- 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 6.97. A bit of a stumble for <b>Black</b> but turns out this was one of the better lines by any pitcher on the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50. Is <b>Sanchez</b> the frontrunner for second LHRP?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Giants are off tomorrow then face the A's in Friday with <b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP toeing the rubber against <b>Paul Blackburn</b> RHP and don't forget the Giants vs A's Spring Breakout game Friday evening.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-846363415083116222024-03-12T20:23:00.000-07:002024-03-12T20:23:37.152-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/12/2024: Dodgers 6 Giants 4<p>The Giants did not get their first hit in the game until the 6'th inning and did not score until the 9'th inning in a game that was not nearly as close as the final score looks. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Matt Chapman</b> 3B- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .250. I truly hope <b>Chapman</b> hits 25 HR's and wins a Gold Glove at 3B this season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Otto Lopez</b> PH- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .278. A couple of errors by Dodgers 3B prospect <b>Jake Gelof</b> opened the door for a late rally capped off by <b>Lopez</b>' bases-loaded double to drive in 3. <b>Lopez</b> is looking like the frontrunner for a utility role, particularly if <b>Marco Luciano</b> starts the season in Sacramento.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blayne Enlow</b> RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 5/2. ERA= 3.86. Impressive appearance facing the Dodgers likely starting lineup, at least 1-4. Enlow got the start because it was Kyle Harrison's turn and the Giants did not want him facing the Dodgers this close to when they play them in April so Harrison started a minor league game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Shohei Ohtan</b>i DH- 3 for 4, HR(2). BA= .579. **** the Dodgers! Have fun paying him $68 M in 2044.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP starts tomorrow's game against the Reds in Scottsdale with <b>Frankie Montas</b> RHP going for the Reds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Patrick Bailey</b> C left the game early after taking a foul tip off his right hand. X-rays reportedly showed no fracture.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-70481647934695705572024-03-11T20:04:00.000-07:002024-03-12T06:49:05.626-07:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/11/2024: Giants 12 Royals 9<p>The Giants brought their hitting shoes to Surprise, AZ to win a slugfest. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> CF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, SF. BA= .200. <b>Fitz</b> has struggled to make contact with a 40% K rate but 3 of his 5 hits have gone for extra bases and his walk rate is almost 20%. Just 32 PA's though. </p><p><b>Luis Matos </b>RF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .250. 6 of <b>Matos</b>' 7 hits have gone for extra bases. He's only walked once but also only struck out 3 times in 30 PA's. </p><p><b>Casey Schmitt</b> 3B- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .133. <b>Schmitt</b> seems to have improved his approach at the plate but it hasn't translated into results. He hit one out today. Again, SSS. </p><p><b>David Villar</b> 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1), BB. BA= .292. <b>Villar</b> is quietly having a fine spring. Hard to see where he fits in the organization right now. I think he does have an option.</p><p><b>Joey Bart</b> DH- 3 for 4. BA= .474. <b>Bart</b> is getting lots of PA's. Are Giants showcasing him? <b>Patrick</b> <b>Bailey</b> was the DH for <b>Alex Cobb</b>'s live BP session today and reportedly hit one off the batting eye. Most likely they are showcasing him for a trade but I still think there is a non-zero chance he's on the Opening Day active roster. I guess you can call me a <b>Joey Bart</b> die-hard. </p><p><b>Wade Meckler</b> LF- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .440. <b>Meck</b> is stating his case at the plate but has struggled in the field making his 3'rd error of the spring today. Another guy who doesn't seem to quite fit in, especially since he has a similar profile as <b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> who is not going anywhere for several years.</p><p><b>Otto Lopez</b> 2B- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .235. I tend to believe <b>Lopez</b> is the frontrunner for a backup MI roster spot. He did make his second error of the spring today.</p><p><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP- 3.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, GO/AO- 3/4. ERA= 10.03. Not a typical <b>Logan</b> <b>Webb</b> line in any way but I am sure he's just building his pitch count with strict instructions to not hurt himself.</p><p><b>Daulton Jefferies</b> RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.57. I'm thinking <b>Jefferies</b> is the frontrunner for the 5'th starter slot to start the season.</p><p><b>Spencer Bivens</b> RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.69. Feel good story of the spring. Is it enough to make the Opening Day roster?</p><p>Giants play the Dodgers tomorrow afternoon in Glendale, AZ with <b>Blaine Enlow</b> RHP toeing the rubber in the first inning facing <b>Tyler Glasnow</b> RHP</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p><b>J. D. Davis</b> was officially released today after he cleared waivers and the fallout just keeps descending with his agent accusing the Giants of not negotiating a contract in good faith pre-arbitration and <b>FZ</b> punching back to the press. It sure looks like the Giants intentionally set him up to file for arbitration and win so they would have this out in case they signed <b>Chapman</b>. Not sure they could have scripted it out like that but I wouldn't be shocked if they did. There seems to be some vague language in the CBA regarding under what circumstances the team can dump a player-winning arbitration salary. I feel a grievance coming on from both<b> J. D.</b> and the MLBPA. On one level the <b>FZ</b> and the Giants showed some savvy maneuvering here but on another level it adds one more example to a growing list of needlessly callous treatment of players. Not a good look!</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-15567041477547565162024-03-10T20:50:00.000-07:002024-03-10T20:50:13.906-07:00Spring Training Game Wraps 3/10/2024(Split Squad): Giants 5 White Sox 4; Mariners 8 Giants 3<p><b>Home Game</b>: The Giants won a see-saw game on a walk-off single by <b>Tom Murphy</b>. Key Lines: </p><p><b>Michael Conforto</b> LF- 3 for 3. BA= .400. Maybe with <b>Soler</b> and <b>Chapman</b> in the lineup, <b>Conforto</b> won't feel as much pressure to hit for power? Now, if he can just stay healthy.