Kevin Pillar stabilized an extremely unstable CF situation for the Giants last year. The position is one of strength in the minor league system with multiple high ceiling prospects manning the position, the big question being who winds up as the Giants CF of the future. At least it appears the Giants won't have to go outside the organization for CF's in the future.
MLB 40 Man:
Kevin Pillar
Steven Duggar
Mike Gerber
Joey Rickard and Mike Yastrzemski can also play the position in a pinch, but as long as Pillar is on the active roster, he's going to be out there every day. Pillar is in his last year of arbitration and projected to make $9-10 M. The Giants might not want to go that high. Look for them to try to negotiate a 2 year deal at a lower AAV. Duggar needs to stay healthy and get AB's. Gerber had a great AAA season but couldn't make contact in small samples at the MLB level.
AAA:
None.
Michael Reed is listed on the roster as a CF, but I'm pretty sure he is a FA.
AA:
Heliot Ramos
Johneshwy Fargas
Bryce Johnson
Heliot Ramos is one of the Giants top 3 prospects. Maybe he's not a lock to play CF at the MLB level? Fargas has intriguing speed but not enough bat. Bryce Johnson has no power.
A+:
Aaron Bond
The tools are there, but he hit just .185 across 3 levels in 2019. Will have to fight to stay in the organization.
A:
Jose Layer
Jose Layer's offense cratered in his 4'th pro season. Another fight to stay in the organization.
Short Season:
Hunter Bishop
Alexander Canario
Jairo Pomares
Bishop is listed as OF but played exclusively CF in his pro debut. Canario and Pomares are both also top 10 prospects in the organization. Question is where do they all play next season? I'll guess Bishop plays CF for San Jose while Canario stays in the middle for Augusta and while Pomares moves to a corner
Rookie AZL:
Luis Matos
Grant McCray
Javeyon Williams
Richgelon Juliana
PJ Hilson
Raiber Gutierrez
There is probably not enough room for everybody in the organization. Matos and McCray will get first dibs on playing time, but even they will have to fight for spots.
DSL:
None.
Luis Matos played CF for the DSL Giants most of last summer and got a late callup to Arizona. No clear successor.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Saturday, October 19, 2019
2019 First Round Draft Review: #11-20
When I evaluate a draft pick, I want to know the 5-10 players who went right after. If there are several who were clearly better than your team's pick, it's a poor draft. It probably does not mean much in one draft, but if it happens several drafts in a row, it may be time to evaluate the scouring and drafting process.
#11. Blue Jays: Alek Manoah RHP. College(West Virginia).
Short Season: 0-1, 2.65, 17 IP, 5 BB, 27 K's.
Dominating numbers at appropriate level in SSS. Grade A-.
*********************************************************************************
#12. Mets: Brett Baty 3B. HS.
Rookie(GCL): .350/.480/.650, 3 2B, HR, 20 AB.
R+: .222/.339/.437, 12 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 158 AB.
Short Season: .200/.529/.300, 10 AB.
Late riser in draft. Extreme true outcomes approach. 7 HR in 188 AB's pretty impressive pop for a pro debut, but will the lack of contact play at higher levels? Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#13. Twins: Keoni Cavaco SS. HS.
Rookie(GCL): .172/.217/.253.
Another late riser in the draft bases on tools. High ceiling, huge bust potential. Grade D.
*********************************************************************************
#14. Phillies: Bryson Stott SS. College(UNLV).
Rookie(GCL): .667/.727/1.333, 2B, 3B, HR, 9 AB.
Short Season: .274/.370/.446, 8 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 5 SB, 157 AB.
Solid start at an appropriate level. I'll watch his career closely because he seemed like the main alternative to Hunter Bishop for the Giants at #10. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#15. Angels: Will Wilson SS. College(NC State).
R+: .275/.328/.439, 10 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 189 AB.
Nothing wrong with those numbers except it's too low a level and an extreme hitter-friendly league. Grade C.
*********************************************************************************
#16 D'Backs: Corbin Carroll OF. HS.
Rookie(AZL): .288/.409/.450, 6 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 16 SB, 111 AB.
Short Season: .326/.408/.581, 3 2B, 4 3B, 2 SB, 43 AB.
Impressing perforamance after promotion to Short Season even if SSS. Comps are Y2Y and Andrew Benintendi. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
#17 Nationals: Jackson Rutledge RHP. JC.
Rookie(GCL): 0-0. 27.00, 1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K's.
Short Season: 0-0, 3.00, 9 IP, 3 BB, 6 K's.
