Hey team!
The wife and I are taking a short road trip to Sausalito to celebrate the Anniversary. I've attended a couple of meetings there, fell in love with the place and have wanted to go back just for R&R. I'll be back to regular posting here Sunday evening 6/2/2013.
In the meantime, feel free to use the comments under this post to express your thoughts on the Giants.
Dr B
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/29/2013
AAA Tucson Padres topped the Fresno Grizzlies 3-2:
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, HR(8). BA= .276.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.86.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.44.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.03.
Hembree gives up the walk-off dinger. Is it possible we might see Dunning in SF before Hembree?
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the New Britain Rock Cats 10-5:
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(4), HBP. BA= .329.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .236.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(6), BB. BA= .297
Parker(.268), Panik(.293), Minicozzi(.350), Oropesa(.219)- 2 hits each.
Craig Westcott(RHP)- 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.88.
Jose Valdez(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.61.
Good to see Ricky back in the lineup. He had a collision with an opposing baserunner and got shook up a bit. The other guy was carted off the field on a stretcher. Hope the other guy is OK too. Memo to opposing baserunners: Do NOT run into Ricky Oropesa!
High A Bakersfield Blaze defeated the San Jose Giants 6-4:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .284.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(12). BA= .235.
Angel V now has 4 dingers and 4 doubles in his last 10 games in which he is hitting .310. The 4 dingers are actually in his last 4 games!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged the Hickory Crawdads 2-1:
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .243.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's, GO/AO= 8/1. ERA= 4.03.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(13). ERA= 0.76.
Biagini continues to be an interesting story. The Giants have been unusually stubborn in developing him despite almost a total lack of pitching pedigree.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, HR(8). BA= .276.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.86.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.44.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.03.
Hembree gives up the walk-off dinger. Is it possible we might see Dunning in SF before Hembree?
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the New Britain Rock Cats 10-5:
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(4), HBP. BA= .329.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .236.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(6), BB. BA= .297
Parker(.268), Panik(.293), Minicozzi(.350), Oropesa(.219)- 2 hits each.
Craig Westcott(RHP)- 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.88.
Jose Valdez(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.61.
Good to see Ricky back in the lineup. He had a collision with an opposing baserunner and got shook up a bit. The other guy was carted off the field on a stretcher. Hope the other guy is OK too. Memo to opposing baserunners: Do NOT run into Ricky Oropesa!
High A Bakersfield Blaze defeated the San Jose Giants 6-4:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .284.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(12). BA= .235.
Angel V now has 4 dingers and 4 doubles in his last 10 games in which he is hitting .310. The 4 dingers are actually in his last 4 games!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged the Hickory Crawdads 2-1:
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .243.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's, GO/AO= 8/1. ERA= 4.03.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(13). ERA= 0.76.
Biagini continues to be an interesting story. The Giants have been unusually stubborn in developing him despite almost a total lack of pitching pedigree.
Game Wrap 2/29/2013: A's 9 Giants 6
It seems to have become almost obligatory for the Giants to spot the other team a 2 run lead before a Giant batter gets a chance to hit at home games. This one was no different. The Giants offense eventually mounted a comeback from a 6-1 deficit, but it was too little too late and they dropped their 3'rd in a row to their crossbay rivals. Key Lines:
Andres Torres- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .287. Torres continued his hot hitting and in case anyone has forgotten, he kept this up for 4 months in 2010. He made another OF error, though.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .330. The hit parade continues, but so does the error parade.
Hunter Pence- 3 for 5, HR(9). BA= .284. Pence leads the team in HR's with 1 more than Sandoval.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .268. Blanco's BA had slipped from .291 to .258 prior to this one.
Tim Lincecum- 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.12. Timmy seemed to settle down after the obligatory rough first inning made worse by the Scutaro error, but then the wheels came off in the 5'th. I would say it's definitely time to move him to the bullpen, but who do you replace him with in the rotation? Giants SP's are in a world of hurt right now!
The Rockies lost to the lowly 'Stros again while the D'Backs game was rained out in Texas, so the Giants and Rockies both slip to 2.5 games behind the first place D'Backs in the NL West. The Padres won and are 6 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers lost to the Angels and remain 7.5 games behind and in last place.
Barry Zito faces AJ Griffin in an afternoon game to wrap up this year's Bay Bridge interleague series with the A's.
Andres Torres- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .287. Torres continued his hot hitting and in case anyone has forgotten, he kept this up for 4 months in 2010. He made another OF error, though.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .330. The hit parade continues, but so does the error parade.
Hunter Pence- 3 for 5, HR(9). BA= .284. Pence leads the team in HR's with 1 more than Sandoval.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .268. Blanco's BA had slipped from .291 to .258 prior to this one.
Tim Lincecum- 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.12. Timmy seemed to settle down after the obligatory rough first inning made worse by the Scutaro error, but then the wheels came off in the 5'th. I would say it's definitely time to move him to the bullpen, but who do you replace him with in the rotation? Giants SP's are in a world of hurt right now!
The Rockies lost to the lowly 'Stros again while the D'Backs game was rained out in Texas, so the Giants and Rockies both slip to 2.5 games behind the first place D'Backs in the NL West. The Padres won and are 6 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers lost to the Angels and remain 7.5 games behind and in last place.
Barry Zito faces AJ Griffin in an afternoon game to wrap up this year's Bay Bridge interleague series with the A's.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Hot Tip: Sporting Hubris Podcast
Hey team! I did a podcast last night with the guys from Sporting Hubris. We talked mostly about Giants prospects but got into some other topics too. It was a lot of fun.
Check it out at
http://sportinghubris.com/giants-hubris-podcast-3-prospect-update/
You can just click on a link over on the list of My Favorite Websites over on the left hand side of this page.
Let me know what you think.
Dr B
Check it out at
http://sportinghubris.com/giants-hubris-podcast-3-prospect-update/
You can just click on a link over on the list of My Favorite Websites over on the left hand side of this page.
Let me know what you think.
Dr B
Down on the Farm: 5/28/2013
AAA Tucson Padres defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 5-1:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(6). BA= .220.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .268.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.18.
Brownie runs extends his hit streak to 6 games in which he is 10 for 27 with 4 2-hit games. He also has 2 consecutive games with successful SB's. Hopefully this is the start of him getting back on track as a prospect. Austin Fleet gets the call from SJ to take Kickham's spot in the Fresno rotation and pitches well. Tobin was an off-season sign out of the Angels' organization. He hadn't pitched much since 2008 due to injuries.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the New Britain Rock Cats 2-1:
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .351.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 3. BA= .275.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.29.
High A San Jose Giants edged the Bakersfield Blaze 2-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(11). BA= .235.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.00.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 3.30.
Remember you read it here first. Angel Villalona's bat has a chance to be special! He's hitting .310 with a SLG% of .643 over his last 10 games.
Low A Hickory Crawdads beat the Augusta Greenjackets 7-4:
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 3 for 4. BA= .235.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(6). BA= .220.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .268.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.18.
Brownie runs extends his hit streak to 6 games in which he is 10 for 27 with 4 2-hit games. He also has 2 consecutive games with successful SB's. Hopefully this is the start of him getting back on track as a prospect. Austin Fleet gets the call from SJ to take Kickham's spot in the Fresno rotation and pitches well. Tobin was an off-season sign out of the Angels' organization. He hadn't pitched much since 2008 due to injuries.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the New Britain Rock Cats 2-1:
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .351.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 3. BA= .275.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.29.
High A San Jose Giants edged the Bakersfield Blaze 2-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(11). BA= .235.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.00.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 3.30.
Remember you read it here first. Angel Villalona's bat has a chance to be special! He's hitting .310 with a SLG% of .643 over his last 10 games.
Low A Hickory Crawdads beat the Augusta Greenjackets 7-4:
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 3 for 4. BA= .235.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Game Wrap 5/28/2013: A's 6 Giants 3
Mike Kickham's debut had some promising moments, but ultimately came unraveled when he couldn't find his way out of trouble in the 3'rd inning. The rest of the game was a snoozer. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .327. Scutaro's amazing hit parade continues. He just makes it look so easy!
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, HR(8). BA= .277. Pence is heating up, but his solo blast was too little, too late in this one.
Mike Kickham- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 15.43. Despite the terrible line on paper, I saw a lot to be encouraged about here. He's got a bit of an awkward looking delivery with some herky-jerkiness and some flying elbows. With the crossover step, hitters have a bit of a challenge picking up the ball. The FB had plenty of velocity going 91-94 MPH, mostly 92, 93. The curve and slider had sharp breaks and excellent depth. The change looks like it has potential, but he had trouble bringing it into the strike zone. He was not nearly as wild as the numbers would indicate. He didn't get some close calls. A's hitters, as you might expect, took a lot of pitches that other teams' hitters might have swung at. In the end, he just didn't have the veteran moxie to pitch his way out of trouble. Isn't that pretty much what we prognosticated in our Thoughts on Mike Kickham? If he can hang onto his confidence, this kid has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues!
With the Loss, the Giants fall to 2 games behind the idle D'Backs and into a tie for second place in the NL West with the Rockies, who topped the 'Stros 2-1. The Padres beat the Mariners 6-1 and are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers blanked the Angels 3-0 and are 7 games back in last place.
Tim Lincecum takes the mound tomorrow evening in AT&T Park facing Lefty Tommy Milone.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .327. Scutaro's amazing hit parade continues. He just makes it look so easy!
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, HR(8). BA= .277. Pence is heating up, but his solo blast was too little, too late in this one.
Mike Kickham- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 15.43. Despite the terrible line on paper, I saw a lot to be encouraged about here. He's got a bit of an awkward looking delivery with some herky-jerkiness and some flying elbows. With the crossover step, hitters have a bit of a challenge picking up the ball. The FB had plenty of velocity going 91-94 MPH, mostly 92, 93. The curve and slider had sharp breaks and excellent depth. The change looks like it has potential, but he had trouble bringing it into the strike zone. He was not nearly as wild as the numbers would indicate. He didn't get some close calls. A's hitters, as you might expect, took a lot of pitches that other teams' hitters might have swung at. In the end, he just didn't have the veteran moxie to pitch his way out of trouble. Isn't that pretty much what we prognosticated in our Thoughts on Mike Kickham? If he can hang onto his confidence, this kid has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues!
With the Loss, the Giants fall to 2 games behind the idle D'Backs and into a tie for second place in the NL West with the Rockies, who topped the 'Stros 2-1. The Padres beat the Mariners 6-1 and are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers blanked the Angels 3-0 and are 7 games back in last place.
Tim Lincecum takes the mound tomorrow evening in AT&T Park facing Lefty Tommy Milone.
Down on the Farm: 5/27/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies stomped the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 9-0:
Gary Brown- 2 for 5, SB(5). BA= .216.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 3, 2 2B, BB. BA= .315.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .261.
Jackson Williams(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .213.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 9 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.09.
Gary Brown is showing some signs of life as he now has a 5 game hit streak in which he has 8 hits in 22 AB with 2 BB's and just 3 K's. If Shane Loux had pitched this game in his last start, he might be pitching for the Giants tonight instead of Mike Kickham.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels soared over the Altoona Curve 13-2:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 5, 3B, BB, SB(6). BA= .264.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 3 for 6, HR(3). BA= .324.
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 4 for 6. BA= .347.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 5, Sac. BA= .287.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(13). BA= .288.
Andrew Susac(C(- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .267.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .262.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.34.
Travious Relaford continues to stay afloat in AA ball after spending most of last year in rookie ball and starting out this year in low A. Fabio Castillo has another interesting K line.
High A Bakersfield Blaze outlasted the San Jose Giants 11-9 in 14 innings:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 3 for 5, HR(1), 3 BB. BA= .284.
Brock Bond(3B)- 1 for 5, 3 BB, SB(2). BA= .233.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 3 for 6, HR(9), BB. BA= .286.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .252.
John Polonius(2B)- 1 for 4, SF, 2 Sac. BA= .161.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 5 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.73.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Hiccup for Ty Blach. Jeff Arnold continues to impress with the bat.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Hickory Crawdads 4-0:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .300.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 3, HBP, SB(3). BA= .251.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 3 for 4, HR(3). BA= .221.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.13.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.82.
That's more like it from Stratton and Okert! RafRod is hitting .273/.324/.455 over his last 10. Can he keep it going?
Gary Brown- 2 for 5, SB(5). BA= .216.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 3, 2 2B, BB. BA= .315.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .261.
Jackson Williams(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .213.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 9 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.09.