</p><p><b>Tom Murphy</b> PH/DH- 1 for 1. BA= .385. <b>Murph</b> has always hit. Can he stay healthy?</p><p><b>Joey Bart</b> C- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .400. If I am not mistaken, <b>Bart</b> has hit in spring training before and as we all know, spring stats don't mean a thang. Are the Giants showcasing him for a potential trade? <b>Patrick</b> <b>Bailey</b> went 0 for 3 in the away game. Is there a non-zero chance Bart starts the season on the active roster with Bailey optioned to Sacramento? </p><p><b>Spencer Howard</b> RHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 4.1. ERA= 3.18. Too many walks but he kept the ball on the ground and worked out of trouble. BTW, all 3 walks came in the first inning.</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p><b>Away Game</b>: <b>Tommy Romero</b> RHP gave up 6 runs in 1.2 IP and the Giants could not come back. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF- 1 for 3. BA= .368. So far Lee is just what the Giants thought they were getting.</p><p><b>Luis Matos</b> RF- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .240. <b>Matos</b>' bat had cooled off after a hot start. Will this get it going again? He definitely is flexing his extra-base power.</p><p><b>David Villar</b> DH- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .238. <b>Villar</b> is a forgotten man but I think he has an option.</p><p><b>Casey Schmitt</b> 3B- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1). BA= .091. 3 walks in 2 games. Is <b>Schmitt</b> improving on his plate discipline? </p><p><b>Carson Seymour</b> RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 7.20. Can <b>Seymour</b> turn the<b> Darin Ruf</b> trade into more than a wash?</p><p><b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.80. <b>Sanchez</b> is quietly having a tremendous spring. I read somewhere his FB is up to 96 MPH.</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP makes his 4'th start of the spring tomorrow afternoon against the Royals and somebody named <b>Angel Zerpa</b> LHP in Surprise, AZ.</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-41220475855074666532024-03-09T21:05:00.000-08:002024-03-09T21:05:14.695-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/9/2024: Giants 5 A's 1<p><b> Jordan Hicks</b> pitched an electric 3 innings and the Giants scored 5 runs in a pivotal 7'th inning for a spring training win. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wilmer Flores </b>1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .412. <b>Wilmer</b> is quietly one of the Giants best hitters this spring. So, what else is new?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trenton Brooks</b> PR/1B- 1 for 1, 2B, SB(1). BA= .500. Another guy who is quietly having a great spring. <b>Brooks</b> is an intriguing sleeper in the system. Acquired last August for <b>Sean Newcomb </b>LHP. <b>Brooks</b> is limited defensively but appears to have a serious bat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Matt Chapman</b> 3B- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .500. <b>Chapman</b> makes his 2024 spring training debut. More on this later. All I can say is I hope he vindicates <b>FZ</b>'s ham-handed handling of the <b>J. D. Davis</b> situation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wade Meckler</b> LF- 1 for 1, SB(2). BA= .400. <b> Meckler</b> broke his bat on the hit, but it drove in 2 runs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Giants hitters drew a total of 11 walks in the game including 2 each by <b>Tyler Fitzgerald </b>PR/CF, <b>Casey</b> <b>Schmitt</b> PR/3B and <b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ER= 4.91. Hicks was electric and he said he dialed it back a bit because he wasn't feeling 100%. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 5.14. <b>Black</b> loaded the bases on 3 infield hits before he recorded an out. He got out of it allowing just 1 run. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Landon Roupp</b> RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. <b>Roupp</b> made his spring debut and it was sensational as he hit 97 MPH on the radar gun and showed off a knee buckling hard curve to finish batters off. <b>Roupp</b> is another reason the Giant may feel they don't have to cave to free agent or trade demands for a fronline SP. He was sidelined last year with a bad back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Camilo Doval</b> RHP, <b>Tyler Rogers</b> RHP and <b>Spencer Bivens</b> RHP pitched a scoreless inning each.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*************************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a shocking development, the Giants reportedly DFA'd <b>J. D. Davis</b> in the wake of the <b>Chapman</b> signing. It was obvious from long before the signing there was not room on the roster for both players. In a twist that I was not aware of until reported by the Giants beat writers, if <b>Davis</b> clears waivers the Giants can release him and owe him only a small prorated fraction of his $6.9 M salary because he won it in arbitration. Winning arbitration salaries are not guaranteed. <b>Davis </b>would then be able to cut the best deal he can find as a free agent but the there are several hitters at least as good as him still unsigned so the market looks rather bleak for him. You have to think the Giants were well aware of this wrinkle all along and that it factored into their signing of <b>Chapman</b> who now only costs them a net $11 M in the first year of his contract.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It all makes a lot more sense now and it is a savvy move by <b>FZ</b> but I still don't like how <b>Davis</b> got treated and I'm sure that is not going be lost on players around the league. It also makes me wonder if maybe <b>FZ</b> could have sold high on him at the trade deadline last season, a possible missed opportunity to amplify the return on the <b>Darin Ruf</b> trade.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*************************************************************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a happier note, while Thursday's game against the Dodgers was officially cancelled by rain, <b>Kyle</b> <b>Harrison</b> LHP was tremendous with 6 K's in 2.2 IP against the hated rivals. Speaking of which.....<b>Mookie</b> <b>Betts</b> is now the Dodgers starting SS due to throwing issues for Gavin Lux and lack of hitting by <b>Miguel</b> <b>Rojas</b>. Hey! <b>Betts</b> is a great player and athlete so it may work out, but it sure seems like the Dodgers are playing with fire here.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-14626819192639997172024-03-05T20:51:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:31:37.210-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/5/2024: Giants 13 Brewers 8<p> The Giants came out on top of a high-scoring affair in Scottsdale. Key Lines:</p><p><b>LaMonte Wade Jr.