A: 2-0, 2.30, 27.1 IP, 11 BB, 31 K.
Hard to know where to place JC draftees. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#18 Pirates: Quinn Priester RHP. HS.
Rookie(GCL): 1-1, 3.03, 32.2 IP, 10 BB, 37 K.
Short Season: 0-0, 4.50, 4 IP, 4 BB, 4 K's.
First HS arm taken in this draft. Command and pitchability is his edge. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#19 Cardinals: Zack Thompson LHP. College(Kentucky).
Rookie(GCL): 0-0, 0.00, 2 IP, 0 BB, 4 K's.
Short Season: 0-0, 4.05, 13.1 IP, 4 BB, 19 K's.
SSS. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#20 Mariners: George Kirby RHP. College(Elon).
Short Season: 0-0, 2.25, 23 IP, 0 BB, 25 K.
Somewhat small sample at appropriate level. Grade B+.
*********************************************************************************
Still fairly happy with the Hunter Bishop pick. He has a higher ceiling than any of the subsequent 10 picks, although the extreme true outcomes approach scares me. It will be interesting to compare his career with Bryson Stott and Corbin Carroll, the 2 guys you could make a case for the Giants drafting at #10.
#11. Blue Jays: Alek Manoah RHP. College(West Virginia).
Short Season: 0-1, 2.65, 17 IP, 5 BB, 27 K's.
Dominating numbers at appropriate level in SSS. Grade A-.
*********************************************************************************
#12. Mets: Brett Baty 3B. HS.
Rookie(GCL): .350/.480/.650, 3 2B, HR, 20 AB.
R+: .222/.339/.437, 12 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 158 AB.
Short Season: .200/.529/.300, 10 AB.
Late riser in draft. Extreme true outcomes approach. 7 HR in 188 AB's pretty impressive pop for a pro debut, but will the lack of contact play at higher levels? Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#13. Twins: Keoni Cavaco SS. HS.
Rookie(GCL): .172/.217/.253.
Another late riser in the draft bases on tools. High ceiling, huge bust potential. Grade D.
*********************************************************************************
#14. Phillies: Bryson Stott SS. College(UNLV).
Rookie(GCL): .667/.727/1.333, 2B, 3B, HR, 9 AB.
Short Season: .274/.370/.446, 8 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 5 SB, 157 AB.
Solid start at an appropriate level. I'll watch his career closely because he seemed like the main alternative to Hunter Bishop for the Giants at #10. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#15. Angels: Will Wilson SS. College(NC State).
R+: .275/.328/.439, 10 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 189 AB.
Nothing wrong with those numbers except it's too low a level and an extreme hitter-friendly league. Grade C.
*********************************************************************************
#16 D'Backs: Corbin Carroll OF. HS.
Rookie(AZL): .288/.409/.450, 6 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 16 SB, 111 AB.
Short Season: .326/.408/.581, 3 2B, 4 3B, 2 SB, 43 AB.
Impressing perforamance after promotion to Short Season even if SSS. Comps are Y2Y and Andrew Benintendi. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
#17 Nationals: Jackson Rutledge RHP. JC.
Rookie(GCL): 0-0. 27.00, 1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K's.
Short Season: 0-0, 3.00, 9 IP, 3 BB, 6 K's.
A: 2-0, 2.30, 27.1 IP, 11 BB, 31 K.
Hard to know where to place JC draftees. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#18 Pirates: Quinn Priester RHP. HS.
Rookie(GCL): 1-1, 3.03, 32.2 IP, 10 BB, 37 K.
Short Season: 0-0, 4.50, 4 IP, 4 BB, 4 K's.
First HS arm taken in this draft. Command and pitchability is his edge. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#19 Cardinals: Zack Thompson LHP. College(Kentucky).
Rookie(GCL): 0-0, 0.00, 2 IP, 0 BB, 4 K's.
Short Season: 0-0, 4.05, 13.1 IP, 4 BB, 19 K's.
SSS. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
#20 Mariners: George Kirby RHP. College(Elon).
Short Season: 0-0, 2.25, 23 IP, 0 BB, 25 K.
Somewhat small sample at appropriate level. Grade B+.
*********************************************************************************
Still fairly happy with the Hunter Bishop pick. He has a higher ceiling than any of the subsequent 10 picks, although the extreme true outcomes approach scares me. It will be interesting to compare his career with Bryson Stott and Corbin Carroll, the 2 guys you could make a case for the Giants drafting at #10.