Gary Brown is showing some signs of life as he now has a 5 game hit streak in which he has 8 hits in 22 AB with 2 BB's and just 3 K's. If Shane Loux had pitched this game in his last start, he might be pitching for the Giants tonight instead of Mike Kickham.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels soared over the Altoona Curve 13-2:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 5, 3B, BB, SB(6). BA= .264.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 3 for 6, HR(3). BA= .324.
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 4 for 6. BA= .347.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 5, Sac. BA= .287.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(13). BA= .288.
Andrew Susac(C(- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .267.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .262.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.34.
Travious Relaford continues to stay afloat in AA ball after spending most of last year in rookie ball and starting out this year in low A. Fabio Castillo has another interesting K line.
High A Bakersfield Blaze outlasted the San Jose Giants 11-9 in 14 innings:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 3 for 5, HR(1), 3 BB. BA= .284.
Brock Bond(3B)- 1 for 5, 3 BB, SB(2). BA= .233.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 3 for 6, HR(9), BB. BA= .286.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .252.
John Polonius(2B)- 1 for 4, SF, 2 Sac. BA= .161.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 5 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.73.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Hiccup for Ty Blach. Jeff Arnold continues to impress with the bat.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Hickory Crawdads 4-0:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .300.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 3, HBP, SB(3). BA= .251.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 3 for 4, HR(3). BA= .221.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.13.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.82.
That's more like it from Stratton and Okert! RafRod is hitting .273/.324/.455 over his last 10. Can he keep it going?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Game Wrap 5/27/2013: A's 4 Giants 1
Dan Straily and 2 A's relievers pounded the strike zone all afternoon against the Giants. Meanwhile, Madison Bumgarner didn't have a strike zone to pound as the ump completely took away his outside corner and was none too generous with the inside corner. Just to rub salt in the wound, the ump called Brandon Belt out on a pitch that was clearly outside. As Kuip sardonically commented, "that was the first time he's called that a strike all afternoon!" Key Lines:
Andres Torres- 2 for 3. BA= .287. Torres was the only Giants hitter to have a good day at the plate. He is hitting .400 over his last 10 games and is 10 for his last 18 AB's.
Madison Bumgarner- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 6 K's, HBP. ERA= 3.13. Bumgarner deserved a better fate. In addition to the strike zone issues, George Kontos hung a slider to Yeonis Cespedes that resulted in a double to the R-CF wall that drove in 2 inherited runners in the 7'th. Kontos then struck out Josh Donaldson with a filthy slider, but the damage was already done. Earlier, after Bumgarner walked Cespedes on 4 pitches then went 2-0 on Donaldson, Quiroz came out to talk to him. Watching on TV, I said to myself, "I bet he's telling him to just throw a strike. Donaldson knows that and he's going to hit it out." That's exactly what happened!
Camouflage Caps and Lettering- OK, I'll give this one a thumbs down. The camouflage unis that the Padres sometimes wear annoy me to no end and this is even worse. I mean they are the Padres, not the dougboys or the grunts or whatever other name you want to give the Marines and I'm not at all sure the military is honored by ballplayers donning those unis. I'm also not sure how we are honoring either those we have lost in wars or the military by wearing terrible looking baseball uniforms. Seems to me a simple ceremony and moment of silence before the game with a flag on the shoulder would get the job done and be more appropriate.
While we're at it, am I the only one who is sick to death of listening to God Bless America every last 7'th inning? I mean, it's not the only patriotic song that's out there. Who decided THAT was the only one that could commemorate 9/11 or express patriotism? Listen, I'm as patriotic as anybody. I faithfully put my hand over my heart and sing along to the National Anthem when it is performed before the games. But, come on! Woody Guthrie, for one, hated God Bless America so much he wrote This Land Is Your Land and put it to the music of an old Carter Family song just to put an alternative out there. My proposal is to at least change it up a bit and rotate God Bless America with America The Beautiful and This Land Is Your Land. Heck, I'd even go for a brass band playing Stars and Stripes Forever once in awhile!
With the Loss, the Giants fall a game behind the D'Backs into 2'nd place in the NL West after the D'Backs topped the Rangers 5-3. Those two teams play a second game of a Day-Night DH later. The Rockies lost to the lowly Astros 3-2 in extra innings to fall 2 games behind the leaders in 3'rd place. The Pathetic Padres got whitewashed by the Seattle Mariners 9-0 to fall 6.5 games off the pace and the Dodgers play the Angels tonight starting out 7.5 games behind.
Let's just hope Kickham has a better K zone tomorrow night, or it could get real ugly real fast. He'll be facing Jarrod Parker who has had his own struggles this year.
Andres Torres- 2 for 3. BA= .287. Torres was the only Giants hitter to have a good day at the plate. He is hitting .400 over his last 10 games and is 10 for his last 18 AB's.
Madison Bumgarner- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 6 K's, HBP. ERA= 3.13. Bumgarner deserved a better fate. In addition to the strike zone issues, George Kontos hung a slider to Yeonis Cespedes that resulted in a double to the R-CF wall that drove in 2 inherited runners in the 7'th. Kontos then struck out Josh Donaldson with a filthy slider, but the damage was already done. Earlier, after Bumgarner walked Cespedes on 4 pitches then went 2-0 on Donaldson, Quiroz came out to talk to him. Watching on TV, I said to myself, "I bet he's telling him to just throw a strike. Donaldson knows that and he's going to hit it out." That's exactly what happened!
Camouflage Caps and Lettering- OK, I'll give this one a thumbs down. The camouflage unis that the Padres sometimes wear annoy me to no end and this is even worse. I mean they are the Padres, not the dougboys or the grunts or whatever other name you want to give the Marines and I'm not at all sure the military is honored by ballplayers donning those unis. I'm also not sure how we are honoring either those we have lost in wars or the military by wearing terrible looking baseball uniforms. Seems to me a simple ceremony and moment of silence before the game with a flag on the shoulder would get the job done and be more appropriate.
While we're at it, am I the only one who is sick to death of listening to God Bless America every last 7'th inning? I mean, it's not the only patriotic song that's out there. Who decided THAT was the only one that could commemorate 9/11 or express patriotism? Listen, I'm as patriotic as anybody. I faithfully put my hand over my heart and sing along to the National Anthem when it is performed before the games. But, come on! Woody Guthrie, for one, hated God Bless America so much he wrote This Land Is Your Land and put it to the music of an old Carter Family song just to put an alternative out there. My proposal is to at least change it up a bit and rotate God Bless America with America The Beautiful and This Land Is Your Land. Heck, I'd even go for a brass band playing Stars and Stripes Forever once in awhile!
With the Loss, the Giants fall a game behind the D'Backs into 2'nd place in the NL West after the D'Backs topped the Rangers 5-3. Those two teams play a second game of a Day-Night DH later. The Rockies lost to the lowly Astros 3-2 in extra innings to fall 2 games behind the leaders in 3'rd place. The Pathetic Padres got whitewashed by the Seattle Mariners 9-0 to fall 6.5 games off the pace and the Dodgers play the Angels tonight starting out 7.5 games behind.
Let's just hope Kickham has a better K zone tomorrow night, or it could get real ugly real fast. He'll be facing Jarrod Parker who has had his own struggles this year.
Down on the Farm: Thoughts on Mike Kickham
It's always an exciting time for prospect watchers when a prospect gets called up to the majors, none more so than when it is a starting pitcher. There's no easing into it with mop up duties or batting 7'th in the lineup. When you are the starting pitcher for a game, you are to focal point and there is not hiding. Yesterday, we got word from Bruce Bochy that the Giants were calling up prospect Mike Kickham to start Tuesday's game against the A's in Oakland. What can we expect from him? Let's go back and take a look at his history in the Giants organization.
Kickham is a big lefthander, 6'4", 205 lbs. His scouting report has him hitting up to 94 MPH with his fastball on the radar gun. He also has a sharp breaking ball. No word on a changeup. With that size and velocity, he clearly has the tools to pitch in the major leagues.
Kickham was drafted in round 5 of the 2010 amateur draft out of Missouri State. He had pitched just 1 year there after transferring from JC ball. His W-L and ERA were unimpressive at 4-9 and 5.25, but he had a fine K/9 of 9.66 with a BB/9 of 2.81. He appeared briefly with the AZL Giants after the draft throwing just 2.1 IP.
His first full pro season was at Low A Augusta in 2011 where once again his W-L and ERA were unimpressive at 5-10 and 4.11, but his K/9 was a much better 8.30 with a decent BB/9 of 2.98. His performance got stronger as the season progressed and he finished with a flourish.
The Giants were sufficiently impressed that they promoted him to AA Richmond for the 2012 season, skipping high A San Jose. Kickham had trouble with his control early in the season and ended up with a line of 11-10, 3.05, 150.2 IP, 75 BB, 137 K's for a K/9 of 8.18 and a BB/9 of 4.48. He again got stronger as the season progressed and cut his walk rate down in the second half.
In spring training of 2013, the Giants were concerned about their pitching depth and scheduled a special game to get an extra look at Kickham and Chris Heston who they considered to be the two pitching prospects most likely to be ready to help if the need arose in season. We do not know how they graded out, but the Giants did not make any moves to acquire starting pitching at the end of spring training.
Kickham was assigned to AAA Fresno and got off to a rough start, but has pitched much better in his last 5 games. His overall line is 3-4, 4.33, 54 IP, 22 BB, 54 K's with a GO/AO= 1.77. BTW, his GO/AO was 1.46 in 2011 and 1.61 in 2012. That it would improve in the PCL where a lot of the parks are in thin, dry air is a positive. Over his last 5 starts for Fresno his line reads 3-1, 1.73, 31.1 IP, 9 BB, 29 K's, GO/AO= 2.00.
The PCL is a very tough league to pitch in. Success there tranlates to the majors much better for pitchers than hitters. Kickham has a nice combination of size, velocity, K rates and groundball tendency that should also be successful in the majors. His one big question mark is command and control. He has struggled with this with each transition, but has eventually settled in and pitched well once he got comfortable with the level.
The natural nervousness and excitement of pitching in your first MLB game generally has it's biggest impact on command and control, so it would come as no surprise if Kickham struggles with that in his debut. Ideally, you would want a prospect like him to consolidate his recent success at the AAA level and make his MLB debut under less stressful circumstances with a September callup. Vogelsong's injury forced the Giants to not give Kickham that luxury and he's getting thrown into the fire. The other side of the argument is that if you have a prospect who has a hot hand at AAA, maybe it will carry over into his MLB debut and give him a confidence boost. As Brian Sabean likes to say, maybe the Giants catch lightning in a bottle.
Kickham is a big lefthander, 6'4", 205 lbs. His scouting report has him hitting up to 94 MPH with his fastball on the radar gun. He also has a sharp breaking ball. No word on a changeup. With that size and velocity, he clearly has the tools to pitch in the major leagues.
Kickham was drafted in round 5 of the 2010 amateur draft out of Missouri State. He had pitched just 1 year there after transferring from JC ball. His W-L and ERA were unimpressive at 4-9 and 5.25, but he had a fine K/9 of 9.66 with a BB/9 of 2.81. He appeared briefly with the AZL Giants after the draft throwing just 2.1 IP.
His first full pro season was at Low A Augusta in 2011 where once again his W-L and ERA were unimpressive at 5-10 and 4.11, but his K/9 was a much better 8.30 with a decent BB/9 of 2.98. His performance got stronger as the season progressed and he finished with a flourish.
The Giants were sufficiently impressed that they promoted him to AA Richmond for the 2012 season, skipping high A San Jose. Kickham had trouble with his control early in the season and ended up with a line of 11-10, 3.05, 150.2 IP, 75 BB, 137 K's for a K/9 of 8.18 and a BB/9 of 4.48. He again got stronger as the season progressed and cut his walk rate down in the second half.
In spring training of 2013, the Giants were concerned about their pitching depth and scheduled a special game to get an extra look at Kickham and Chris Heston who they considered to be the two pitching prospects most likely to be ready to help if the need arose in season. We do not know how they graded out, but the Giants did not make any moves to acquire starting pitching at the end of spring training.
Kickham was assigned to AAA Fresno and got off to a rough start, but has pitched much better in his last 5 games. His overall line is 3-4, 4.33, 54 IP, 22 BB, 54 K's with a GO/AO= 1.77. BTW, his GO/AO was 1.46 in 2011 and 1.61 in 2012. That it would improve in the PCL where a lot of the parks are in thin, dry air is a positive. Over his last 5 starts for Fresno his line reads 3-1, 1.73, 31.1 IP, 9 BB, 29 K's, GO/AO= 2.00.
The PCL is a very tough league to pitch in. Success there tranlates to the majors much better for pitchers than hitters. Kickham has a nice combination of size, velocity, K rates and groundball tendency that should also be successful in the majors. His one big question mark is command and control. He has struggled with this with each transition, but has eventually settled in and pitched well once he got comfortable with the level.