</b> 1B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .250. <b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> got the day off so <b>LMWJ</b> batted leadoff.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thairo Estrada</b> 2B- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .278. Is there another level for<b> Estrada</b>? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Michael Conforto</b> LF- 1 for 1, 2B, 3 BB. BA= .250. OBP .474 in 19 PA.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jorge Soler</b> DH- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .500. <b>Soler</b> has not hit for much power so far but as long as he hits he'll produce in the middle of the Giants lineup.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wilmer Flores</b> 3B- 2 for 2, 2 2B, BB. BA= .333. The man can hit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tom Murphy</b> C- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= .400. Bold prediction: <b>Tom Murphy</b> gets more PA's and innings behind the plate this year than <b>Patrick Bailey</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wade Meckler</b> CF- 3 for 4. BA= .368. <b>Meck</b> also made a throwing error. Similar player demographic as <b>Jung Hoo Lee</b>. Probably only room for one of those on a roster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP- 3.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 8.64. <b>Webb</b> is just building his pitch count. No worries about outcomes. He does tend to start seasons slower than he finishes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Taylor Rogers</b> LHP and <b>Tommy Romero</b> RHP pitched a scoreless inning each.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Giants get a day off tomorrow before facing the Dodgers in a night game in Scottsdale Thursday. <b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP gets the start for the Giants.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In more bad news for Giants starting pitching, <b>Sean Hjelle</b> RHP is shut down due to an elbow sprain. MRI reportedly did not show any tears of the UCL.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blake Sabol</b> OF/C tweaked a groin while running out an infield single in the 6'th. He is due to undergo an MRI tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want a nice story line to root for, <b>Spencer Bivens</b> RHP got a formal invitation to Spring Training. The Giants gave him a shot in 2022 after he kicked around Indy ball for a couple of seasons. Now he gets a chance to live his dream.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-73806323549365100722024-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:49:05.994-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/4/2023: Rockies 12 Giants 10<p> The Giants lost a typical Coors Field game.....oh wait! This was in Arizona? It was a typical Giants/Rockies game in which the Giants blew 7-1 and 9-4 leads and ended up losing the high-scoring game. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .462. <b>Lee</b> has appeared in 5 of 8 spring games. Giants probably want him to see as much MLB pitching as reasonable before the season starts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mike Yastrzemski</b> RF- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .250. YtY was delayed in playing in the field due to shoulder issue. He's apparently completed his throwing program and cleared to play out there now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>J. D. Davis</b> 1B- 2 for 3. BA= .400. Gotta feel for <b>J. D.</b> whose hot start at the plate may well have helped drive <b>Chapman</b>'s price down and cost him a starting 3B job.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Patrick Bailey</b> C- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .286. Not spectacular, but <b>Bailey</b> has not done anything to lose the starting C gig so far.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cooper Hummel</b> PR/3B- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .375. <b>Hummel</b> is an intriguing option for a utility/3'rd C role.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS- 2 for 2. BA= .625. <b>Ahmed</b> came in hot and has all but won the starting SS gig to start the season which allows <b>Luciano</b> to get more salt in Sacramento, which he probably needs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Brett Wisely</b> 2B- 2 for 3, 2B. bA= .214. If <b>Ahmed</b> starts at SS and <b>Luciano</b> starts the season in Sacramento, <b>Wisely</b> could be in the mix for a backup MI role.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spencer Howard</b> RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.00. In answer to <b>SteveVA</b>'s possibly rhetorical question from yesterday, <b>Howard</b> and <b>Jefferies</b> were both once highly regarded pitching prospects who fell on hard times with injuries and/or poor performance. Interesting reclamation projects.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cody Stashak</b> RHP and <b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP added scoreless frames in what was a rough day for pitchers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP takes his third spring start tomorrow facing <b>Forever Giant Jakob Junis</b> RHP and the BrewCrew in Scottsdale.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-91459964512250816842024-03-03T19:41:00.000-08:002024-03-03T19:41:11.164-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/3/2024: Giants 6 Guardians 5<p> The Giants fought through a see-saw battle for their second spring training win. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1). BA= .455. So far <b>Lee</b> looks like the perfect leadoff hitter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LaMonte Wade Jr</b> 1B- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .188.<b> LMWJ</b> is off to a slow spring start. Maybe this HR will get him going? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ismael Munguia</b> LF- 2 for 2, HR(2). BA= .700. <b>Munguia</b> is this year's spring phenom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS- 2 for 3, HR(2). BA= .500. With <b>Marco Luciano</b> slow out of the gate, I'm starting to get the feeling <b>Ahmed</b> will be the starting SS on Opening Day with <b>Marco</b> getting some more salt in Sacramento. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 3/1. ERA= 8.31. Most important task for <b>Hicks</b> is to ramp up his pitches. I'll get worried about results if he puts up lines like this in the last 10 days of spring training.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Daulton Jeffries</b> RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 2/0. ERA= 4.50. Is <b>Jeffries</b> a dark horse for the #5 rotation slot?