Giants Dept Charts: Left Field
It is challenging to try to separate OF's into specific positions, so the list may not be perfect. It's harder to project final positions in the lower minors. Speed is generally what separates CF's from corner OF's and arm is generally what separates RF from LF, although speed to cover Triples Alley is a factor with the Giants. We'll see how much that changes with the planned new dimensions.
We'll start with LF which has been a wasteland for quite awhile now. Things looked up last season when Alex Dickerson arrived on the scene but that only lasted until he strained an oblique muscle. He gamely tried to play through it, but it obviously affected his ability to swing the bat effectively.
MLB 40 Man Roster:
Alex Dickerson
Joey Rickard
Chris Shaw
Joe McCarthy
Dick and Rick actually make a pretty good straight L-R platoon. Dickerson doesn't hit lefties all that well and while Joey Rickard's overall numbers are not impressive, he OPS'd .743 agains LHP's. They are both arbitration eligible and projected to make $1.2 M and $1.1 M respectively. I say they both stick around barring some unforeseen offseason upgrade. Chris Shaw will likely start the season in Sacramento waiting for an injury, which is unfortunately likely with Dickerson. Joe McCarthy is trying to rise to the surface in the "sluice box."
AAA:
Jacob Heyward
Heyward is Rule 5 eligible but probably does not need to be protected. He's playing in the Arizona Fall League. I'm pretty sure Anthony Garcia and Courtney Hawkins are free agents.
AA:
None.
A+:
Heath Quinn
Diego Rincones
Quinn has hit pretty well when healthy, but has been hurt a lot since being drafted. Rincones seems to have a plus hit tool with extra base power, but is not athletic and may not have enough HR power for LF at higher levels.
A:
Ismael Munguia
Randy Norris
Frankie Tostado
Munguia is a small scrappy player but will never hit for enough power to be a LF. He projects more as a 5'th OF type. Norris is still trying to establish himself in the organization. Tostado is more of a 1B, but can increase his value if he can also play LF.
Short Season:
Armani Smith
Tyler Flores
Kwan Adkins
Vince Flores
Armani Smith had a nice pro debut and has the size to project some power. Kwan Adkins also has some physical projection and had a decent second pro season. Tyler Flores hit 7 HR's in 119 AB for S-K. He was an undrafted FA out of Point Loma Nazarene in 2018. Vince Flores is listed as a LF on the S-K roster but no info. It looks like he is a 2018 HS graduate who committed to Washington but redshirted his freshman season, then dropped out of school to play indy ball. Everything I could find on him indicates he's actually more of a middle IF type. Jairo Pomares is listed on the roster as a CF, but the Giants have a glut of those and I could see Pomares or Luis Matos or even Heliot Ramos eventually moving to LF.
Rookie AZL:
George Bell
Najee Gaskins
Javeyon Williams
None of the OF's currently on AZL Giants rosters are listed as LF's. Bell, Gaskins and Williams played LF more than CF or RF, so we'll put them on this list. They are all long shots to ever sniff a MLB roster.
DSL:
Jose Hernandez
Carlos Cuevas
Adolfo Valdez
None of these names appear to be serious prospects.
We'll start with LF which has been a wasteland for quite awhile now. Things looked up last season when Alex Dickerson arrived on the scene but that only lasted until he strained an oblique muscle. He gamely tried to play through it, but it obviously affected his ability to swing the bat effectively.
MLB 40 Man Roster:
Alex Dickerson
Joey Rickard
Chris Shaw
Joe McCarthy
Dick and Rick actually make a pretty good straight L-R platoon. Dickerson doesn't hit lefties all that well and while Joey Rickard's overall numbers are not impressive, he OPS'd .743 agains LHP's. They are both arbitration eligible and projected to make $1.2 M and $1.1 M respectively. I say they both stick around barring some unforeseen offseason upgrade. Chris Shaw will likely start the season in Sacramento waiting for an injury, which is unfortunately likely with Dickerson. Joe McCarthy is trying to rise to the surface in the "sluice box."
AAA:
Jacob Heyward
Heyward is Rule 5 eligible but probably does not need to be protected. He's playing in the Arizona Fall League. I'm pretty sure Anthony Garcia and Courtney Hawkins are free agents.
AA:
None.
A+:
Heath Quinn
Diego Rincones
Quinn has hit pretty well when healthy, but has been hurt a lot since being drafted. Rincones seems to have a plus hit tool with extra base power, but is not athletic and may not have enough HR power for LF at higher levels.