The natural nervousness and excitement of pitching in your first MLB game generally has it's biggest impact on command and control, so it would come as no surprise if Kickham struggles with that in his debut. Ideally, you would want a prospect like him to consolidate his recent success at the AAA level and make his MLB debut under less stressful circumstances with a September callup. Vogelsong's injury forced the Giants to not give Kickham that luxury and he's getting thrown into the fire. The other side of the argument is that if you have a prospect who has a hot hand at AAA, maybe it will carry over into his MLB debut and give him a confidence boost. As Brian Sabean likes to say, maybe the Giants catch lightning in a bottle.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/26/2013
AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 8-6:
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 3 for 4, 2 2B, BB. BA= .300.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 5. BA= .256.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's, 2 HBP, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 5.63.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.72.
Considering this was Colorado Springs, that is not such a bad line from Heston.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels demolished the Altoona curve 20-9:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 4 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(10), BB, HBP. BA= .266.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 5, BB, SF. BA= .292.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 7, 2B. BA= .306.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 5, HR(3), BB. BA= .277.
Brett Krill(LF)- 3 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .286.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 6. BA= .243.
So, who says the Eastern League is tough on hitters? Parker has a huge game and is on fire. I wonder what Roger Munter has to say about THAT? Is Travious Relaford gaining a foothold in AA filling in for Adrianza?
High A San Jose Giants got the day off after a swing through SoCal.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Savannah Sand Gnats 3-1 in 12 innings:
Shayne Houck(3B)- 3 for 5, BB. BA= .305.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 6. BA= .295.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .217.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 3 for 5. BA= .245.
Justin Schumer(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.06.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.79.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 2.38.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 3 for 4, 2 2B, BB. BA= .300.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 5. BA= .256.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's, 2 HBP, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 5.63.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.72.
Considering this was Colorado Springs, that is not such a bad line from Heston.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels demolished the Altoona curve 20-9:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 4 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(10), BB, HBP. BA= .266.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 5, BB, SF. BA= .292.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 7, 2B. BA= .306.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 5, HR(3), BB. BA= .277.
Brett Krill(LF)- 3 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .286.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 6. BA= .243.
So, who says the Eastern League is tough on hitters? Parker has a huge game and is on fire. I wonder what Roger Munter has to say about THAT? Is Travious Relaford gaining a foothold in AA filling in for Adrianza?
High A San Jose Giants got the day off after a swing through SoCal.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Savannah Sand Gnats 3-1 in 12 innings:
Shayne Houck(3B)- 3 for 5, BB. BA= .305.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 6. BA= .295.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .217.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 3 for 5. BA= .245.
Justin Schumer(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.06.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.79.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 2.38.
Game Wrap 5/26/2013: Giants 7 Rockies 3
Matt Cain once again staked the Giants to a 2 run deficit before they sent their first batter to the plate. Not only that, but he threw 65 pitches in the first 2 innings! He somehow managed to labor through 5 innings and ended up with the Win as the Giants scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 5'th inning to take a 5-2 lead. After that, the outcome was not in serious doubt. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5. BA= .324. Scutaro has always been a good little player, but prior to last year had never hit .300 for a season. Since coming to the Giants, he looks so comfortable up there it's as easy as taking batting practice. Looking back at his career numbers, he shows a steady upward trend in his BA as his career has progressed, so maybe he's maintained enough athleticism to take advantage of the years of experience and it's all come together in a harmonic convergence. Whatever the reasons, it sure is fun and amazing to watch.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(7). BA= .317. Posey seems to be getting dialed in.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .278. Pence is hitting just .231 over his last 10 games but has looked better in the last 2.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .257. Belt is hitting .300 over his last 10 games with 6 BB's and 6 K's. Very nice hitter to have in the 6 hole.
Andres Torres- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .275. Vida Blue thinks Torres should ask Bochy for more playing time, but who would Bochy take it away from? Nice problem to have!
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.00. Cain was not as wild as the numbers would seem to indicate. He seemed to have excellent stuff as evidenced by 3 K's of CarGo, and 6 K's in 5 IP. He seemed to have no problem getting to two strikes, but then just couldn't seem to put them away. I suppose you can give some credit to the Rockies' hitters for hanging in there and fouling off pitches until it almost seemed like Cain threw ball 4 in exasperation trying to move on to the next batter! 65 pitches in 2 innings. Wow! He threw 42 over his next 3 innings to hang in there long enough for the W.
Bullpen- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. Bochy used 6 relievers over the last 4 innings with Affeldt making the 9'th look easy. Chad Gaudin's appearance tipped off the he was not going to be the guy who replaces Vogie in the rotation.
With the Win, the Giants remained tied for first place in the NL West with the D'Backs who edged the Padres 6-5 while the Rockies slipped a game back into 3'rd place. The Padres fell to 5.5 games behind while the Dodgers lost to the Cards 5-3 to fall 7 games off the pace.
Madison Bumgarner faces Dan Straily in an afternoon Memorial Day game in Oakland tomorrow.
After today's game, Bruce Bochy announced that Mike Kickham will be called up to make his first career MLB start on Tuesday night to take Ryan Vogelsong's place in the starting rotation.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5. BA= .324. Scutaro has always been a good little player, but prior to last year had never hit .300 for a season. Since coming to the Giants, he looks so comfortable up there it's as easy as taking batting practice. Looking back at his career numbers, he shows a steady upward trend in his BA as his career has progressed, so maybe he's maintained enough athleticism to take advantage of the years of experience and it's all come together in a harmonic convergence. Whatever the reasons, it sure is fun and amazing to watch.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(7). BA= .317. Posey seems to be getting dialed in.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .278. Pence is hitting just .231 over his last 10 games but has looked better in the last 2.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .257. Belt is hitting .300 over his last 10 games with 6 BB's and 6 K's. Very nice hitter to have in the 6 hole.
Andres Torres- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .275. Vida Blue thinks Torres should ask Bochy for more playing time, but who would Bochy take it away from? Nice problem to have!
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.00. Cain was not as wild as the numbers would seem to indicate. He seemed to have excellent stuff as evidenced by 3 K's of CarGo, and 6 K's in 5 IP. He seemed to have no problem getting to two strikes, but then just couldn't seem to put them away. I suppose you can give some credit to the Rockies' hitters for hanging in there and fouling off pitches until it almost seemed like Cain threw ball 4 in exasperation trying to move on to the next batter! 65 pitches in 2 innings. Wow! He threw 42 over his next 3 innings to hang in there long enough for the W.
Bullpen- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. Bochy used 6 relievers over the last 4 innings with Affeldt making the 9'th look easy. Chad Gaudin's appearance tipped off the he was not going to be the guy who replaces Vogie in the rotation.
With the Win, the Giants remained tied for first place in the NL West with the D'Backs who edged the Padres 6-5 while the Rockies slipped a game back into 3'rd place. The Padres fell to 5.5 games behind while the Dodgers lost to the Cards 5-3 to fall 7 games off the pace.
Madison Bumgarner faces Dan Straily in an afternoon Memorial Day game in Oakland tomorrow.
After today's game, Bruce Bochy announced that Mike Kickham will be called up to make his first career MLB start on Tuesday night to take Ryan Vogelsong's place in the starting rotation.
Down on the Farm: 5/25/2013
AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 7-5:
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 3 for 6, HR(8). BA= .316.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, 2 Sac. BA= .211.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 1 for 3, 3 BB. BA= .309.
Jackson Williams(C)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .200.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.68.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve 12-5:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 6, 2 HR(8). BA= .250.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .285.
Andrew Susac(C)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .264.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .226.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.89.
Snodgrass also got 3 hits in the game. Parker is putting up very similar numbers to his last 2 seasons in SJ, except it's at a higher level and in a pitcher's league. Those numbers stink in the Cal League but look quite good in the EL. What does that mean? I don't know!
High A San Jose Giants roped the High Desert Mavericks 6-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(9). BA= .226.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .246.
Shawn Payne(DH)- 2 for 5, 2 SB(16). BA= .255.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.40.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 0.74.
Blackburn had a QS but his K and BB numbers were better than his ERA.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats topped the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 3, HBP, SB(3). BA= .239.
Ben Turner(C)- 3 for 4. BA= .241.
Charles Jones(RF)- 2 for 4. BA= .201.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.87.
That's more like it from Agosta. Nobody is perfect at any level, but a D1 college draftee should be able to do this in low A ball with some regularity. Mizenko gives up his first runs of the season and his first blown Save.
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 3 for 6, HR(8). BA= .316.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, 2 Sac. BA= .211.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 1 for 3, 3 BB. BA= .309.
Jackson Williams(C)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .200.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.68.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve 12-5:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 6, 2 HR(8). BA= .250.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .285.
Andrew Susac(C)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .264.
Travious Relaford(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .226.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.89.
Snodgrass also got 3 hits in the game. Parker is putting up very similar numbers to his last 2 seasons in SJ, except it's at a higher level and in a pitcher's league. Those numbers stink in the Cal League but look quite good in the EL. What does that mean? I don't know!
High A San Jose Giants roped the High Desert Mavericks 6-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(9). BA= .226.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .246.
Shawn Payne(DH)- 2 for 5, 2 SB(16). BA= .255.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.40.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 0.74.
Blackburn had a QS but his K and BB numbers were better than his ERA.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats topped the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 3, HBP, SB(3). BA= .239.
Ben Turner(C)- 3 for 4. BA= .241.
Charles Jones(RF)- 2 for 4. BA= .201.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.87.
That's more like it from Agosta. Nobody is perfect at any level, but a D1 college draftee should be able to do this in low A ball with some regularity. Mizenko gives up his first runs of the season and his first blown Save.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Game Wrap 5/25/2013: Giants 6 Rockies 5
Angel Pagan ended an exciting, frustrating see-saw game with a "walk-off" inside-the-park 2 run HR in what might be the most unusual finish to a game I can remember. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 6, 2B, HR(3). BA= .262. The Giants have some really fast guys on this team, but I'm not sure any are faster than Pagan. Yes, the ball bounced away from Cuddyer off the base of the wall, but it caromed right to Fowler, yet Pagan was already rounding 3B when he got it and the throw home from the relay man never had a chance. The Giants need Pagan to get going and maybe this is the game to get that started.
Buster Posey- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .312. A multihit game from Buster who is hitting .312 despite seeming like he has never really gotten going yet this year.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SF. BA= .290. Crawford continues his solid hitting out of the 8 hole. Once again, the bottom of the order produces runs for the Giants.
Barry Zito- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.13. A near QS for Zito, but can someone send a memo to the starters that the games starts in the top of the first inning? That's not a warmup inning!
Chad Gaudin- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K'. ERA= 2.00. I think this still leaves the door open for Gaudin to start next Tuesday. More than one inning and I would say no.
Angel Marquez- The home plate umpire had a very bad game with a very wishy washy strike zone and 2 completly blown calls, one on a play at the plate that Brandon Belt should have scored on and another at 3B that effectively took the Giants out of a winning rally. Thankfully those calls did not cost the Giants the game, but they could well have.
The Win puts the Giants into a tie with the Rockies. Whether that will be for second place or a 3 way tie for the NL West divison lead depends on the outcome of the D'Backs game against the Padres tonight. The Dodgers-Cards game is in progress as I am writing this.
Matt Cain faces Jon Garland tomorrow afternoon for the series win.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 6, 2B, HR(3). BA= .262. The Giants have some really fast guys on this team, but I'm not sure any are faster than Pagan. Yes, the ball bounced away from Cuddyer off the base of the wall, but it caromed right to Fowler, yet Pagan was already rounding 3B when he got it and the throw home from the relay man never had a chance. The Giants need Pagan to get going and maybe this is the game to get that started.
Buster Posey- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .312. A multihit game from Buster who is hitting .312 despite seeming like he has never really gotten going yet this year.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SF. BA= .290. Crawford continues his solid hitting out of the 8 hole. Once again, the bottom of the order produces runs for the Giants.
Barry Zito- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.13. A near QS for Zito, but can someone send a memo to the starters that the games starts in the top of the first inning? That's not a warmup inning!
Chad Gaudin- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K'. ERA= 2.00. I think this still leaves the door open for Gaudin to start next Tuesday. More than one inning and I would say no.
Angel Marquez- The home plate umpire had a very bad game with a very wishy washy strike zone and 2 completly blown calls, one on a play at the plate that Brandon Belt should have scored on and another at 3B that effectively took the Giants out of a winning rally. Thankfully those calls did not cost the Giants the game, but they could well have.
