Down on the Farm: 9/2/2022

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-3.

Yermin Mercedes 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(4), BB.  BA= .293.

Patrick Mazeika C- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .250.

Cole Waites RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

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AA: Richmond Flying Squirrels quieted the Harrisburg Senators. 4-2.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 3, BB.   BA= .231.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .373.

Landon Roupp RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 3.94.

Clay Helvey RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.96.

Nick Avila RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1).  ERA= 0.00.

The Casey Schmitt train keeps rolling.  Roupp looks like the frontrunner to be the first member of the Giants 2021 draft class to reach the major leagues.  Helvey and Avila are both Rule 5 eligible this offseason and fit the demographic drafting teams are looking for.  No way can the Giants protect everybody who is eligible and high risk of being drafted.  

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Everett Aquasox 6-5.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .250.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .208.

Jimmy Glowenke SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .210.

Carter Williams RF- 3 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .271.

Andy Thomas C- 2 for 4.  BA= .247.

Nick Zwack LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.63.  

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A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Stockton Ports 13-5.  

Logan Wyatt 1B- 3 for 6.  BA= .150.

Damon Dues DH- 4 for 6, 2B, 2 SB(7).  BA= .375.

Wade Meckler LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .500.

Yorlis Rodriquez 3B- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(15).  BA= .260.

Alexander Suarez CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .233.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, GO/AO= 3/1.  ERA= 0.00.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.20.

Per tweet from Joe Ritzo, none of the 3 hits off Whisenhunt left the IF.  He should be a fast mover in the system.

Game Wrap 9/2/2022: Giants 13 Phillies 1

 The Giants offense exploded for 11 runs in the first 3 innings and Alex Cobb RHP cruised through 7 shutout innings.

The top 4 batters in the lineup, Lamonte Wade Jr 1B, Mike Yastrzemski CF/RF, Wilmer Flores DH and Joc Pederson LF/Lewis Brinson PH/CF reached base a cumulative 12 times in 21 PA's on 7 hits and 5 walks.  Pederson had the big blow, a 3-run splash hit HR in the 2'nd inning.  Per FZ, Joc and the Giants are talking extension.  Joc's price is going up by the day!

Every player in the Giants starting lineup reached base at least twice in the game.  

Alex Cobb RHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 10/2.  ERA= 3.58.  Cobb's FIP coming into the game was 2.94.  It's lower now.  He is all signed up for next season which is a very good thing.

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The Giants get a look at a pitcher they might want to sign this offseason in Noah Syndergaard aka Thor RHP.  Jakob Junis RHP is looking to recover from a disaster start against the Twins

Down on the Farm: 9/1/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats mauled the Tacoma Rainiers 10-1.

Bryce Johnson CF- 0 for 1, 5 BB, SB(29).  BA= .291.

Yermin Mercedes DH- 2 for 6.  BA= .278.

Jason Vosler 3B- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .244.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .223.

Austin Dean RF- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .273.

Dixon Machado SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .278.

Wei-Hsieh Huang RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.47.

R.J. Dabovich RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.40.

Joey Marciano LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.67.

Interesting line for Bryce Johnson.  Never put the ball in play yet reached base 5 times.  I wonder if there is some kind of record for that?  I wonder what would happen if the Giants put him in CF batting leadoff and left him there for awhile?  My man, Dixon Machado, keeps on rollin'.  R.J. Dabovich is not Rule 5 Draft eligible for another year.  Joey Marciano should be both Rule 5 Draft eligible and a minor league FA this offseason.

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

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .228.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 3, 2 HR(3), BB.  BA= .352.

Chris Wright LHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.49.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.02.

What a season for Casey Schmitt!  Fitz is putting on a late surge which may be putting him back on the prospect map.

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A+:  Everett Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 6-4.

Luis Matos RF- 3 for 5, HR(11).  BA= .218.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 1.80.

Luis Matos continues his late surge.  Dominant 5 IP from McDonald.  

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A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Stockton Ports 10-3.

Damon Dues 2B- 0 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB(5).  BA= .308.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(9).  BA= .266.

Anyesber Sivira 3B- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .305.

Patrick Hilson CF- 2 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .375.  