A:
Ismael Munguia
Randy Norris
Frankie Tostado
Munguia is a small scrappy player but will never hit for enough power to be a LF. He projects more as a 5'th OF type. Norris is still trying to establish himself in the organization. Tostado is more of a 1B, but can increase his value if he can also play LF.
Short Season:
Armani Smith
Tyler Flores
Kwan Adkins
Vince Flores
Armani Smith had a nice pro debut and has the size to project some power. Kwan Adkins also has some physical projection and had a decent second pro season. Tyler Flores hit 7 HR's in 119 AB for S-K. He was an undrafted FA out of Point Loma Nazarene in 2018. Vince Flores is listed as a LF on the S-K roster but no info. It looks like he is a 2018 HS graduate who committed to Washington but redshirted his freshman season, then dropped out of school to play indy ball. Everything I could find on him indicates he's actually more of a middle IF type. Jairo Pomares is listed on the roster as a CF, but the Giants have a glut of those and I could see Pomares or Luis Matos or even Heliot Ramos eventually moving to LF.
Rookie AZL:
George Bell
Najee Gaskins
Javeyon Williams
None of the OF's currently on AZL Giants rosters are listed as LF's. Bell, Gaskins and Williams played LF more than CF or RF, so we'll put them on this list. They are all long shots to ever sniff a MLB roster.
DSL:
Jose Hernandez
Carlos Cuevas
Adolfo Valdez
None of these names appear to be serious prospects.
Friday, October 18, 2019
2019 First Round Draft Review: 1-10
The most important pick for every team in every draft is the first round, especially if it is in the top half of the round. That's where game-changing talent is found and the probability of finding an impact player drops off exponentially after that. We'll review the first round of this year's draft to see how prospects performed in their first pro experience. As always, grades are for fun and for current peformance only, not a prospect rating or predictor of future performance.
1. Orioles: Adley Rutschman, C. College(Oregon St). DOB: 2/6/1998. B-S, T-R. 6'2", 216 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .143/.250/.357, HR, SB, 14 AB.
Short Season: .325/.413/.481, 7 2B, 3B, HR, 77 AB.
A(SAL): .154/.261/.333, 2B, 2 HR, 39 AB.
Rutschman raked at the level he was supposed play at. The other two stops were SSS. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
2. Royals: Bobby Witt Jr., SS. HS. DOB: 6/14/2000. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 190 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .262/.317/.354, 2 2B, 5 3B, HR, 9 SB, 164 AB.
Pro debut in a hitter-friendly environment did not exactly quell questions about the bat. Grade C.
*********************************************************************************
3. White Sox: Andrew Vaughn, 1B. College(Cal). DOB: 4/3/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 214 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .600/.625/.933, 2 2B, HR.
A(SAL): .253/.388/.410, 7 2B, 2 HR, 83 AB.
A+: .252/.349/.411, 8 2B, 3 HR, 107 AB.
Held his own in A+ ball, an extremely aggressive placement. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
4. Marlins: JJ Bleday, OF. College(Vanderbilt). DOB: 11/10/1997. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 205 lbs.
A+: .257/.311/.379, 8 2B, 3 HR, 130 AB.
Aggressive placement in a pitcher-friendly league. Have read some comments that speed was disappointing. Grade A-.
*********************************************************************************
5. Tigers: Riley Greene, OF. HS. DOB: 9/28/2000. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 200 lbs.
Rookie GCL: .351/.442/.595, 3 2B, 2 HR, 37 AB.
Short Season: .295/.380/.386, 3 2B, 3B, HR, 88 AB.
A(Midwest): .219/.278/.344, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 96 AB.
Very aggressive placement for a HS draftee. Did not disappoint those who think his bat is special. Gets a nice head start on next season with 96 AB in A ball. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
6. Padres: CJ Abrams, SS. HS. DOB: 10/3/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'2", 185 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .401/.442/.662, 12 2B, 8 3B, 3 HR, 14 SB, 142 AB.
A(Midwest): .250/.333/.375, 2B, 8 AB.
Reputed to be the fastest prospect in the draft. Abrams torched the AZL, his appropriate level, but landed on the DL with a shoulder strain 4 days after his promotion. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
7. Reds: Nick Lodolo, LHP. College(TCU). DOB: 2/5/1998. 6'6", 202 lbs.
R+(Pioneer): 0-1, 2.38, 11.1 IP, 0 BB, 21 K.
A(Midwest): 0-0, 2.57, 7 IP, 0 BB, 9 K's.