The Win puts the Giants into a tie with the Rockies. Whether that will be for second place or a 3 way tie for the NL West divison lead depends on the outcome of the D'Backs game against the Padres tonight. The Dodgers-Cards game is in progress as I am writing this.
Matt Cain faces Jon Garland tomorrow afternoon for the series win.
Down on the Farm: 5/24/2013
AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox outslugged the Fresno Grizzlies 13-8:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .211.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(5), BB. BA= .288.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP. BA= .309.
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 4 for 5. BA= .286.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 4 BB, 1 K'. ERA= 6.20.
If you are looking for a ray of hope with Gary Brown, he's drawn 5 walks out of 45 PA's over his last 10 games. Bonser follows up his best start with possibly his worst.
AA Altoona Curve flattened the Richmond Flying Squirrels 14-4:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .247.
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 2 for 3, HR(4), 2 BB. BA= .322.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 3, 2 2B. BA= .264.
High A High Desert Mavericks out hit the San Jose Giants 8-6:
Chris Lofton(CF-LF)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB, 2 SB(10). BA= .274.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 10/4. ERA= 3.24.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.45.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats stung the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .314.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .301.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .253.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 1 for 3, HR(2), SF. BA= .206.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.32.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.11.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .211.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(5), BB. BA= .288.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP. BA= .309.
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 4 for 5. BA= .286.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 4 BB, 1 K'. ERA= 6.20.
If you are looking for a ray of hope with Gary Brown, he's drawn 5 walks out of 45 PA's over his last 10 games. Bonser follows up his best start with possibly his worst.
AA Altoona Curve flattened the Richmond Flying Squirrels 14-4:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .247.
Mark Minicozzi(1B)- 2 for 3, HR(4), 2 BB. BA= .322.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 3, 2 2B. BA= .264.
High A High Desert Mavericks out hit the San Jose Giants 8-6:
Chris Lofton(CF-LF)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB, 2 SB(10). BA= .274.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 10/4. ERA= 3.24.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.45.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats stung the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .314.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .301.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .253.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 1 for 3, HR(2), SF. BA= .206.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.32.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.11.
Game Wrap 5/24/2013: Rockies 5 Giants 0
The Giants managed just 5 scattered hits off Colorado pitchers while the BABIP gods were not kind to Tim Lincecum. Oh, and I don't think it's fair that opposing teams get to start their games against the Giants with a 2 run lead....wait, you mean they don't? Key Lines:
Tim Lincecum- 7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.75. Timmy's stuff looked good and his command was not bad. Luck was not on his side in this one. In first inning, CarGo's ground ball is a foot to the right and it's an easy DP. Instead, it set up the 2 run double that Cuddyer poked to the RF. The point of contact of that ball with Cuddyer's bat looked a bit random to me too. The run in the 4'th inning was caused by Cuddyer striking out on a wild pitch and reaching first base. So, Cuddyer's dinger in the 6'th was really the only non-lucky run Timmy allowed. It's not like he didn't strike out enough batters or that walks hurt him! Of course, with the way the Giants were hitting, Cuddyer's blast would have been enough to sink Timmy anyway.
Tyler Chatwood(Rockies)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 11/1. ERA= 1.90. Chatwood is a former 2'nd round draft pick by the Angels out of Redlands East Valley HS, so I have followed his career with some interest since he's a hometown boy. He developed quickly in the minors but then struggled to gain a foothold in the majors for several seasons. Man, it sure looks like he's finally figured it out. He showed a hard, sinking fastball that sat 92-94 MPH with just enough offspeed stuff to keep the Giants hitters off balance. He had the Giants killing worms all night. He has maintained a GO/AO>2 at every stop, so that sinker is for real. He'll have some BABIP games here and there, but that stuff and those numbers portend a long MLB career. He will end up earning a lot of money in this game.
With the Loss, the Giants fell out of a 3 way first place tie with the Rockies and D'Backs. The D'Backs held onto their share of first place with a 5-2 win over the Padres who dropped to 5.5 games off the pace. The Dodgers were dominated by the Cardinals 7-0 to fall 7 games behind in last place in the NL West.
Barry Zito takes the mound for game 2 on Saturday afternoon facing Juan Nicasio.
Tim Lincecum- 7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.75. Timmy's stuff looked good and his command was not bad. Luck was not on his side in this one. In first inning, CarGo's ground ball is a foot to the right and it's an easy DP. Instead, it set up the 2 run double that Cuddyer poked to the RF. The point of contact of that ball with Cuddyer's bat looked a bit random to me too. The run in the 4'th inning was caused by Cuddyer striking out on a wild pitch and reaching first base. So, Cuddyer's dinger in the 6'th was really the only non-lucky run Timmy allowed. It's not like he didn't strike out enough batters or that walks hurt him! Of course, with the way the Giants were hitting, Cuddyer's blast would have been enough to sink Timmy anyway.
Tyler Chatwood(Rockies)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 11/1. ERA= 1.90. Chatwood is a former 2'nd round draft pick by the Angels out of Redlands East Valley HS, so I have followed his career with some interest since he's a hometown boy. He developed quickly in the minors but then struggled to gain a foothold in the majors for several seasons. Man, it sure looks like he's finally figured it out. He showed a hard, sinking fastball that sat 92-94 MPH with just enough offspeed stuff to keep the Giants hitters off balance. He had the Giants killing worms all night. He has maintained a GO/AO>2 at every stop, so that sinker is for real. He'll have some BABIP games here and there, but that stuff and those numbers portend a long MLB career. He will end up earning a lot of money in this game.
With the Loss, the Giants fell out of a 3 way first place tie with the Rockies and D'Backs. The D'Backs held onto their share of first place with a 5-2 win over the Padres who dropped to 5.5 games off the pace. The Dodgers were dominated by the Cardinals 7-0 to fall 7 games behind in last place in the NL West.
Barry Zito takes the mound for game 2 on Saturday afternoon facing Juan Nicasio.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/23/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the Oklahoma City Redhawks 4-1:
Juan Perez(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B, Sac, SB(10). BA= .307.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .204.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(7). BA= .250.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/2. ERA= 4.33.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(13). ERA= 2.57.
Was this a tuneup for Kickham's first MLB start?
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels out hit the Trenton Thunder 9-4:
Joe Panik(SS)- 3 for 4, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .298.
Mark Minicozzi(2B)- 1 for 4, HR(3), 2 BB. BA= .315.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .288.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .268.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.89.
Panik's OBP stands at .392. That is higher than his SLG%, though.
High A San Jose Giants topped the High Desert Mavericks 2-1:
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .259.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .276.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.55.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.77.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.54.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(9). ERA= 0.86.
What an impressive slash line for Arnold! .276/.391/.569.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats downed stung the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Juan Perez(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B, Sac, SB(10). BA= .307.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .204.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(7). BA= .250.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/2. ERA= 4.33.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(13). ERA= 2.57.
Was this a tuneup for Kickham's first MLB start?
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels out hit the Trenton Thunder 9-4:
Joe Panik(SS)- 3 for 4, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .298.
Mark Minicozzi(2B)- 1 for 4, HR(3), 2 BB. BA= .315.
Javier Herrera(LF)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .288.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 3 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .268.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.89.
Panik's OBP stands at .392. That is higher than his SLG%, though.
High A San Jose Giants topped the High Desert Mavericks 2-1:
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .259.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .276.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.55.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.77.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.54.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(9). ERA= 0.86.
What an impressive slash line for Arnold! .276/.391/.569.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats downed stung the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/22/2013
AAA Oklahoma City Redhawks defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 7-3:
Francisco Peguero(LF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(2). BA= .355.
Carter Jurica(SS)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .293.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 0 K's. ERA= 4.75.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.23.
2 walks in one game for Pegs? Stop the presses! If the Giants are currently evaluating potential replacements for Vogie, I'd say Loux failed his audition here.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels squeaked past the Trenton Thunder 5-4:
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .287.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .356.
Andrew Susac(C)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .250.
Brett Krill(RF)- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .265.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.21.
Fred Lewis(RHP, Thunder)- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.57.
Duvall comes back from the DL and keeps hitting, but makes 2 errors. Very nice 4 innings from Castillo. I really liked this minor league Rule 5 pickup. I think it's great that they are stretching him out. Very intriguing prospect. No, not THAT Fred Lewis! Had you going there for a minute, didn't I?
High A High Desert Mavericks gored the San Jose Giants 11-6:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .220.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 3, HR(8), BB. BA= .268.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets out hit the Rome Braves 12-6:
Andrew Cain(CF-LF)- 2 for 5, 2 HR(3), BB, SB(6). BA= .234.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(13). BA= .299.
Mitch Delfino(DH)- 2 for 5. BA= .253.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB, SF. BA= .234.
Eric Sim(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(2). BA= .250.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .199.
Andrew Cain is hitting .367/.441/.733 over his last 10 games and .320/.404/.580 in the month of May.
Francisco Peguero(LF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(2). BA= .355.
Carter Jurica(SS)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .293.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 0 K's. ERA= 4.75.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.23.
2 walks in one game for Pegs? Stop the presses! If the Giants are currently evaluating potential replacements for Vogie, I'd say Loux failed his audition here.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels squeaked past the Trenton Thunder 5-4:
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .287.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .356.
Andrew Susac(C)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .250.
Brett Krill(RF)- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .265.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.21.
Fred Lewis(RHP, Thunder)- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.57.
Duvall comes back from the DL and keeps hitting, but makes 2 errors. Very nice 4 innings from Castillo. I really liked this minor league Rule 5 pickup. I think it's great that they are stretching him out. Very intriguing prospect. No, not THAT Fred Lewis! Had you going there for a minute, didn't I?
High A High Desert Mavericks gored the San Jose Giants 11-6:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .220.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 3, HR(8), BB. BA= .268.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets out hit the Rome Braves 12-6:
Andrew Cain(CF-LF)- 2 for 5, 2 HR(3), BB, SB(6). BA= .234.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(13). BA= .299.
Mitch Delfino(DH)- 2 for 5. BA= .253.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB, SF. BA= .234.
Eric Sim(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(2). BA= .250.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .199.
Andrew Cain is hitting .367/.441/.733 over his last 10 games and .320/.404/.580 in the month of May.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Game Wrap 5/22/2013: Nationals 2 Giants 1
Madison Bumgarner and Gio Gonzalez hooked up in another pitcher's duel that ended in a draw, but this time it was the Nationals who won the bullpen game in extra innings. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 0 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .331. Scutaro gets on base twice but ends his hit streak at 19. For the second game in a row, came close to hitting one out late in the game.
Madison Bumgarner- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.89. Bumgarner's line was identical to Gio's except Gio retired 1 more batter. Nice matchup.
Rafael Soriano(Nationals)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K's, Save(13). ERA= 3.00. Soriano got the Save in this one. He called out Bryce Harper for not playing deep enough on Blanco's triple last night. Alex Pavlovic commented over on Giants Extra that Harper should have made the catch implying that Harper gave up on the ball too early. I disagree with both Soriano and Pavs. Harper was playing plenty deep. What does Soriano want, for him to play on the warning track? That ball was scorched and just went over his head before any player could have reasonably reacted. As for giving up on it, it was not catchable, IMO after seeing multiple replays. Even if Soriano was right, it is bush league for him to call out Harper publicly like that: 1. Harper is a 20 year old kid who is learning the game at the MLB level because he is so talented, he's still better than any savvy vet you could put out there. 2. Harper already publicly took responsibility for the play. 3. If it wasn't for Bryce Harper, the Nationals would have lost today's game 1-0 and Soriano wouldn't have gotten a chance to save this game. Talk about picking yourself up!
The Loss put the Giants in a 3 way tie for first place in the NL West with the D'Backs and Rockies after the Rockies topped the D'Backs 4-1. The Padres lost to the Cardinals 5-3 to remain 4.5 games behind in 4'th place. The Dodgers responded to Donnie Baseball's callout with a 9-2 drubbing of the BrewCrew. Things are getting mighty inneresting down in Dodgerland with Donnie not only calling out his players but upper management at the same time. It was so pointed that there is some speculation out there that Donnie might be trying to get himself fired, which is actually the first thing I thought of when I read the comments. Ironically, the player who got sat down was with the team before the new ownership took over. Gotta say while I don't think much of Donnie as a manager, I agree with his assessment of the team. As for Ethier, I've thought for a long time that Ethier was more interested in posing for GQ photo shoots and preening for the TV cameras than he was in actually, you know, playing baseball!
The Giants get tomorrow off then get a chance at payback of the Rockies in AT&T Park with a weekend series. First matchup is Tim Lincecum vs Tyler Chatwood.