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Avila</b> RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.40. <b> Avila</b> could be a candidate for a middle-relief/multi-inning role. And yeah, record another W in relief.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spencer Howard</b> RHP gets the start tomorrow as the Giants go on the road to face the Rockies and <b>Dakota Hudson </b>RHP</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-42809077751622256292024-03-02T21:54:00.000-08:002024-03-03T06:31:55.642-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/2/2024: Padres 3 Giants 2<p>A late Giants rally to tie the game in the 8'th inning went for naught as the Padres scored in the top of the 9'th and held on to send the Giants to another spring training loss. Key Lines:</p><p>Giants had 8 hits in the game by 8 different batters including doubles by <b>Tom Murphy</b> and <b>Thairo</b> <b>Estrada</b>.</p><p><b>Mason Black</b> RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.40. Black struck out the side in the first inning around a double. The run was pure bad luck as <b>Forever Giant</b> <b>Bryce Johnson</b> hit a fly ball that <b>Wade</b> <b>Meckler </b>lost in the sun in LF. He took third on a bunt single and scored on a wild pitch. Is <b>Black</b> in the mix for n Opening Day rotation spot?</p><p><b>Taylor Rogers</b> LHP, <b>Camilo Doval</b> RHP and <b>Amir Garrett </b>LHP recorded scoreless frames.</p><p><b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP makes his second spring start tomorrow against the Guardians facing <b>Tanner Bibee</b> RHP in Scottsdale.</p><p> *************************************************************************************</p><p>We've already hashed and rehashed the <b>Matt Chapman</b> signing in the Comments after yesterday's post. Sine the Giants already had an incumbent 3B who <b>Chapman</b> will apparently replace, I thought we could do a smackdown and see just how much of an upgrade this move is. I will say that if the Giants really, really wanted Chapman, which is how it appears,<b> FZ</b> emphatically won a very ballsy staredown with<b> Scott</b> <b>Boras</b> to keep the amount of guaranteed money far below industry projections. </p><p><b>Matt Chapman</b> 3B. DOB: 4/28/1993. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 215 lbs. </p><div style="text-align: left;">2023(Blue Jays): .240/.330/.424, 17 HR, 10.7 BB%, 28.4 K%, UZR/150- +8.7, fWAR= 3.5. </div><div style="text-align: left;">2024(ZIPS): .241/333/.438, 22 HR, 11.2 BB%, 27.6 K%, fWAR= 3.7.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Note: <b>Chapman</b> hit 27 HR in 2021(A's) and in 2022(Blue Jays). The only significant difference in his stat line from 2023 is HR/FB which fell off significantly. That's a stat that is supposed to normalize so we should expect at least some positive regression. On the other hand, Roger's Stadium is HR neutral while Oracle Park still pretty severely suppresses HR's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>J. D. Davis</b> 3B. DOB 4/27/1993. B-R, T-R. 6'3", 218 lbs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2023(Giants): .248/.325/.413, 18 HR, 9.5 BB%, 27.8 K%, UZR/150= 0.8, fWAR= 2.2.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2024(ZIPS): .249/.334/.411, 14 HR, 9.9 BB%, 28.9 K%, fWAR= 1.8. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Note: although <b>Davis </b>had a neutral UZR at 3B last year ZIPS expects it to regress into negative territory this season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Smackdown Verdict</b>: Two very similar players although <b>Chapman</b> appears to be a definite upgrade. Whether that upgrade is large enough to justify the investment is debatable and remains to be seen. There does seem to be a larger WAR gap when using bWAR but I tend to believe fWAR is more accurate. It does create an awkward situation regarding <b>Davis</b>' fate. At this point it appears some type of trade scenario involving <b>Davis</b> is in the cards. What can the Giants get in return? 3B is a fairly stacked position across MLB which is one reason why <b>Chapman</b>'s market was soft.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-7312428432146283982024-03-01T21:00:00.000-08:002024-03-01T21:00:14.288-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 3/1/2024: Giants 11 Rangers 5<p> The Giants got encouraging performances from several players in their first spring win. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Michael Conforto</b> LF- 2 for 3. BA= .222. <b>Conforto</b> did not figure into the scoring but whether he is the starting LF or trade bait, multi-hit games help.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ismael Munguia</b> PR/LF- 2 for 2. 3 SB(3). BA= .714. <b>Munguia</b> is having a sensational spring so far. Is he a sleeper in the system? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jorge Soler</b> DH- 2 for 3. BA= .500. <b>Soler</b>'s bat anchoring the middle of the order almost every game should lead to more run scoring.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>J. D. Davis</b> 3B- 2 for 2, HR(2), BB. BA= .444. Hopefully <b>Davis</b>' hot start allows FZ to shift his focus exclusively to bolstering the rotation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .333. <b> Ahmed</b> already obviously had the inside track for a reserve MI roster spot. The HR today may have guaranteed it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Luis Matos</b> RF- 2 for 3, 2 HR(3). BA= .455. What a monster start to the spring for <b>Matos</b>! His secondary numbers were good last year and it appears the added bulk paid off in more HR power. Still a long way to go before the season starts but if he keeps this up he may force his way into a starting OF role.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.98. <b>Webb</b> and <b>Harrison</b> are on track to be 1, 2 in the rotation. Hicks is probably #3. After that it's <b>Winn</b> if he can stay healthy and then open mic night. Giants could really use another reliable SP if they are serious about competing for the postseason. I'd be OK with <b>Lorenzen</b> or <b>Clevinger</b> if <b>FZ</b> doesn't want to go long with <b>Blake Snell</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP gets another start tomorrow in Scottsdale facing <b>Michael King</b> RHP and the Padres.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-29936328873358551862024-02-29T21:14:00.000-08:002024-02-29T21:14:10.449-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 2/29/2024: D'Backs 2 Giants 1<p><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b>'s HR in the third inning accounted for the Giants only run. A throwing error by <b>Marco</b> <b>Luciano</b> SS led to an unearned run that was the difference in the game. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .500. It's early but so far <b>Lee</b> has been everything the Giants and their fans could have dreamed possible. Unfortunately other than <b>Luis Matos</b> there are not many other bright spots among players who hit baseballs for their roster spot.