Organizations have become much more conservative about placement and workload for college pitching draftees. Tough to get much better than a 30/0 K/BB no matter where you are placed. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
8. Rangers: Josh Jung, 3B. College(Texas Tech). DOB: 2/12/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 215 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .588/632/.941, 2B, 3B, HR, 17 AB.
A(SAL): .287/.363/.389, 13 2B, HR.
Fairly aggressive placement in full season ball even if it is in low A ball. Hit tool is there, but questions about power remain. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
9. Braves: Shea Langeliers, C. College(Baylor). DOB: 11/18/1997. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 190 lbs.
A(SAL): .255/.310/.343, 13 2B, 2 HR, 216 AB.
Langeliers calling card is his defense. Bat so-so in a fairly aggressive placement in a pitcher-friendly environment. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
10. Giants: Hunter Bishop, OF. College(Arizona St). DOB: 6/25/1998. B-L, T-R. 6'5", 210 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .250/.483/.550, 3 2B, HR, 2 SB, 20 AB.
Short Season: .224/.427/.400, 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 6 SB, 85 AB.
Possibly the most extreme 3-true outcomes performance in a pro debut I have ever seen. Does that play at higher levels? Grade B.
1. Orioles: Adley Rutschman, C. College(Oregon St). DOB: 2/6/1998. B-S, T-R. 6'2", 216 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .143/.250/.357, HR, SB, 14 AB.
Short Season: .325/.413/.481, 7 2B, 3B, HR, 77 AB.
A(SAL): .154/.261/.333, 2B, 2 HR, 39 AB.
Rutschman raked at the level he was supposed play at. The other two stops were SSS. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
2. Royals: Bobby Witt Jr., SS. HS. DOB: 6/14/2000. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 190 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .262/.317/.354, 2 2B, 5 3B, HR, 9 SB, 164 AB.
Pro debut in a hitter-friendly environment did not exactly quell questions about the bat. Grade C.
*********************************************************************************
3. White Sox: Andrew Vaughn, 1B. College(Cal). DOB: 4/3/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 214 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .600/.625/.933, 2 2B, HR.
A(SAL): .253/.388/.410, 7 2B, 2 HR, 83 AB.
A+: .252/.349/.411, 8 2B, 3 HR, 107 AB.
Held his own in A+ ball, an extremely aggressive placement. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
4. Marlins: JJ Bleday, OF. College(Vanderbilt). DOB: 11/10/1997. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 205 lbs.
A+: .257/.311/.379, 8 2B, 3 HR, 130 AB.
Aggressive placement in a pitcher-friendly league. Have read some comments that speed was disappointing. Grade A-.
*********************************************************************************
5. Tigers: Riley Greene, OF. HS. DOB: 9/28/2000. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 200 lbs.
Rookie GCL: .351/.442/.595, 3 2B, 2 HR, 37 AB.
Short Season: .295/.380/.386, 3 2B, 3B, HR, 88 AB.
A(Midwest): .219/.278/.344, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 96 AB.
Very aggressive placement for a HS draftee. Did not disappoint those who think his bat is special. Gets a nice head start on next season with 96 AB in A ball. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
6. Padres: CJ Abrams, SS. HS. DOB: 10/3/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'2", 185 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .401/.442/.662, 12 2B, 8 3B, 3 HR, 14 SB, 142 AB.
A(Midwest): .250/.333/.375, 2B, 8 AB.
Reputed to be the fastest prospect in the draft. Abrams torched the AZL, his appropriate level, but landed on the DL with a shoulder strain 4 days after his promotion. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
7. Reds: Nick Lodolo, LHP. College(TCU). DOB: 2/5/1998. 6'6", 202 lbs.
R+(Pioneer): 0-1, 2.38, 11.1 IP, 0 BB, 21 K.
A(Midwest): 0-0, 2.57, 7 IP, 0 BB, 9 K's.
Organizations have become much more conservative about placement and workload for college pitching draftees. Tough to get much better than a 30/0 K/BB no matter where you are placed. Grade A.
*********************************************************************************
8. Rangers: Josh Jung, 3B. College(Texas Tech). DOB: 2/12/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 215 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .588/632/.941, 2B, 3B, HR, 17 AB.
A(SAL): .287/.363/.389, 13 2B, HR.
Fairly aggressive placement in full season ball even if it is in low A ball. Hit tool is there, but questions about power remain. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
9. Braves: Shea Langeliers, C. College(Baylor). DOB: 11/18/1997. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 190 lbs.