Great series with the Nats. An NLCS matchup of these two teams would be a real treat to watch!
Down on the Farm: 5/21/2013
AAA Oklahoma City Redhawks crushed the Fresno Grizzlies 15-2:
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .271.
Hector Sanchez(DH)- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .308.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.63.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 0 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.80.
The Hector is reportedly still being bothered by shoulder soreness. Heston gave up all 5 runs in the first inning.
AA Trenton Thunder blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-0:
Carlos Teller(LHP)- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
So far, Teller has been an organizational guy playing wherever he is needed. He's had stops in SJ, Fresno and now Richmond. He is 26 yo and last played affiliated ball in 2008.
High A San Jose Giants dominated the Inland Empire 66'ers 8-0:
Brock Bond(2B)- 1 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .286.
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 5. BA= .258.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, 2B. BA= .213.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 4, HR(7). BA= .266.
Chris Lofton(LF)- 3 for 4. BA= .270.
Elliott Blair(CF)- 1 for 1, 2 BB, HBP. BA= .236.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 11 K's! ERA= 1.89.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.67.
Wow! Ty Blach has taken on some serious helium! His numbers just get more dominating with each start.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Rome Braves 7-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(25). BA= .309.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .312.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .190.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .232.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B. 2 SB(5). BA= .225.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.59.
Derek Law(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.61.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(12). ERA= 0.00.
Disappointing numbers from Stratton. Mizenko keeps his scoreless innings streak alive.
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .271.
Hector Sanchez(DH)- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .308.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.63.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 0 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.80.
The Hector is reportedly still being bothered by shoulder soreness. Heston gave up all 5 runs in the first inning.
AA Trenton Thunder blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-0:
Carlos Teller(LHP)- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
So far, Teller has been an organizational guy playing wherever he is needed. He's had stops in SJ, Fresno and now Richmond. He is 26 yo and last played affiliated ball in 2008.
High A San Jose Giants dominated the Inland Empire 66'ers 8-0:
Brock Bond(2B)- 1 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .286.
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 5. BA= .258.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, 2B. BA= .213.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 4, HR(7). BA= .266.
Chris Lofton(LF)- 3 for 4. BA= .270.
Elliott Blair(CF)- 1 for 1, 2 BB, HBP. BA= .236.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 11 K's! ERA= 1.89.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.67.
Wow! Ty Blach has taken on some serious helium! His numbers just get more dominating with each start.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Rome Braves 7-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(25). BA= .309.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .312.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .190.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .232.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B. 2 SB(5). BA= .225.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.59.
Derek Law(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.61.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(12). ERA= 0.00.
Disappointing numbers from Stratton. Mizenko keeps his scoreless innings streak alive.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Game Wrap 5/21/2013: Giants 4 Nationals 2
Matt Cain battled Stephen Strasburg in an exciting pitching duel, but neither starter was around to finish this one as Pablo Sandoval won it with a walkoff 2 run dinger in the bottom of the 10'th inning. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .337. Scutaro got to late in the game still needing a hit to extend his hittin streak to 19 games. He ended up with his 20'th 2-hit game as he singled in the 10'th to set up Pablo's game winner.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 5, HR(8). BA= .308. It was almost like Davey Johnson gave up on this game when he brought in Yuniesky Maya for the 10'th. The guy's AAA numbers did not look good and he did not disappoint Giants fans who were licking their chops at the thought of Pablo getting to bat against him.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .303. Buster had a clutch single up the middle in the 9'th to get the game tying rally started. Boch made a great move pinch-running Torres who came all the way home on Blanco's drive to the wall up Triples Alley. Buster probably would have scored on that hit too, but it's not a slam dunk that he would have.
Gregor Blanco- 3 for 4, 3B, SB(5). BA= .293. How great is Blanco playing right now? He was a thorn in Strasburg's side all night and he had The Stras giving him stare downs and stankeyes all night for some reason. He then smoked a triple over the head of Harper in right-center that got to the wall faster than any hit I can remember out there. It just rocketed over Harper's head before he had a chance to take more than 2 steps back and Harper was playing deep.
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.12. Cain actually had a better statistical line than Strasburg allowing 1 less hit and 1 less walk. Cainer gave up both his runs in the first inning then was nails after that. He actually appeared to be getting stronger as the game went along.
Bruce Bochy- Boch outmanaged Davy Johnson in this one with deft use of his bullpen. Of course, you really can't blame Davy for Soriano not executing, but Bochy's use of his bullpen was masterful. Boch gets some extra points for pinch running Torres for Posey and then not risking getting Torres thrown out by running him.
With the Win, the Giants moved into a first place tie with the D'Backs who lost their game with the Rockies 5-4. The Rockies cut their deficit in third place to 1 game. The Padres lost to the Card 10-2 to remain 4.5 games behind while the last place Dodgers(man, I really love writing that) remain 7 games back with a 5-2 loss to the BrewCrew.
Madison Bumgarner goes for the sweep facing Gio Gonzalez tomorrow afternoon.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .337. Scutaro got to late in the game still needing a hit to extend his hittin streak to 19 games. He ended up with his 20'th 2-hit game as he singled in the 10'th to set up Pablo's game winner.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 5, HR(8). BA= .308. It was almost like Davey Johnson gave up on this game when he brought in Yuniesky Maya for the 10'th. The guy's AAA numbers did not look good and he did not disappoint Giants fans who were licking their chops at the thought of Pablo getting to bat against him.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .303. Buster had a clutch single up the middle in the 9'th to get the game tying rally started. Boch made a great move pinch-running Torres who came all the way home on Blanco's drive to the wall up Triples Alley. Buster probably would have scored on that hit too, but it's not a slam dunk that he would have.
Gregor Blanco- 3 for 4, 3B, SB(5). BA= .293. How great is Blanco playing right now? He was a thorn in Strasburg's side all night and he had The Stras giving him stare downs and stankeyes all night for some reason. He then smoked a triple over the head of Harper in right-center that got to the wall faster than any hit I can remember out there. It just rocketed over Harper's head before he had a chance to take more than 2 steps back and Harper was playing deep.
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.12. Cain actually had a better statistical line than Strasburg allowing 1 less hit and 1 less walk. Cainer gave up both his runs in the first inning then was nails after that. He actually appeared to be getting stronger as the game went along.
Bruce Bochy- Boch outmanaged Davy Johnson in this one with deft use of his bullpen. Of course, you really can't blame Davy for Soriano not executing, but Bochy's use of his bullpen was masterful. Boch gets some extra points for pinch running Torres for Posey and then not risking getting Torres thrown out by running him.
With the Win, the Giants moved into a first place tie with the D'Backs who lost their game with the Rockies 5-4. The Rockies cut their deficit in third place to 1 game. The Padres lost to the Card 10-2 to remain 4.5 games behind while the last place Dodgers(man, I really love writing that) remain 7 games back with a 5-2 loss to the BrewCrew.
Madison Bumgarner goes for the sweep facing Gio Gonzalez tomorrow afternoon.
Down on the Farm: 5/20/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies pounded the Oklahoma City Redhawks 10-3:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .206.
Brett Pill(1B)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .368.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .311.
Tony Abreu(DH)- 2 for 3, HR(1), HBP. BA= .667.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(6). BA= .272.
A Tony Abreu sighting!
AA Trenton Thunder defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-3:
Javier Herrera(DH)- 2 for 4, SB(12). BA= .282.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .312.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Inland Empire 66'ers 5-1:
Brock Bond(2B)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .294.
Mac WIlliamson(RF)- 2 for 5, 3B, Assist(home). BA= .253.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .213.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.63.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Nice recovery from yesterday's 4 K collar by Angel V. I wonder if Josh Osich would consider trying starting again? He has 22 IP in 18 games but has only gone over 1 inning once in his last 10 appearances, a 1.2 inning stint on May 2 vs Bakersfield. Seems like a waste of talent for him to be a 1 inning at at time reliever, unless he's going to eventually be a closer.
Low A Rome Braves blanked the Augusta Greenjackets 6-0:
Really, nothing to see here. 'Jackets managed just 2 hits and the pitching was meh. Farley pitched 3 shutout innings. That's it.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .206.
Brett Pill(1B)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .368.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .311.
Tony Abreu(DH)- 2 for 3, HR(1), HBP. BA= .667.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(6). BA= .272.
A Tony Abreu sighting!
AA Trenton Thunder defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-3:
Javier Herrera(DH)- 2 for 4, SB(12). BA= .282.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .312.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Inland Empire 66'ers 5-1:
Brock Bond(2B)- 2 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .294.
Mac WIlliamson(RF)- 2 for 5, 3B, Assist(home). BA= .253.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .213.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.63.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Nice recovery from yesterday's 4 K collar by Angel V. I wonder if Josh Osich would consider trying starting again? He has 22 IP in 18 games but has only gone over 1 inning once in his last 10 appearances, a 1.2 inning stint on May 2 vs Bakersfield. Seems like a waste of talent for him to be a 1 inning at at time reliever, unless he's going to eventually be a closer.
Low A Rome Braves blanked the Augusta Greenjackets 6-0:
Really, nothing to see here. 'Jackets managed just 2 hits and the pitching was meh. Farley pitched 3 shutout innings. That's it.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Game Wrap 5/20/2013: Giants 8 Nationals 0
The Giants dominated the Nationals at AT&T Park, but lost their starter, Ryan Vogelsong, for at least 6 weeks with fractures in his right hand. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .260. Pagan drove in 3 runs and scored 1 with a strong effort at leadoff.
Marco Scutaro- 2 fo4 5. BA= .333. Scutaro now has 19 two-hit games on the season, one less than league leader Jean Segura.
Brandon Belt- 4 for 5, HR(6). BA= .261. Yeah, I'd say Belt bought himself a much longer leash with this game. Gotta be a huge confidence builder. The lone out was a drive to the warning track in left-center. Belt is 12 for 30, an even .400 over his last 10 games with 3 dingers and 4 walks. He looks like he's having fun out there for maybe the first time in his MLB career. He looks like he's eager to come to the plate.
Andres Torres- 3 for 5. 2B. BA= .247. Nice night for Torres who needed a confidence booster.
Ryan Vogelsong- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 7.19. Vogey was pitching a fine game when he came to the plate in the 5'th inning and swung at a pitch that bored in on him and caught the 5'th finger and metacarpal on his right hand. You knew it was broken the instant you saw the impact. Dave Groeschner took one look and escorted him to the clubhouse. The report is his hand is fractured in 2 places with a dislocated joint. Owieeee! He is reportedly scheduled for surgery tomorrow and will likely miss at least 6 weeks. I think that is quite optimistic for this type of injury on his throwing hand.
Javier Lopez- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.31. Tremendous outing by Lopez. He got a standing O when he walked off field after striking out Adam LaRoche.
With the Win, the Giants remained 1 game behind the D'Backs, who topped the Rockies 5-1, in the NL West. The Rockies slipped to 3'rd place 2 games off the pace. The Pesky Padres beat the Cards 4-2 to rmain 4.5 games back in 4'th place. The last place Dodgers defeated the BrewCrew 3-1 behind Clayton Kershaw to remain 7 games behind the leaders.
Matt Cain takes the mound tomorrow night facing Stephen Strasburg.
I suppose the speculation about Vogie's replacement can shift into high gear. One possibility is to make Chad Gaudin a starter and bring up a reliever like Sandy Rosario, who has been going 2 and 3 innings at a time in Fresno. Chris Heston is the only starter at Fresno currently on the 40 man roster. Heston has an inflated ERA, but has nice looking peripheral numbers. Of non-roster pitchers, LHP Mike Kickham has better numbers than Heston and ultimately has a higher ceiling, but might not be quite ready for the show. Boof Bonser is coming off his best start since signing with the Giants and could be a consideration. The Giants have some time before Vogies spot in the rotation comes up again. They could pursue a trade. Other teams will try to extract a premium return if they sense the Giants are desperate, though.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .260. Pagan drove in 3 runs and scored 1 with a strong effort at leadoff.
Marco Scutaro- 2 fo4 5. BA= .333. Scutaro now has 19 two-hit games on the season, one less than league leader Jean Segura.
Brandon Belt- 4 for 5, HR(6). BA= .261. Yeah, I'd say Belt bought himself a much longer leash with this game. Gotta be a huge confidence builder. The lone out was a drive to the warning track in left-center. Belt is 12 for 30, an even .400 over his last 10 games with 3 dingers and 4 walks. He looks like he's having fun out there for maybe the first time in his MLB career. He looks like he's eager to come to the plate.
Andres Torres- 3 for 5. 2B. BA= .247. Nice night for Torres who needed a confidence booster.