</p><p><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 7/0. ERA= 5.40. It's great to put the ball on the ground but then your fielders have to make the plays.</p><p><b>Tommy Romero</b> RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 2.25. <b>Romero</b> had a high walk rate in AAA last year in the Mariners(who else?) organization. He may be another victim of the tight automated K zone. He's made two appearances of 2 IP each. He appears to be competing for a multi-inning relief role.</p><p><b>Ryan Walker</b> RHP, <b>Cody Stashak</b> RHP and<b> Carson Seymour</b> RHP all pitched a scoreless inning each.</p><p><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP makes his second spring start tomorrow in Scottsdale facing <b>Adrian Sampson</b> RHP of the Rangers.</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><div style="text-align: left;">The news on <b>Tristan Beck</b> RHP was about as bad as it gets. Aneurysm in his right upper arm. Yikes! From the description of his symptoms, it sounds like the enlarged section of artery pressed on a nerve causing the pain and cold sensation in his hand. He is now consulting with vascular surgeons at Stanford and weighing his options. Pitchers have come back from this in the past but it seems likely he won't be able to start throwing again until mid-season at the earliest.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-69292668640245173752024-02-28T21:04:00.000-08:002024-02-29T06:29:23.365-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 2/27/2023: A's 7 Giants 4<p> Home Runs by <b>J. D. Davis</b> and <b>Luis Matos</b> weren't enough to overcome early pitching struggles as the Giants remained winless in spring training games. Key Lines:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>J. D. Davis</b> 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .286. Davis got the Giants on the board with a solo HR in the second inning.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Luis Matos</b> LF- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .375. <b>Matos</b> bulked up over the winter to help get some of those warning track flies from last year over the fence. He's off to a hot start this spring and this one went over the fence for a 3-run HR to narrow the A's lead to 6-4. Alas, this was the end of the Giants scoring.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sean Hjelle</b> RHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 5/0. ERA= 12.00. Another frustrating line from <b>Hjelle.</b> He induced 9 groundballs while the A's failed to get a ball into the air. Unfortunately 4 of those groundballs went for hits with one a 2-run triple. I am here to tell you, a BABIP of .444 is not sustainable!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Logan Webb</b> RHP makes his second start of the spring tomorrow against the D'Backs at Talking Stick.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-43549330243658213232024-02-27T20:38:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:10:10.753-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 2/27/2024: Giants 10 Mariners 10<p> The Giants battled the Mariners to tie in another high-scoring game in Scottsdale. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b>- 1 for 3. In what the Giants hope is a preview of many games to come, <b>Lee</b> led off the Giants first inning with a single, hurried the shortstop into an error allowing <b>Thairo Estrada</b> to reach base then scored from 2B on a single by <b>Lamonte Wade Jr. </b> </p><p><b>Thairo Estrada</b> 2B- 2 for 3, BA= .375.</p><p><b>Patrick Bailey</b> C- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .250. <b> Bailey</b>'s HR was a grand slam in the first inning from the left side of the plate. <b>Bailey</b> hit much better from the left side than the right in the minors but reversed that at the MLB level. Better offense from the left side by <b>Bailey</b> would go a long way toward making this year's team better than last.</p><p><b>Otto Lopez</b> SS- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .286. If the reserve SS role is open to performance-based competition,<b> Otto Lopez</b> has the early lead.</p><p><b>Ismael Munguia</b> RF- 2 for 2. BA= .750. Is <b>Munguia</b> a sleeper in the system?</p><p><b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. <b> Hicks</b> pitched better than the line looks. He gave up a soft IF single to leadoff hitter <b>Dylan Moore</b> and <b>Mitch Garver</b> followed with a 1-out 2-run HR. <b>Hicks</b> sat in the upper 90's and hit 100 MPH.</p><p><b>Daulton Jeffries</b> RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Seeing as how he has not pitched in a game since 2022, just completing 2 innings has to feel like a huge accomplishment. Is <b>Jeffries</b> a dark horse for an Opening Day roster spot? Maybe even the starting rotation?</p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><p>In another uh-oh moment, <b>Tristan Beck</b> RHP was sent to San Francisco to have his painful hand evaluated. Knock on wood it's not a serious problem and will improve with anti-inflammatories and a little rest.</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-10527991393173652042024-02-26T20:39:00.000-08:002024-02-26T20:39:13.758-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 2/26/2024: Angels 11 Giants 9<p>What a difference a day makes! The Giants followed up a scoreless tie yesterday by losing a slugfest. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Ismael Munguia</b> PR/CF- 1 for 2, HR(1). <b>Munguia</b> hit a 2-run HR in the 6'th inning to give the Giants 9-7 lead which they gave away in the top of the 7'th. Is <b>Munguia</b> a sleeper in the system?</p><p><b>Jorge Soler</b> DH- 2 for 2. <b>Soler </b>singled twice in his preseason debut. The hits were a sharp grounder up the middle and a looper that he was off-balance and reaching for but used his strength to muscle it over SS. </p><p><b>Cooper Hummel</b> PR/DH- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= .667. Giants DH's went 4 for 4. Hot Stove League acquisition who is listed as a C but played more games at 1B and RF last season in the Mariners organization. He is a switch-hitter giving him near max versatility.</p><p><b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> SS- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .250. Fitz hit a grand slam HR in the 5'th inning to tie the game at 7.</p><p><b>Joey Bart</b> C- 2 for 2. BA- .667. <b>Bart</b> is off to a hot start at the plate. Should note the Angels stole 5 bases on the afternoon. 3 off <b>Bart</b> and 2 off <b>Sabol</b>. The SB's were off 5 different pitchers. Something to keep an eye on.