A(SAL): .255/.310/.343, 13 2B, 2 HR, 216 AB.
Langeliers calling card is his defense. Bat so-so in a fairly aggressive placement in a pitcher-friendly environment. Grade B.
*********************************************************************************
10. Giants: Hunter Bishop, OF. College(Arizona St). DOB: 6/25/1998. B-L, T-R. 6'5", 210 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .250/.483/.550, 3 2B, HR, 2 SB, 20 AB.
Short Season: .224/.427/.400, 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 6 SB, 85 AB.
Possibly the most extreme 3-true outcomes performance in a pro debut I have ever seen. Does that play at higher levels? Grade B.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Giants Depth Charts: Shortstop
Shortstop is another position where the Giants are reaching the end of an era sooner than they hoped for. Barring a very unusual turnaround, Brandon Crawford's career is rolling downhill with nothing in sight to stop it. The only question is when do they have a replacement good enough to make them wiling to just pay off the remainder of his contract.
MLB 40 Man Roster:
Brandon Crawford
Mauricio Dubon
Donovan Solano
Abiatal Avelino
Crawford is on top of the Depth Chart for now. I suspect he will still be on Opening Day, but don't think he's a lock to finish the 2020 season there. My own preference would be to put Dubon at SS and then try to find an upgraded bat for 2B. Dubon appears to have the athleticism and arm to play SS and I think his bat plays better there than 2B. Also, it's easier to find a bat for 2B than SS. I did not realize Solano is arb eligible until I read Maria Guardado's Inbox on sfgiants.com today. I should have included him in the 2B depth chart. He can fill in at SS but doesn't have the defensive chops to start there. I don't think I can recall another player who got as deep in the doghouse over one play than Avelino when he blew through a stop sign at 3B and got thrown out at home, thereby likely costing the Giants a game. He was sent packing the very next day and did not return, even in September. Ouch! He's still on the 40 man roster, though.
AAA:
Ryan Howard
Howard is Rule 5 eligible but is coming off a disappointing season and probably does not have to be protected with addition to 40-man. Needs to bounce back bigly next season.
AA:
Brandon Van Horn
Van Horn has always been a glove-first SS and struggled to a .205 BA across 3 levels in 2019. Pretty much an organizational player at this point.
A+:
Manuel Geraldo
I have always been just a bit irrationally exuberant about Manuel Geraldo. I love his combination of size, wiry strength, athleticism and switch-hitting. Unfortunately, to say his is a slow starter is a massive understatement. 2019 in SJ was no exception. He couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag with a .194 BA in the first half, but then came alive in the second have with a very respectable .303/.332/.470 BA. After 6 minor league seasons, I believe he is a minor league FA? We'll see if he sticks around.
A:
Tyler Fitzgerald
Simon Whiteman
Both 2019 draftees. Whiteman got moved off SS when Fitz showed up, so we know who's ahead on the depth chart. Does Fitz move up to SJ in 2020?
Short Season:
Marco Luciano
OK, here it is folks. The great hope of the organization! Luciano was generally considered to have the top tools in the 2018 July 2 international class. So far, he's lived up to that and more. Assigning him to the AZL for his first pro experience at age 17 was an aggressive assignment and he destroyed AZL pitching to a 1.055 OPS. He got a late promotion to S-K where he was not spectacular but didn't really get a chance to find his footing as his season ended early with what is described as a minor leg injury. If healthy, gotta think he starts 2020 in Augusta which will be a big challenge. Really, if Luciano stays healthy and get anywhere near his potential, none of the other names in this depth chart mean squat. He is the SS of the future!
Rookie AZL:
Dilan Rosario
Ghordy Santos
Edison Mora
Enoc Watts
Rosario and Santos are the names to pay attention to here. Both are raw, high ceiling lottery tickets with big time bust potential.
DSL:
Nelson Marin
Roberto Monegro
Neither player made much of an impression in their first pro season.
MLB 40 Man Roster:
Brandon Crawford
Mauricio Dubon
Donovan Solano
Abiatal Avelino
Crawford is on top of the Depth Chart for now. I suspect he will still be on Opening Day, but don't think he's a lock to finish the 2020 season there. My own preference would be to put Dubon at SS and then try to find an upgraded bat for 2B. Dubon appears to have the athleticism and arm to play SS and I think his bat plays better there than 2B. Also, it's easier to find a bat for 2B than SS. I did not realize Solano is arb eligible until I read Maria Guardado's Inbox on sfgiants.com today. I should have included him in the 2B depth chart. He can fill in at SS but doesn't have the defensive chops to start there. I don't think I can recall another player who got as deep in the doghouse over one play than Avelino when he blew through a stop sign at 3B and got thrown out at home, thereby likely costing the Giants a game. He was sent packing the very next day and did not return, even in September. Ouch! He's still on the 40 man roster, though.