Ryan Vogelsong- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 7.19. Vogey was pitching a fine game when he came to the plate in the 5'th inning and swung at a pitch that bored in on him and caught the 5'th finger and metacarpal on his right hand. You knew it was broken the instant you saw the impact. Dave Groeschner took one look and escorted him to the clubhouse. The report is his hand is fractured in 2 places with a dislocated joint. Owieeee! He is reportedly scheduled for surgery tomorrow and will likely miss at least 6 weeks. I think that is quite optimistic for this type of injury on his throwing hand.
Javier Lopez- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.31. Tremendous outing by Lopez. He got a standing O when he walked off field after striking out Adam LaRoche.
With the Win, the Giants remained 1 game behind the D'Backs, who topped the Rockies 5-1, in the NL West. The Rockies slipped to 3'rd place 2 games off the pace. The Pesky Padres beat the Cards 4-2 to rmain 4.5 games back in 4'th place. The last place Dodgers defeated the BrewCrew 3-1 behind Clayton Kershaw to remain 7 games behind the leaders.
Matt Cain takes the mound tomorrow night facing Stephen Strasburg.
I suppose the speculation about Vogie's replacement can shift into high gear. One possibility is to make Chad Gaudin a starter and bring up a reliever like Sandy Rosario, who has been going 2 and 3 innings at a time in Fresno. Chris Heston is the only starter at Fresno currently on the 40 man roster. Heston has an inflated ERA, but has nice looking peripheral numbers. Of non-roster pitchers, LHP Mike Kickham has better numbers than Heston and ultimately has a higher ceiling, but might not be quite ready for the show. Boof Bonser is coming off his best start since signing with the Giants and could be a consideration. The Giants have some time before Vogies spot in the rotation comes up again. They could pursue a trade. Other teams will try to extract a premium return if they sense the Giants are desperate, though.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/19/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 4-2:
Francisco Peguero(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(3), SB(1). BA= .378.
Brett Pill(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .353.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .313.
Juan Perez(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .311.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.89.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 3.33.
I LOVE seeing SS after Juan Perez' name, LOVE IT! This was statistically Bonser's best game of the season, possibly since signing with the Giants.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Altoona Curve 3-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .265.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(4). BA= .295.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 2 for 4. BA= .257.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .242.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K"s. ERA= 2.27.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Lollis is hitting .333/.394/.467 over his last 10 games. Parker is hitting .333/.391/.619 in May. Not sure why Snodgrass came out of this one early.
High A Inland Empire 66'ers beat the San Jose Giants 3-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 0 for 4, 4 K's. BA= .207.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.53.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.13.
After I've raved about Angel V's bat, he goes and takes a 4 K collar.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats outslugged the Augusta Greenjackets 12-10:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .298.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(4). BA= .261.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(2), BB. BA= .202.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .205.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.88.
Mitch Delfino is hitting .325/.364/.525 over his last 10 games. This was Chuckie Jones' best game in recent memory. Not a good start by Agosta.
Francisco Peguero(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(3), SB(1). BA= .378.
Brett Pill(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .353.
Roger Kieschnick(RF)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .313.
Juan Perez(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .311.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.89.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 3.33.
I LOVE seeing SS after Juan Perez' name, LOVE IT! This was statistically Bonser's best game of the season, possibly since signing with the Giants.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Altoona Curve 3-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .265.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(4). BA= .295.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 2 for 4. BA= .257.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .242.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K"s. ERA= 2.27.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Lollis is hitting .333/.394/.467 over his last 10 games. Parker is hitting .333/.391/.619 in May. Not sure why Snodgrass came out of this one early.
High A Inland Empire 66'ers beat the San Jose Giants 3-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 0 for 4, 4 K's. BA= .207.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.53.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.13.
After I've raved about Angel V's bat, he goes and takes a 4 K collar.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats outslugged the Augusta Greenjackets 12-10:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .298.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(4). BA= .261.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(2), BB. BA= .202.
Andrew Cain(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .205.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.88.
Mitch Delfino is hitting .325/.364/.525 over his last 10 games. This was Chuckie Jones' best game in recent memory. Not a good start by Agosta.
Game Wrap 5/19/2013: Rockies 5 Giants 0
Barry Zito pitched gamely, but got no help from a sleepwalking offense or from his bullpen as the Giants appeared to want to just get out of Dodge ASAP. Key Lines:
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4. BA= .288. Crawford's fine hitting continued.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 4. BA= .279. Crawford and Blanco combined for 4 of the Giants 5 hits. Too bad they were separated by 4 and 3 batters in the lineup.
Barry Zito- 5.2 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.91. Zito gave up a lot of baserunners but pitched tough and had a chance for a QS going to the 6'th. Unfortunately, he couldn't get that last out and neither did Mijares until 2 runs had scored giving Zeets his final line.
Juan Nicasio(Rockies)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.47. Before last year, there was an article in Fangraphs that I found persuasive correlating high velocity and low walk rates with future success by pitchers. The pitchers who fit this description were Nicasio, Angels RHP Garrett Richards and Toronto RHP Henderson Alvarez. Hasn't really worked out, but I think the jury may still be out on Nicasio and Richards.
The D'Backs lost to the lowly Marlins so the Giants remained 1 game behind the NL West leaders. The Rockies gained a game to move into a tie for 2'nd place with the Giants. The Pesky Padres pounded the Nationals 13-4 to move within 4.5 games of the D'Backs while the Dodgers lost to the Braves 5-2 to remain 7 games off the pace.
Ryan Vogelsong tries to right his and the Giants ship in the first game of a homestand tomorrow evening against Zach Duke. This becomes a potentially pivotal homestand for the Giants. If they can bounce back with a winning record, they might be in decent shape going forward. If the losing continues, they then face a brutal June schedule in which they only have 9 home games.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4. BA= .288. Crawford's fine hitting continued.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 4. BA= .279. Crawford and Blanco combined for 4 of the Giants 5 hits. Too bad they were separated by 4 and 3 batters in the lineup.
Barry Zito- 5.2 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.91. Zito gave up a lot of baserunners but pitched tough and had a chance for a QS going to the 6'th. Unfortunately, he couldn't get that last out and neither did Mijares until 2 runs had scored giving Zeets his final line.
Juan Nicasio(Rockies)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.47. Before last year, there was an article in Fangraphs that I found persuasive correlating high velocity and low walk rates with future success by pitchers. The pitchers who fit this description were Nicasio, Angels RHP Garrett Richards and Toronto RHP Henderson Alvarez. Hasn't really worked out, but I think the jury may still be out on Nicasio and Richards.
The D'Backs lost to the lowly Marlins so the Giants remained 1 game behind the NL West leaders. The Rockies gained a game to move into a tie for 2'nd place with the Giants. The Pesky Padres pounded the Nationals 13-4 to move within 4.5 games of the D'Backs while the Dodgers lost to the Braves 5-2 to remain 7 games off the pace.
Ryan Vogelsong tries to right his and the Giants ship in the first game of a homestand tomorrow evening against Zach Duke. This becomes a potentially pivotal homestand for the Giants. If they can bounce back with a winning record, they might be in decent shape going forward. If the losing continues, they then face a brutal June schedule in which they only have 9 home games.
Scouting the Draft: New Mock and Other Thoughts
John Sickels has a new mock draft up on minorleagueball.com. He has the Giants taking Aaron Judge at #25. I think his reasoning is a bit shaky on this one. Judge just doesn't seem to fit the profile of the type of player the Giants have taken in the first round in past drafts. Maybe that is wishful thinking on my part. Judge is a great athlete and has tremendous upside, but he is also very tall for a hitter and we've all seen the kinds of problems tall hitters tend to run into.
Some other players on Sickel's mock in the general vicinity of #25: #22 Orioles- LHP Marco Gonzalez. #23 Rangers- C Jon Denney. #24 A's- RHP Aaron Blair. #26 Yankees- LHP Robert Kaminsky. #27 Reds- RHP Ryne Stanek. #28 Cardinals- SS Hunter Dozier. #29 Rays- 3B Eric Jagielo. #30 Rangers- RHP Hunter Harvey. #31 Braves- RHP Bobby Wahl. #32 Yankees- RHP Chris Anderson.
A commenter on Giants Extra seems to think Hunter Harvey is the pitcher Dick Tidrow has his sights set on. Harvey is a kid I've been taking a longer look at lately too. He's the son of former MLB reliever Bryan Harvey. If my memory serves me well, Bryan Harvey was a big thick dude along the lines of Rod Beck and Heath Bell. His kid is a skinny 6'3", 170 lbs, but has a 94 MPH heater and a nice curveball. He appears to be wanting to sign out of HS and has lots of room to fill out his frame. Most mock drafts have him going somewhere in the late first round.
I could also see the Giants being interested in Marco Gonzalez, Blair, Wahl, Anderson and even Hunter Dozier whose stock seems to be rising rapidly.
Matt Garrioch has a 400 player draft board up on minorleagueball.com. Here is his #23-31: 23. SS Riley Unroe. 24. RHP Bobby Wahl. 25. RHP Chris Anderson. 26. SS/3b Jan Hernandez. 27. OF Ryan Boldt. 28. OF Mason Smith. 29. OF Justin Williams. #30. RHP Jonathan Crawford. 31. RHP Brett Morales. Hunter Harvey is #34 on Garrioch's list.
Personally, I would like to see the Giants go for some serious upside and draft one of the HS position players in this range. Unroe is a scrapiron type player who just might stick at SS. Hernandez reminds me just a little bit of a young ARod and Williams bat has unreal power upside. Of the pitchers, I would probably favor Harvey and Morales over the college dudes.
Looking further down Garrioch's list, we find none other than HS 3B Travis Demeritte at #64, the Giants 2'nd round pick. Other names in that vicinity include #65 LHP Tom Windle and #66 RHP Alex Gonzalez with RHP's Andrew Mitchell and Ryan Eades at #71 and 72 respectively.
Giants 3'rd round pick is #102. Some names I recognize in that vicinity: #100 RHP Alex Balog. #101 RHP Derek Beauprez. #102 RHP Dylan Covey #104 RHP Corey Knebel. #108 RHP Scott Frazier #109 3B Eric Jagielo.
Giants 4'th round pick will be #133. I recognize college 3B Chad Pinder at #132 on Garrioch's list. 5'th round #163: Ryon Healy who is John Klima's white whale is listed at #167. #193? I've got Brian Ragira at #192. He just might stay in school if he's drafted in round 6.
Some other random names from Garrioch's board: #220 College Sr. OF Brandon Thomas. #232 HS RHP Chris Oakley who I really like. He'll probably got to college if drafted this low. #250 College Sr. RHP Buck Farmer. #282 HS C/3B Dylan Manwaring. #283 College 2B/OF Tony Kemp. #297 College RHP Kyle Finnegan. #303 College OF Matt Oberste. #307 College OF young Yaz. #312 College SS Adam Frazier. #330 College OF Ryan Tella(Giants drafted him as a draft eligible soph in 2012 and he did not sign). #336 College OF James Ramsey. #338 College SS Lonnie Kauppila. #350 College OF Kyle Wren. #377 College Sr. 2B LJ Mazzilli. #384 College Sr RHP Matt Boyd. #386 College OF Tyler Horan(a personal favorite).
So, while this draft is a bit weak at the very top, there is talent to be had way down the list into the 10th, 11'th and 12'th rounds.
Some other players on Sickel's mock in the general vicinity of #25: #22 Orioles- LHP Marco Gonzalez. #23 Rangers- C Jon Denney. #24 A's- RHP Aaron Blair. #26 Yankees- LHP Robert Kaminsky. #27 Reds- RHP Ryne Stanek. #28 Cardinals- SS Hunter Dozier. #29 Rays- 3B Eric Jagielo. #30 Rangers- RHP Hunter Harvey. #31 Braves- RHP Bobby Wahl. #32 Yankees- RHP Chris Anderson.
A commenter on Giants Extra seems to think Hunter Harvey is the pitcher Dick Tidrow has his sights set on. Harvey is a kid I've been taking a longer look at lately too. He's the son of former MLB reliever Bryan Harvey. If my memory serves me well, Bryan Harvey was a big thick dude along the lines of Rod Beck and Heath Bell. His kid is a skinny 6'3", 170 lbs, but has a 94 MPH heater and a nice curveball. He appears to be wanting to sign out of HS and has lots of room to fill out his frame. Most mock drafts have him going somewhere in the late first round.
I could also see the Giants being interested in Marco Gonzalez, Blair, Wahl, Anderson and even Hunter Dozier whose stock seems to be rising rapidly.