</p><p><b>Wade Meckler</b> CF- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .143. The Triple went to CF so he must have put a charge into it. </p><p><b>Mason Black</b> RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 3/2. Not a great line until you look at some others from the day. We'll call it rookie jitters since he came back with a scoreless second inning.</p><p><b>Ethan Small</b> LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. Dominant appearance for the lefty competing for a lefty reliever roster spot.</p><p><b>Trevor McDonald</b> RHP- 0 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 0 K. We'll call this one rookie jitters too. Remember McDonald has not pitched above A+ ball.</p><p><b>Camilo Doval</b> RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. Spring debut for the Giants Closer.</p><p>************************************************************************************</p><p>The Giants signed <b>Nick Ahmed</b> SS to a minor league deal. <b>Ahmed</b> has struggled with injuries and a weak bat for several years now but is still a plus defender at SS per<b> Fangraphs</b>. Is he a better option for a reserve MI role than<b> Tyler Fitzgerald</b>, just to name one?</p><p>The <b>Brandon Crawford</b> era is officially over in San Francisco and what an era! <b>Crawford</b> is by far the best Giants SS in my memory and I go back to 1965. He might be the best in franchise history. Starting SS for two World Series winners. Signed with the Cardinals today. Wish him the best but it will be a bit tough to see him wearing another uniform.</p><p><b>Reggie Crawford</b> LHP and <b>Thomas Szapucki</b> LHP were reassigned to minor league camp. Neither are expected to make the Giants Opening Day roster.</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-28630096057184348482024-02-25T15:20:00.000-08:002024-02-25T15:20:23.152-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap 2/25/2024: Giants 0 Rangers 0<p>There's an old early spring training cliche, "the pitchers are ahead of the hitters". That narrative was on display in full force out in Surprise, AZ today as a combined 15 pitchers for both teams allowed zero runs in the game. Of course, the Giants pitchers have been ahead of their hitters for going on 3 years now. Key Lines: </p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> SS- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(1). I guess I should have included Austin Slater's two walks from yesterday. Fitz drew 2 walks and stole 3B in this one. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Luis Matos</b> CF- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .500. <b>Matos</b> singled in yesterday's game and doubled on a line drive to left in this one so he is off to the best start among Giants hitters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. Dominant first spring appearance for <b>Harrison</b>. <b>Tom</b> <b>Murphy</b> C raved about the FB saying he could have used it exclusively and gotten the same results.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tyler Rogers</b> RHP, <b>Ryan Walker </b>RHP, <b>Cody Stashak</b> RHP, <b>Juan Sanchez</b> LHP, <b>Randy Rodriguez</b> RHP, <b>Jose Cruz</b> RHP and <b>Spencer Bivens</b> RHP pitched 1 scoreless inning each. <b>Sanchez</b> recorded 2 K's. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mason Black</b> RHP takes the mound to start tomorrow's game in Scottsdale against the Angels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP is cleared to start throwing.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-91513929682590281232024-02-24T19:44:00.000-08:002024-02-25T14:57:09.781-08:00Spring Training Game Wrap: Cubs 8 Giants 4<p>It was a hard to find bright spots as the Giants scored 4 runs in the 9'th inning to make the game appear closer than it was. Key Lines:</p><p><b>Yoshi Tsutsugo</b> 1B- 1 for 2. FZ seems to see something in <b>Tsutsugo</b> but the 1B/DH demographic is crowded including a certain Giants legend who is in the Best Shape of His Life.</p><p><b>Otto Lopez</b> SS- 1 for 2, HR(1). Nice to see what he actually looks like. He's never hit more than 5 HR's in a season but he sure teed off on one to drive in 3 runs in the 9'th and looked jacked.</p><p><b>Logan Webb</b>- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K. Webb looked like Webb in the first inning. Comebacker GIDP then ending the inning with a K. Second frame didn't go as well. </p><p><b>Hayden Birdsong</b>- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. Best and most exciting performance of the day from any player. Electric might be too strong a word, but he looked really sharp. </p><p>*************************************************************************************</p><div style="text-align: left;">Lots of nagging injuries but spring training is way too long anyway. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> has a sore side and <b>Marco Luciano</b> has what sounds like a mild hammy. Both are expected to start playing in games next week.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-49131051268235183642024-02-23T07:47:00.000-08:002024-02-23T07:47:24.198-08:00Spring Training Update: Burning Questions<p> Spring training is for players, especially pitchers, to get ready for the season. It's also at time to settle questions about the roster and team roles. Nevermind that spring training is a small sample in an atypical environment but yeah, it seems roster decisions are still made based on spring performance. With that in mind, here are some burning questions for <b>FZ</b> and <b>Bob Melvin</b> to answer by Opening Day:</p><p><b>Will the Giants make a significant roster addition by Opening Day?</b> This is the 800 lb gorilla, the elephant in the room which carries over from a very strange Hot Stove League season. The Giants clearly need to add a reliable veteran SP. It's so clear to everybody you have to think <b>FZ</b> and <b>Melvin </b>are either in extreme denial or playing possum trying to drive someone's price down.</p><p><b>Is Keaton Winn's elbow soreness serious?</b> Going into spring training, <b>Winn</b> was penciled in as at least the #4 SP on most Giants depth charts. He's already been shut down with elbow soreness. Recall <b>Winn</b> has already had TJ surgery and missed time last season with a sore elbow. </p><p>Will <b>Austin Slater </b>and <b>Mike Yastrzemski </b>be healthy by Opening Day? <b>Slate</b>r also has a sore elbow and is on a throwing program. <b>YtY</b> has a sore shoulder and is also on a throwing program. Corollary: Is there an opening for <b>Luis Matos</b> to show off his newly acquired muscle and have a breakout season? <b>Matos</b> had promising secondary stats last season and barreled up quite a few balls that died on the warning track. He's reportedly bulked up with about 10 added pounds of muscle. Is that enough to send those balls over the fence? If it is, we may have an emerging star.</p><p><b>Who is the reserve middle infielder? </b> <b>Otto Lopez</b> seems more like a Churn candidate. <b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> and <b>Casey Schmitt</b> also have MI experience. There is also....ahem.....