AAA:
Ryan Howard
Howard is Rule 5 eligible but is coming off a disappointing season and probably does not have to be protected with addition to 40-man. Needs to bounce back bigly next season.
AA:
Brandon Van Horn
Van Horn has always been a glove-first SS and struggled to a .205 BA across 3 levels in 2019. Pretty much an organizational player at this point.
A+:
Manuel Geraldo
I have always been just a bit irrationally exuberant about Manuel Geraldo. I love his combination of size, wiry strength, athleticism and switch-hitting. Unfortunately, to say his is a slow starter is a massive understatement. 2019 in SJ was no exception. He couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag with a .194 BA in the first half, but then came alive in the second have with a very respectable .303/.332/.470 BA. After 6 minor league seasons, I believe he is a minor league FA? We'll see if he sticks around.
A:
Tyler Fitzgerald
Simon Whiteman
Both 2019 draftees. Whiteman got moved off SS when Fitz showed up, so we know who's ahead on the depth chart. Does Fitz move up to SJ in 2020?
Short Season:
Marco Luciano
OK, here it is folks. The great hope of the organization! Luciano was generally considered to have the top tools in the 2018 July 2 international class. So far, he's lived up to that and more. Assigning him to the AZL for his first pro experience at age 17 was an aggressive assignment and he destroyed AZL pitching to a 1.055 OPS. He got a late promotion to S-K where he was not spectacular but didn't really get a chance to find his footing as his season ended early with what is described as a minor leg injury. If healthy, gotta think he starts 2020 in Augusta which will be a big challenge. Really, if Luciano stays healthy and get anywhere near his potential, none of the other names in this depth chart mean squat. He is the SS of the future!
Rookie AZL:
Dilan Rosario
Ghordy Santos
Edison Mora
Enoc Watts
Rosario and Santos are the names to pay attention to here. Both are raw, high ceiling lottery tickets with big time bust potential.
DSL:
Nelson Marin
Roberto Monegro
Neither player made much of an impression in their first pro season.
2019 Giants Draft Review: Rounds 31-40
Round 31, #926. Tyler Wyatt 3B, College(Grand Canyon U). DOB: 12/9/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 185 lbs.
3 Teams(2 levels): .244/.407/.338, 15 2B, 38 BB, 37 K, 160 AB.
2 true outcomes with a lot of doubles. Not sure how that plays at higher levels, especially from a corner IF. Grade C.
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Round 32, #956. Dylan Brewer OF, HS. Did not sign.
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Round 33, #986. Nolan Dempsey IF, College(Fresno St). DOB: 9/9/1996. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 175 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .257/.398/.357, 5 2B, 3B, 8 BB, 14 K, 70 AB.
Not a great start for a college draftee in rookie ball. Grade C-.
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Rounds 34-40. Did not sign.
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Giants draft is pretty close to proof MLB could limit their draft to 20 rounds with close to zero negative impact. As for grades, there were no A's and no D's or F's. The top 10 picks were pretty much all B's and everybody drafted and signed after that was a C. Overall I don't think this was a great draft pool to pick from. Ultimately this draft hinges on how Hunter Bishop's rather unique approach at the plate plays at higher levels. Before we turn to the 2020 draft, we'll run down all of Round 1 so you can compare Bishop's performance with those of other first rounders.
3 Teams(2 levels): .244/.407/.338, 15 2B, 38 BB, 37 K, 160 AB.
2 true outcomes with a lot of doubles. Not sure how that plays at higher levels, especially from a corner IF. Grade C.
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Round 32, #956. Dylan Brewer OF, HS. Did not sign.
********************************************************************************
Round 33, #986. Nolan Dempsey IF, College(Fresno St). DOB: 9/9/1996. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 175 lbs.
Rookie AZL: .257/.398/.357, 5 2B, 3B, 8 BB, 14 K, 70 AB.
Not a great start for a college draftee in rookie ball. Grade C-.
*********************************************************************************
Rounds 34-40. Did not sign.