Matt Garrioch has a 400 player draft board up on minorleagueball.com. Here is his #23-31: 23. SS Riley Unroe. 24. RHP Bobby Wahl. 25. RHP Chris Anderson. 26. SS/3b Jan Hernandez. 27. OF Ryan Boldt. 28. OF Mason Smith. 29. OF Justin Williams. #30. RHP Jonathan Crawford. 31. RHP Brett Morales. Hunter Harvey is #34 on Garrioch's list.
Personally, I would like to see the Giants go for some serious upside and draft one of the HS position players in this range. Unroe is a scrapiron type player who just might stick at SS. Hernandez reminds me just a little bit of a young ARod and Williams bat has unreal power upside. Of the pitchers, I would probably favor Harvey and Morales over the college dudes.
Looking further down Garrioch's list, we find none other than HS 3B Travis Demeritte at #64, the Giants 2'nd round pick. Other names in that vicinity include #65 LHP Tom Windle and #66 RHP Alex Gonzalez with RHP's Andrew Mitchell and Ryan Eades at #71 and 72 respectively.
Giants 3'rd round pick is #102. Some names I recognize in that vicinity: #100 RHP Alex Balog. #101 RHP Derek Beauprez. #102 RHP Dylan Covey #104 RHP Corey Knebel. #108 RHP Scott Frazier #109 3B Eric Jagielo.
Giants 4'th round pick will be #133. I recognize college 3B Chad Pinder at #132 on Garrioch's list. 5'th round #163: Ryon Healy who is John Klima's white whale is listed at #167. #193? I've got Brian Ragira at #192. He just might stay in school if he's drafted in round 6.
Some other random names from Garrioch's board: #220 College Sr. OF Brandon Thomas. #232 HS RHP Chris Oakley who I really like. He'll probably got to college if drafted this low. #250 College Sr. RHP Buck Farmer. #282 HS C/3B Dylan Manwaring. #283 College 2B/OF Tony Kemp. #297 College RHP Kyle Finnegan. #303 College OF Matt Oberste. #307 College OF young Yaz. #312 College SS Adam Frazier. #330 College OF Ryan Tella(Giants drafted him as a draft eligible soph in 2012 and he did not sign). #336 College OF James Ramsey. #338 College SS Lonnie Kauppila. #350 College OF Kyle Wren. #377 College Sr. 2B LJ Mazzilli. #384 College Sr RHP Matt Boyd. #386 College OF Tyler Horan(a personal favorite).
So, while this draft is a bit weak at the very top, there is talent to be had way down the list into the 10th, 11'th and 12'th rounds.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/18/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-3:
Juan Perez(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .306.
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .349.
Cole Gillespie(2B-LF)- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .278.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .239.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.72.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.71.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.70.
Very nice line from Kickham!
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed the Altoona Curve 5-3:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(4). BA= .258.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.95.
High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes beat the San Jose Giants 8-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .213.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .265.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 5/1. ERA= 4.39.
I attended this game. It was a near-sellout and I got a seat way down the RF line in the bleachers overlooking the Giants bullpen. I couldn't tell too much about Blackburn's stuff. He sat 91-93 MPH with the FB on the stadium gun. He also had a couple of different offspeed pitches that registered 76 and 81 MPH. I could see some vertical movement and the offspeed stuff seemed to break sharply downward. Not sure why he got hit so hard, but most of the hits were scalded. Angel V again looked terrific. One of his outs was a hard line drive right at the second baseman in the second inning. I continue to be impressed with Angel V's bat. I thought he looked a tad lighter tonight than a few weeks ago in San Berdoo.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats stung the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Eric Sim(C)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA- .240.
Matthew Lujan(LHP)_ 3.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Derek Law(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.57.
Juan Perez(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .306.
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .349.
Cole Gillespie(2B-LF)- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .278.
Johnny Monell(C)- 2 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .239.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.72.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.71.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.70.
Very nice line from Kickham!
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed the Altoona Curve 5-3:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(4). BA= .258.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.95.
High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes beat the San Jose Giants 8-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .213.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .265.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 5/1. ERA= 4.39.
I attended this game. It was a near-sellout and I got a seat way down the RF line in the bleachers overlooking the Giants bullpen. I couldn't tell too much about Blackburn's stuff. He sat 91-93 MPH with the FB on the stadium gun. He also had a couple of different offspeed pitches that registered 76 and 81 MPH. I could see some vertical movement and the offspeed stuff seemed to break sharply downward. Not sure why he got hit so hard, but most of the hits were scalded. Angel V again looked terrific. One of his outs was a hard line drive right at the second baseman in the second inning. I continue to be impressed with Angel V's bat. I thought he looked a tad lighter tonight than a few weeks ago in San Berdoo.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats stung the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Eric Sim(C)- 1 for 4, 2B. BA- .240.
Matthew Lujan(LHP)_ 3.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Derek Law(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.57.
Game Wrap 5/18/2013: Rockies 10 Giants 2
Tim Lincecum was hammered by the Rockies offense and the Giants offense sputtered in a Coors Field blowout. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .331. Not much left to say. Dude keeps banging out the hits and has an outside chance to break the Giants 1 month record for hits of 51 set just last year by Melky Cabrera.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .248. Belt continues to steadily improve his numbers.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .282. Crawford is becoming another hit machine.
Tim Lincecum- 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.70. Another ugly line from Timmy. I didn't see it, so cannot comment further. I was out watching Clayton Blackburn put up another ugly line. Maybe you can tell I'm not in a great mood tonight?
The Loss dropped the Giants into second place, 1 game behind the D'Backs who blanked the Marlins 1-0 behind Brandon McCarthy. The Rockies are in 3'rd place, 2 games behind. The Pesky Padres edged the Nationals 2-1 to remain 5.5 games back while the Dodgers lost to the Braves 3-1 to fall 7 games off the pace.
Barry Zito tries to salvage a split in the series tomorrow facing Juan Nicasio.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .331. Not much left to say. Dude keeps banging out the hits and has an outside chance to break the Giants 1 month record for hits of 51 set just last year by Melky Cabrera.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .248. Belt continues to steadily improve his numbers.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .282. Crawford is becoming another hit machine.
Tim Lincecum- 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.70. Another ugly line from Timmy. I didn't see it, so cannot comment further. I was out watching Clayton Blackburn put up another ugly line. Maybe you can tell I'm not in a great mood tonight?
The Loss dropped the Giants into second place, 1 game behind the D'Backs who blanked the Marlins 1-0 behind Brandon McCarthy. The Rockies are in 3'rd place, 2 games behind. The Pesky Padres edged the Nationals 2-1 to remain 5.5 games back while the Dodgers lost to the Braves 3-1 to fall 7 games off the pace.
Barry Zito tries to salvage a split in the series tomorrow facing Juan Nicasio.
Down on the Farm: 5/17/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-1:
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 1 for 3, 3B, 2 BB. BA= .338.
Roger Kieschnick(LF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 3B, BB. BA= .308.
Juan Perez(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(7), BB, SB(9), 2 E. BA= .301.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 12/1. ERA= 3.68.
Second start in row at SS for JCP, but there's the 2 E's. Wasn't he a SS coming out of JC ball when he was drafted?
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B, Assist(home). BA= .258.
Craig Westcott(RHP)- 7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.29.
Parker is slashing .342/.405/.685 over his last 10 games and .327/.383/.655 for the month of May.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 5-3:
Brock Bond(2B)- 1 for 4. BA= .250.
Ryan Cavan(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .331.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(8), BB. BA= .212.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.84.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(1). ERA= 3.81.
Brock Bond makes his 2013 debut. Angel V continues to crush the ball when he makes contact. I don't know if ptichers are respecting his power more or if he is developing a semblance of plate discipline but he's even drawing a walk here and there. Still K's a ton, though. Gonna try to get to the game tonight to see Clayton Blackburn pitch.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets smothered the Savannah Sand Gnats 11-0:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP. BA= .299.
Mitch Delfino(DH)- 2 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .250.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .220.
Ben Turner(C)- 3 for 4, 3 2B. BA= .234.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .183.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.94.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 2.41.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.74.
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 1 for 3, 3B, 2 BB. BA= .338.
Roger Kieschnick(LF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 3B, BB. BA= .308.
Juan Perez(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(7), BB, SB(9), 2 E. BA= .301.
Shane Loux(RHP)- 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 12/1. ERA= 3.68.
Second start in row at SS for JCP, but there's the 2 E's. Wasn't he a SS coming out of JC ball when he was drafted?
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B, Assist(home). BA= .258.
Craig Westcott(RHP)- 7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.29.
Parker is slashing .342/.405/.685 over his last 10 games and .327/.383/.655 for the month of May.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 5-3:
Brock Bond(2B)- 1 for 4. BA= .250.
Ryan Cavan(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .331.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(8), BB. BA= .212.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.84.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(1). ERA= 3.81.
Brock Bond makes his 2013 debut. Angel V continues to crush the ball when he makes contact. I don't know if ptichers are respecting his power more or if he is developing a semblance of plate discipline but he's even drawing a walk here and there. Still K's a ton, though. Gonna try to get to the game tonight to see Clayton Blackburn pitch.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets smothered the Savannah Sand Gnats 11-0:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP. BA= .299.
Mitch Delfino(DH)- 2 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .250.
Trevor Brown(2B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .220.
Ben Turner(C)- 3 for 4, 3 2B. BA= .234.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .183.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.94.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 2.41.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.74.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Game Wrap 5/17/2013: Rockies 10 Giants 9
The Rockies won a Coors Field Special with a lot of help from the Giants defense and manager. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 3 for 5. BA= .327. Scooter's hit parade continues. I think the question is evolving from why is he hitting so well now to why wasn't he hitting like this all along in his career. That swing is one of the shortest paths to the ball I've ever seen! The error was on a shallow flyball that took a great effort just to get to. Maybe not really an error, although it did appear to be catchable.
Pablo Sandoval- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .313. Night at the office for Panda. He's gotta know he's not going to throw out Eric Young if he leaves his feet on a slow roller, though!
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, HR(6), BB. SF. BA= .293.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .298.
Brett Pill- 2 for 5. BA= .333. Wouldn't be shocked to see a Pill/Belt L-R platoon from now on.
Madison Bumgarner- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.09. Bummy had to throw a ton of pitches, in part due to the 4 errors committed behind him. I know Bochy is trying to nurse the bullpen along, but Bummy was clearly gassed and probably should not have faced Pacheco after walking LeMahieu.
With the Loss, the Giants fell into a first place tie with the D'Backs who crushed the lowly Marlins 9-2. The Rockies are 3 games back in 3'rd place. The Padres dropped their game to the Nationals to remain 5 games off the pace. The Dodgers lost to the Braves 8-5 on Justin Upton's grand slam HR and remain 6 games behind the leaders in the NL West.
Tim Lincecum faces Tyler Chatwood tomorrow evening in game 3 of the series.
Marco Scutaro- 3 for 5. BA= .327. Scooter's hit parade continues. I think the question is evolving from why is he hitting so well now to why wasn't he hitting like this all along in his career. That swing is one of the shortest paths to the ball I've ever seen! The error was on a shallow flyball that took a great effort just to get to. Maybe not really an error, although it did appear to be catchable.
Pablo Sandoval- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .313. Night at the office for Panda. He's gotta know he's not going to throw out Eric Young if he leaves his feet on a slow roller, though!
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, HR(6), BB. SF. BA= .293.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .298.
Brett Pill- 2 for 5. BA= .333. Wouldn't be shocked to see a Pill/Belt L-R platoon from now on.
Madison Bumgarner- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.09. Bummy had to throw a ton of pitches, in part due to the 4 errors committed behind him. I know Bochy is trying to nurse the bullpen along, but Bummy was clearly gassed and probably should not have faced Pacheco after walking LeMahieu.
With the Loss, the Giants fell into a first place tie with the D'Backs who crushed the lowly Marlins 9-2. The Rockies are 3 games back in 3'rd place. The Padres dropped their game to the Nationals to remain 5 games off the pace. The Dodgers lost to the Braves 8-5 on Justin Upton's grand slam HR and remain 6 games behind the leaders in the NL West.
Tim Lincecum faces Tyler Chatwood tomorrow evening in game 3 of the series.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/16/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies blanked the New Orleans Zephyrs 4-0:
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(6). BA= .294.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .211.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(7). BA= .284.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 11/4. ERA= 5.33.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.47.
Perez got a start at SS? This is the type of game we need to see more of from Brownie. Heston walked a few but was putting the ball on the ground.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 5-2:
Jeff Arnold(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .271.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 2. BA= .234.
Chris Marlowe(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.95.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.50.
The early indications are good for Santiago's lil' bro coming off TJ surgery.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats scored 6 runs in the top of the 11'th inning to outlast the Augusta Greenjackets 6-0:
Andrew Cain(CF-LF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .181.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 8.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.13.