<b>Brett Wisely</b> and <b>Donovan Walton.</b> BTW, <b>Tim Anderson</b> just signed with the Marlins for $5 M. </p><p><b>What will become of Joey Bart</b>? Bart is out of options and appears to be blocked at the Giants MLB level. I still think there is a non-zero chance he starts the season on the active roster. Will <b>Patrick Bailey</b>'s struggles to hit and wild throws from the second half of last season carry over into spring games? Will <b>Tom Murphy</b> stay healthy all spring? </p><p>What are your burning questions for the Giants spring training?</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-76653761122235991552024-02-22T03:15:00.000-08:002024-02-22T03:15:48.813-08:00Spring Training Update: No 2-Ways; He's Baaack!<p>Not much to note from spring training yet but a few tidbits worth noting:</p><p><b>Reggie Crawford</b> and <b>Bryce Eldridge</b> are both pumping the brakes on the 2-way thing. <b>Crawford</b> will still take batting practice in the batting cages but will only pitch in games with a focus on starting.<b> Eldridge</b> will only hit and play 1B. Only slight surprise here is <b>Eldridge</b> moving from RF to 1B but 1B was his HS position. </p><p>At age 37, Pablo Sandoval is in the Best Shape of His Life and is in camp trying to win a roster spot. Barring injury, not sure if there's room on the roster for a guy who is limited to corner IF and DH.</p><p>More worrisome news on the pitching front as <b>Keaton Winn</b> RHP experienced elbow soreness after a bullpen session and will be shut down. MRI came back with no structural damage but you may recall <b>Winn</b> is a <b>TJ</b> survivor and was shut down for awhile last year with elbow soreness. </p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-81968156596556960382024-02-20T04:43:00.000-08:002024-02-20T21:09:09.736-08:00Hot Stove League Wrap<p>Were it not for the '22-'23 Hot Stove League season, I would rate the '23-'24 edition the oddest one of all time and it might be anyway. We didn't have any last minute shocks like the infamous "Arson Judge" tweet or failed physicals minutes before the big press conference but here we are with spring training camps in full swing and four of the biggest name and biggest predicted contracts remaining unsigned. It's a bit hard to give out Hot Stove League grades when it might not be actually over. On the other hand, this is starting to feel like it could drag on past the start of the regular season and we have to close it out some time. Well, maybe we don't have to, but then what else would we write about during the spring training "silly season" when most of the stories are about how some player has cleared their head and come to camp with a renewed enthusiasm or they found a new workout regimen and are in the "best shape of their life?" </p><p>Another factor making final grades hard to assign is the dominance of the Dodgers signings which pretty much obliterated any other Hot Stove news and made any other signings seem lilliputian in comparison. Also, the massive, even ridiculous, dollar numbers put up by the Dodgers caused many Giants fans to start thinking of the Hot Stove League solely in terms of money spent than players acquired or team needs addressed. Sorry to say, Giants fans, but if that is how you are going to look at it, you might as well switch sides and be Dodger fans because the Giants are never going to come close to those money numbers nor should they. Of course, Giants management deserves some blame for the money obsession as they created the expectation they were almost certain to sign one of those gargantuan contracts with, well, with somebody which was an unrealistic expectation from the very beginning.</p><p>Having said that, let's break it down into what players they actually acquired and find a letter grade to give it all:</p><p>Departing Free Agents: <b>Scott Alexander</b> LHP, <b>Roberto Perez</b> C, <b>Alex Wood</b> LHP, <b>Jakob Junis</b> RHP, <b>Brandon Crawford</b> SS, <b>Joc Pederson</b> DH/OF, <b>John Brebbia</b> RHP, <b>Sean Manaea</b> LHP.</p><p>Most of these are frankly addition by subtraction but the pitching half of the roster would look a bit better with <b>Manaea</b> and <b>Junis</b> and both signed contracts the Giants could easily afford on top of their other moves.</p><p>12/13/2023: Giants sign <b>Jung Hoo Lee</b> CF to a 6-yr/$113 M contract. <b> Lee</b> has a player option for the last 2yr/$41 M of the contract. Lee has been the top player in South Korea for several years and is the son of a Korean superstar player. He is a classic CF/speed/leadoff hitter who should provide much-needed upgrades in CF defense and more classic leadoff skills than last year's leadoff hitter, <b>LaMonte Wade Jr</b> who should also be valuable in a lower lineup position. Lee is just 25 years old so even if he opts out, the Giants should have his services for the peak 4 years of his career. The Giants overpayed market projections for <b>Lee</b> but this market produced some jaw-dropping contracts so everything is relative. I consider it a solid, even exciting signing. He potentially gives the Giants a dimension they have lacked for a long time.</p><p>12/23/2023: Giants sign <b>Tom Murphy</b> C to a 2 yr/8.25 M contract with a $4 M club option for 2026. What? A club option? What a concept! <b>Murphy</b> was already a Forever Giant after being claimed off waivers on March 25, 2019 then DFA'd 3 days later when he failed to make the Opening Day roster and was traded the next day to the Mariners for someone named <b>Jesus Osoria</b>. I've been in love with <b>Murphy</b>'s bat for a long time and I hated to see him not stick with the Giants in 2019. He is a ferocious hitter with light-tower power whose defensive reputation has been overshadowed by the offense but he is at least an average defender behind the plate to boot. His achilles heel has been injuries which have severely curtailed his PA's but none of them seem to be the type that turns into chronic disabilities. One of my Bold Predictions for the 2024 season is <b>Murphy</b> getting the most innings behind the plate and hitting at least 20 HR's. Has a chance to be a tremendous under-the-radar move by <b>FZ</b>.</p><p>1/5/2024: Giants trade <b>Mitch Haniger</b> RF and <b>Anthony DeSclafani </b>RHP and cash to the Mariners for <b>Robbie Ray </b>LHP. This would be a great trade for <b>FZ </b>without anything in return just with the addition by subtraction. Maybe <b>Mitch Haniger</b> has a good season or two left in him but he just has not been able to stay healthy and did not look good last season when he did play. <b>DeSclafani</b> has also been beset by injuries and has not contributed since 2021. Getting <b>Ray</b> in return creates the potential for a second-half boost to the rotation after he rehabs from TJ surgery. <b>Ray </b>has an opt out after this season. If he exercises it, it means the Giants probably got a great 3 months out of him. If not, he will be another offseason removed from TJ surgery and signed for 2 more seasons. The only major downside is it still leaves a hole in the rotation to start the 2024 season.