Wiliam Kempner RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.50.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.79.

Willian Suarez RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.73.

Arteaga continues his late surge.  Young for level.  Serious prospect.  Patrick Hilson picking up where he left off in the ACL.  Kempner and Birdsong make their full season league debuts with Birdsong striking out the side twice in 2 IP.

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Churn Watch:

The Giants acquired former toolsy post-prospect Lewis Brinson OF from the Astros for cash considerations, then announced he would be one of two additions to the MLB roster for September.  David Villar IF is the other active roster addition.  Andrew Vasquez LHP and Jonathan Bermudez LHP were outrighted to AAA Sacramento.

I remember being excited about Brinson way, way back in the 2012 draft cycle for his physical tools and power potential.  Unfortunately he has a well established track record of low BB% and high K%. which have produced a .199 BA at the MLB level which have prevented him from accessing that power.  

Lewis Brinson OF.  DOB:  5/8/1994.  B-R, T-R.  6'5", 212 lbs.  2022 AAA:  .299/.356/.574, 22 HR, 7.1 BB%, 28.0 K%, 364 PA.  Not seeing much there that would make me optimistic about a major breakout, but he's still just 28 yo.  Maybe the Giants coaching gurus can tweak something?  

Down on the Farm: 8/31/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the Tacoma Rainiers 12-11.

Bryce Johnson CF- 4 for 5, BB, SB(28).  BA= .292.

Jason  Vosler 2B- 4 for 6, HR(15).  BA= .238.

Heliot Ramos LF- 3 for 6, 2 2B.  BA= .220.

Patrick Mazeika C- 2 for 5, HR(1), BB.  BA= .400.

Dixon Machado SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .260.

Steele Walker RF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(7).  BA= .267.

Thomas Szupacki LHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.08.

Luis Ortiz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.82.

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

Shelby Miller RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(7).  ERA= 3.38.

Mazeika a LH batting C makes his organizational debut.  Luis Ortiz has not allowed an ER since June 23.  Watch for a Cole Waites callup in Sept.

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AA:  Harrisburg Senators beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1.

Sean Roby 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(25).  BA= .220.

Evan Gates RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Evan Gates makes his AA debut.  

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Everett Aquasox 6-2.

Andy Thomas C- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .245.

Luis Toribio 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .203.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .278.

Carson Seymour RHP- 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 13 K.  ERA= 3.70.

Seymour looks like he might be the steal of the Darin Ruf trade.  He has 130 K in 106 IP across 3 teams.  He is a 2021 draftee so has 2 more seasons before Rule 5 eligibility.  

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A:  San Jose Giants topped the Stockton Ports 5-4.

Damon Dues DH- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(3).  BA= .333.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .263.

Alexander Suarez CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(13).  BA= .230.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.55.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.30.

Cruz is my candidate for most likely to leave the organization in the Rule 5 Draft.

Game Wrap 8/31/2022: Padres 5 Giants 4

 For the third straight game against the Padres, the Giants fell behind early, mounted a late comeback only to fall short and lose by a run in the end.

Alex Wood LHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.10.  A bit better than his last two starts but still roughed up for third straight start.

The lineup managed just 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 HBP's.  There were no multihit games.  Austin Wynns C and Evan Longoria PH hit doubles.

Alex Young LHP and Scott Alexander LHP pitched scoreless innings and seem to have stabilized the left side of the bullpen for now.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B(.177) and Mike Yastrzemski CF(.203) went a combined 0 for 7 with 4 K's at the top of the lineup.  If you are looking for places the Giants can upgrade this winter, those two would be a great start.  Sad but true.

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The loss left the Giants with a double-digit deficit in the Wild Card race.  In other words, they are not in the race anymore.

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Churn Watch:

The Giants selected the contract of Andrew Knapp C to replace Joey Bart C who is on the concussion IL and at this point there is no need to rush Joey back.  Yermin Mercedes UT has options so he went to AAA Sacramento but stays on the 40-man roster.  Andrew Vasquez LHP was DFA'd to open up a 40-man roster spot.

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The Giants get a day off at home to lick their wounds before facing the Phillies.  Alex Cobb RHP gets the first start Friday against Kyle Gibson RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/30/2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .215.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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