*********************************************************************************
Giants draft is pretty close to proof MLB could limit their draft to 20 rounds with close to zero negative impact. As for grades, there were no A's and no D's or F's. The top 10 picks were pretty much all B's and everybody drafted and signed after that was a C. Overall I don't think this was a great draft pool to pick from. Ultimately this draft hinges on how Hunter Bishop's rather unique approach at the plate plays at higher levels. Before we turn to the 2020 draft, we'll run down all of Round 1 so you can compare Bishop's performance with those of other first rounders.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Giants Depth Charts: Third Base
When the Giants traded for Evan Longoria, they set the top of their 3B depth chart through 2022. That's the bad news. The not so bad news is they got the Rays to pick up enough of his contract that they only have to pay him $13 M per season. In more not so bad news, since he accumulated 2.0 fWAR last year, he was worth a bit more than the $13 M the Giants paid him. Whether he can continue that production for the next 3 seasons remains to be seen, but unlike some other high priced Giants, he at least earned his keep last year.
MLB(40 Man Roster):
Evan Longoria
Zach Green(60 Day IL)
See above re. Longoria. He probably has some trade value so if Farhan wants to reduce his future payroll commitments, we could see Longo moved this winter. The problem is who would replace him. Pablo Sandoval is a free agent and probably can't play everyday anymore. He's likely to miss the first half of the season due to TJ surgery to boot. Zach Green is not a lock to be added back to the 40 Man Roster when he comes off the IL. A replacement for Evan Longoria would likely have to come via trade or free agency.
AAA:
None.
Zach Houchins is a free agent.
AA:
Ryder Jones
I didn't know Ryder Jones was still in the organization, but his name is on the Flying Squirrels roster. It was a rough season for him as he got just 37 AB with 4 different teams within the organization hitting just .189.
A+:
David Villar
Villar is a legitimate prospect. I read somewhere he was named the top defensive 3B in the Cal League in 2019. Hits for power, but struggles to make contact.
A:
Sean Roby
Jacob Gonzalez
Roby has serious power potential. He only hit 5 HR in 226 AB's in 2019, but represented the S-K Volcanoes in a HR derby and absolutely crushed one. Raked to a .338 BA for S-K, struggled to a .187 BA after promotion to Augusta, but with an SLG of .400. I suspect Jacob Gonzalez is a candidate to be released over the winter.
Short Season:
Luis Toribio
Yorlis Rodriguez
Abdiel Layer
Tyler Wyatt
Toribio is another serious prospect with a plus bat with exceptional plate discipline. YRod is another kid with a great hit tool, but power still needs to develop. Layer is a lottery ticket and Wyatt is probably roster filler.
Rookie AZL:
Jean Pena
Pena won't be going anywhere until he brings down a 50% K rate.
DSL: There are no players listed as 3B on the current DSL roster.
MLB(40 Man Roster):
Evan Longoria
Zach Green(60 Day IL)
See above re. Longoria. He probably has some trade value so if Farhan wants to reduce his future payroll commitments, we could see Longo moved this winter. The problem is who would replace him. Pablo Sandoval is a free agent and probably can't play everyday anymore. He's likely to miss the first half of the season due to TJ surgery to boot. Zach Green is not a lock to be added back to the 40 Man Roster when he comes off the IL. A replacement for Evan Longoria would likely have to come via trade or free agency.
AAA:
None.
Zach Houchins is a free agent.
AA:
Ryder Jones
I didn't know Ryder Jones was still in the organization, but his name is on the Flying Squirrels roster. It was a rough season for him as he got just 37 AB with 4 different teams within the organization hitting just .189.
A+:
David Villar
Villar is a legitimate prospect. I read somewhere he was named the top defensive 3B in the Cal League in 2019. Hits for power, but struggles to make contact.
A:
Sean Roby
Jacob Gonzalez
Roby has serious power potential. He only hit 5 HR in 226 AB's in 2019, but represented the S-K Volcanoes in a HR derby and absolutely crushed one. Raked to a .338 BA for S-K, struggled to a .187 BA after promotion to Augusta, but with an SLG of .400. I suspect Jacob Gonzalez is a candidate to be released over the winter.
Short Season:
Luis Toribio
Yorlis Rodriguez
Abdiel Layer
Tyler Wyatt
Toribio is another serious prospect with a plus bat with exceptional plate discipline. YRod is another kid with a great hit tool, but power still needs to develop. Layer is a lottery ticket and Wyatt is probably roster filler.
Rookie AZL:
Jean Pena
Pena won't be going anywhere until he brings down a 50% K rate.
DSL: There are no players listed as 3B on the current DSL roster.
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