</p><p>1/18/2024: Giants sign <b>Jordan Hicks</b> RHP to a 4 yr/$44 M free agent contract. <b>Hicks</b> is best known for a FB that consistently sits above 100 MPH and has been a successful reliever/Closer. He wants to be a SP and that's what the Giants signed him to be. If he makes a successful transition to SP, this contract will be a bargain. The downside is he goes back to being an effective reliever with just a slightly rich reliever price tag. Love the out-of-box thinking here. Relatively low risk move with tremendous upside.</p><p>2/2/2024: Giants traded <b>Ross Stripling</b> to the A's for<b> Jonah Cox</b> OF. Another addition by subtraction move but it feels like they need to use the saved salary and roster space on another SP upgrade for this move to make sense as <b>Stripling</b> only has one year left on his contract.</p><p>2/13/2024: Giants acquired <b>Otto Lopez</b> SS from the Blue Jays for cash. Light-hitting utility IF/OF who can play SS. Giants needed a reserve MI who could be a backup plan for <b>Marco Luciano</b> at SS but is <b>Lopez</b> an upgrade over<b> Brett Wisely</b>, <b>Tyler Fitzgerald</b> or <b>Casey Schmitt</b>? Feels more like a Churn move.</p><p>218/2024: Giants sign <b>Jorge Soler</b> DH/OF to a 3 yr/42 M contract. <b>Soler</b> replaces and upgrades <b>Joc</b> <b>Pederson</b> from last year's DH. <b> Joc</b> was a platoon hitter whereas<b> Soler</b> is expected to be in the lineup against all pitchers. You could also say he replaces <b>Mitch Haniger</b> who was traded back to the Mariners. As we mentioned, <b>Haniger</b> might have a good season or two left in him but he sure didn't look like it last year and <b>Soler</b> represents a significant upgrade on <b>Haniger</b>'s production at the plate while clearing out roster space on the defensive OF side. Like <b>Haniger</b>, <b>Soler</b>'s biggest challenge has been staying healthy but he seems healthier now. Love the move. </p><p>The Giants also acquired high variance lefty relievers <b>Amir Garrett</b> and<b> Ethan Small</b> to compete with <b>Erik Miller</b> for an Opening Day roster spot.</p><p>When looked at as individual moves, there are things to really like about them. Several positions are upgraded and add dimensions the Giants lacked the last two seasons. On the other hand, I believe I and several other analysts identified frontline/ace pitcher as the team's biggest Hot Stove League need which is why <b>Yamamoto</b> going to the Dodgers was such a huge disappointment. He seemed like the perfect fit and the type of free agent worthy of a huge contract. Just maybe not THAT huge? While <b>Hicks</b> and <b>Ray</b> are nice under-the-radar/outside-the-box moves, they really don't fill that need.</p><p>With that in mind, I am going to give this Giants Hot Stove League a C grade with an opportunity to upgrade to a B if <b>FZ </b>can sign at least one pitcher in the <b>Ryu/Lorenzen/Clevinger</b> tier and an A if he can somehow find a way to sign <b>Blake Snell</b>. Keep in mind, though, that Hot Stove League championships do not always translate into MLB championships. In fact, they usually don't.</p>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-42845026965374603992024-02-18T13:19:00.000-08:002024-02-18T13:19:50.298-08:00Jakob Junis Was A Good Giant<p>Among multiple departures of last year's forgettable and regrettable Giants roster was one that probably should have received more attention, <b>Jakob Junis</b> RHP signing a 1 year/$7 M free agent contract with the Brewers. <b>Junis</b> signed with the Giants for the 2022 season for $1.75 M and then avoided arbitration for the 2023 season with a 1 year/$2.8 M contract. Both those seasons were bargains for the Giants. <b>Junis</b> is tailor made for ex-manager <b>Gabe Kapler</b>'s mix and match, role-less concept of managing a pitching staff and as far as I know, did it without complaining. Let's look at the stat lines:</p><p><b>Jakob Junis</b> RHP. DOB: 9/16/1992. 6'3", 2020 lbs. </p><div style="text-align: left;">2022: 5-7, 4.42, 112 IP, 7.88 K/9, 2.01 BB/9, 23 G, 17 Starts, FIP 3.65, xFIP 3.67. fWAR= 1.3. </div><div style="text-align: left;">2023: 4-3, 3.87, 86 IP, 10.05 K/9, 2.20 BB/9, 40 G, 4 Starts, 1 Save, FIP 3.79, xFIP 3.66, fWAR= 0.7. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The higher ERA in 2022 was likely due to fatigue from overuse in a starting role after just 64.2 IP combined in 2020 and 2021. His improved K/9 in 2023 likely due shifting more pitches to the slider(52.4% to 62.5%).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Brewers reportedly signed him to be a SP and it is defensible for the Giants to let him go for close to market value(although this Hot Stove League season almost certainly inflated the pitching market). I am not sure he really has a SP repertoire of pitches. I think he is most valuable in swing-man/long relief role exactly how <b>Kap</b> used him the last two seasons. No matter who is manager or what his role is, though, those innings are going to be a challenge to replace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best wishes to <b>Jakob Junis</b>. He was a good Giant.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-77921347101724414222024-02-15T01:30:00.000-08:002024-02-15T01:30:33.235-08:00DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #1 Kyle Harrison<p>1. <b>Kyle Harrison</b> LHP. DOB: 8/12/2002. 6'2", 200 lbs.</p><div style="text-align: left;">2023(AAA): 1-3, 4.66, 65.2 IP, 14.39 K/9, 6.58 BB/9.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2023(MLB): 1-1, 4.15, 34.2 IP, 9.09 K/9, 2.86 BB/9.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kyle Harrison</b> repeats as the # 1 prospect in the Giants system. He caused some worries with a high walk rate in AAA but reports said he was struggling with what seems like a ridiculously tight automated strike zone. Sure enough, the walk rate went way down in MLB, albeit in a small sample. When he is on, he has an electric FB and a wipeout slider and really doesn't need any other pitches. In the long run, he probably needs to keep developing the changeup if he wants to be a top-shelf MLB SP but the other two pitches are good enough he can probably develop the change at the MLB level. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As things stand right now he might be the #2 non-injured SP on the roster going into spring training although it's still possible the Giants add a frontline veteran SP before Opening Day. His MLB debut last season is very comparable to <b>Cainer</b>, <b>Timmy</b> and <b>Bum</b> so here's hoping for good health and a breakout season from the next in a long line of homegrown ace pitchers.</div>DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.com13