Flores got Cained in this one.
Juan Perez(SS-3B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(6). BA= .294.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .211.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(7). BA= .284.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 11/4. ERA= 5.33.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.47.
Perez got a start at SS? This is the type of game we need to see more of from Brownie. Heston walked a few but was putting the ball on the ground.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 5-2:
Jeff Arnold(C)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .271.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 2. BA= .234.
Chris Marlowe(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.95.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.50.
The early indications are good for Santiago's lil' bro coming off TJ surgery.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats scored 6 runs in the top of the 11'th inning to outlast the Augusta Greenjackets 6-0:
Andrew Cain(CF-LF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .181.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 8.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.13.
Flores got Cained in this one.
Game Wrap 5/16/2013: Giants 8 Rockies 6
This game started out much like the last two in Toronto with the Giants falling behind 6-0 after 3 innings, but this time Matt Cain was able to stop the bleeding and the Giants offense mounted a spirited comeback to take the first of a 4 game set against the Rockies in Colorado. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5. BA= .268. Pagan has been scuffling, but is 5 for 10 over his last 2 games.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5. BA= .318. Scooter stays hot.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4. BA= .294. Pence is letting the game come to him and is hitting .342 over his last 10 games.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .248. Belt is hitting .333/.428 over his last 10 games. In that span, he has 5 BB's against just 4 K's. Is it too much to believe he has finally turned a corner?
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .280.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277. Crawford is hitting .351 over his last 10 games. The 6, 7, 8 and 9 hitters went a combined 5 for 12, BB, SF with 4 Runs and 6 RBI's. Hunter Pence was like the leadoff batter for the bottom half of the lineup.
Matt Cain- 6.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.43. Not a good looking line, but Cainer was able to stop the bleeding, retired 13 of the last 15 batters he faced and ate up some vital innings ultimately giving his team a chance to win. Lots of location mistakes and hanging breaking balls in the 2'nd an 3'rd innings, though.
Jeremy Affeldt- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.61. Affeldt is picking right up where he left off last year. Tremendous 2 innings of relief to choke off any attempt at a late comeback by the Rockies.
Sergio Romo- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(13). ERA= 3.00. I wanted to see how Romo's slider would react in the land where sinkers don't sink and sliders don't slide. Well, Romo didn't throw any sliders!....unless you count the "backup" slider he struck out Rosario with. I would like someone to explain the physics of a "backup" slider to me sometime. He struck out Todd Helton to end the game on a fading changeup that would make Noah Lowry proud. Romo is a pitcher who now has a full arsenal of weapons to attack both RH and LH batters with and is no longer dependent on the slider.
With the Win, the Giants gained 0.5 games on the idle D'Backs for a 1 game lead in the NL West. The Rockies slip to 3 games off the pace in 3'rd place. The Padres lost to the Nationals to fall 5.5 games off the pace, and the idle Dodgers dropped 0.5 games to 6 behind in last place.
Madison Bumgarner goes against Jorge De La Rosa who has pitched 13 consecutive scoreless innings in which he has allowed 5 hits over his last 2 starts.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5. BA= .268. Pagan has been scuffling, but is 5 for 10 over his last 2 games.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5. BA= .318. Scooter stays hot.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4. BA= .294. Pence is letting the game come to him and is hitting .342 over his last 10 games.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .248. Belt is hitting .333/.428 over his last 10 games. In that span, he has 5 BB's against just 4 K's. Is it too much to believe he has finally turned a corner?
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .280.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277. Crawford is hitting .351 over his last 10 games. The 6, 7, 8 and 9 hitters went a combined 5 for 12, BB, SF with 4 Runs and 6 RBI's. Hunter Pence was like the leadoff batter for the bottom half of the lineup.
Matt Cain- 6.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.43. Not a good looking line, but Cainer was able to stop the bleeding, retired 13 of the last 15 batters he faced and ate up some vital innings ultimately giving his team a chance to win. Lots of location mistakes and hanging breaking balls in the 2'nd an 3'rd innings, though.
Jeremy Affeldt- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.61. Affeldt is picking right up where he left off last year. Tremendous 2 innings of relief to choke off any attempt at a late comeback by the Rockies.
Sergio Romo- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(13). ERA= 3.00. I wanted to see how Romo's slider would react in the land where sinkers don't sink and sliders don't slide. Well, Romo didn't throw any sliders!....unless you count the "backup" slider he struck out Rosario with. I would like someone to explain the physics of a "backup" slider to me sometime. He struck out Todd Helton to end the game on a fading changeup that would make Noah Lowry proud. Romo is a pitcher who now has a full arsenal of weapons to attack both RH and LH batters with and is no longer dependent on the slider.
With the Win, the Giants gained 0.5 games on the idle D'Backs for a 1 game lead in the NL West. The Rockies slip to 3 games off the pace in 3'rd place. The Padres lost to the Nationals to fall 5.5 games off the pace, and the idle Dodgers dropped 0.5 games to 6 behind in last place.
Madison Bumgarner goes against Jorge De La Rosa who has pitched 13 consecutive scoreless innings in which he has allowed 5 hits over his last 2 starts.
Down on the Farm: 5/15/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies were idle.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels out hit the Harrisburg Senators 7-6:
Javier Herrera(LF)- 1 for 3, BB, SB(10). BA= .281.
Andrew Susac(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(5). BA= .276.
Brett Krill(RF)- 1 for 3, 2B, SB(1). BA= .271.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .301.
Hey, how about a C/1B rotation with Susac and Posey alternating days?
High A San Jose Giants edged the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4-3:
Shawn Payne(LF)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .264.
Elliott Blair(CF)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .228.
Ryan Cavan(3B)- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .342.
John Polonius(2B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .333.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 2.27.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.90.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.96.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(7). ERA= 1.00.
Ted Lilly(LHP, Quakes)- 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Hey! Look who shows up in SJ. John Polonius was signed as an undrafted FA SS out of indy ball last year. He played 2B in this one. We'll watch this. A move to 2B would be disappointing. Polonius takes Myles Schroder's spot as he goes on the DL. Count Ty Blach as one the the pitching success stories in the early going this season. Gotta dig that K/BB part of the line. He has a ridic 3 BB's in 39.2 IP with an 11/1 K/BB. Dodgers are counting on Ted Lilly to come off the DL next week. He's done, I tell you, he's done! Dang! I didn't realize the lads were in RC last night. I would have liked to see Blach pitch!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Rome Braves 5-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .296.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .319.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(11). BA= .299.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Brandon Farley(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 2.73.
Galindo has become a fixture in the highlights. You'd like to see a bit more dominance from Stratton at this level.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels out hit the Harrisburg Senators 7-6:
Javier Herrera(LF)- 1 for 3, BB, SB(10). BA= .281.
Andrew Susac(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(5). BA= .276.
Brett Krill(RF)- 1 for 3, 2B, SB(1). BA= .271.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .301.
Hey, how about a C/1B rotation with Susac and Posey alternating days?
High A San Jose Giants edged the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4-3:
Shawn Payne(LF)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .264.
Elliott Blair(CF)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .228.
Ryan Cavan(3B)- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .342.
John Polonius(2B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .333.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 2.27.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.90.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.96.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(7). ERA= 1.00.
Ted Lilly(LHP, Quakes)- 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Hey! Look who shows up in SJ. John Polonius was signed as an undrafted FA SS out of indy ball last year. He played 2B in this one. We'll watch this. A move to 2B would be disappointing. Polonius takes Myles Schroder's spot as he goes on the DL. Count Ty Blach as one the the pitching success stories in the early going this season. Gotta dig that K/BB part of the line. He has a ridic 3 BB's in 39.2 IP with an 11/1 K/BB. Dodgers are counting on Ted Lilly to come off the DL next week. He's done, I tell you, he's done! Dang! I didn't realize the lads were in RC last night. I would have liked to see Blach pitch!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Rome Braves 5-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .296.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .319.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(11). BA= .299.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Brandon Farley(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 2.73.
Galindo has become a fixture in the highlights. You'd like to see a bit more dominance from Stratton at this level.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Game Wrap 5/15/2013: Blue Jays 11 Giants 3
Wow! Gulp! As Giants fans, we have become accustomed to riding the emotional rollercoaster, but my goodness! They come off a terrific 3 wins against the NL East leading Braves and then.......well, I don't know if I can remember two more ferocious beatdowns than what they took the last 2 nights in Toronto. I guess the silver lining is it's a 2 game series so the beatings have to stop, at least for this city. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .264. Pagan had been slumping at the plate, but his slump in the field continued as his first inning error helped open the floodgates for a big Toronto inning.
Marco Scutaro- 1 for 3, BB, Sac. BA= .315. Scutaro's slump in the field continued too as his error in the first also helped open the floodgates.
Ryan Vogelsong- 2 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.06. Probably time to stop making excuses for Vogie, but when the 2, 3 and 4 batters in the first inning go error, BB, error, it's got to be a bit disheartening. Coming into this series, the Giants D was the best in baseball by UZR. No excuse for the shoddy play here. I was still working when the game started and when I saw the score, I did not turn it on, so I did not see Vogie's velocity in this one. He's been giving off the impression of running on fumes for his last 2 starts. This game would seem to not dispel that notion.
The Giants now move on to Colorado where Matt Cain tries to stop the bleeding in game 1 of a 4 games series facing Jhoulys Chacin.
Angel Pagan- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .264. Pagan had been slumping at the plate, but his slump in the field continued as his first inning error helped open the floodgates for a big Toronto inning.
Marco Scutaro- 1 for 3, BB, Sac. BA= .315. Scutaro's slump in the field continued too as his error in the first also helped open the floodgates.
Ryan Vogelsong- 2 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.06. Probably time to stop making excuses for Vogie, but when the 2, 3 and 4 batters in the first inning go error, BB, error, it's got to be a bit disheartening. Coming into this series, the Giants D was the best in baseball by UZR. No excuse for the shoddy play here. I was still working when the game started and when I saw the score, I did not turn it on, so I did not see Vogie's velocity in this one. He's been giving off the impression of running on fumes for his last 2 starts. This game would seem to not dispel that notion.
The Giants now move on to Colorado where Matt Cain tries to stop the bleeding in game 1 of a 4 games series facing Jhoulys Chacin.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/14/2013
AAA Memphis Redbirds edged the Fresno Grizzlies 4-3:
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .282.
Juan Perez(RF)- 3 for 4. BA= .284.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 2, BB, SF. BA= .286.
Gary Brown(CF)- 0 for 4, BB, PO/CS(5). BA= .208.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.31.
He'll have to keep it going longer to prove it, but Chris Dominguez seems to have discovered something and is not the all-or-nothing hitter we have seen in the past. Gotta wonder if there is something physically wrong with Brown or some off-the-field issue that's eating him. How does a guy just regress like this? The PO/CS, in particular, suggests that there is something lacking in the mental aspects of the game for him.
AA Harrisburg Senators blasted the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-1:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .244.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4. BA= .310.
Scott Shuman(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 13.50.
Jose Valdez(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.29.
Parker's OPS is nearing .800. His slash line for his last 10 games: .316/.381/.737. One of Shuman's K's reached base on a WP.
High A San Jose Giants were idle.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Rome Braves 6-3:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 2, BB, SF, SB(24). BA= .289.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 3. BA= .247.
Justin Schumer(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 11.48.
Derek Law(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.92.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Save(11). ERA= 0.00.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .282.
Juan Perez(RF)- 3 for 4. BA= .284.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 2, BB, SF. BA= .286.
Gary Brown(CF)- 0 for 4, BB, PO/CS(5). BA= .208.
Boof Bonser(RHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.31.
He'll have to keep it going longer to prove it, but Chris Dominguez seems to have discovered something and is not the all-or-nothing hitter we have seen in the past. Gotta wonder if there is something physically wrong with Brown or some off-the-field issue that's eating him. How does a guy just regress like this? The PO/CS, in particular, suggests that there is something lacking in the mental aspects of the game for him.
AA Harrisburg Senators blasted the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-1:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .244.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4. BA= .310.
Scott Shuman(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 13.50.
Jose Valdez(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.29.
Parker's OPS is nearing .800. His slash line for his last 10 games: .316/.381/.737. One of Shuman's K's reached base on a WP.
High A San Jose Giants were idle.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Rome Braves 6-3:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 2, BB, SF, SB(24). BA= .289.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 3. BA= .247.
Justin Schumer(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 11.48.
Derek Law(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.92.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Save(11). ERA= 0.00.
Game Wrap 5/14/2013: Blue Jays 10 Giants 6
The Giants lost this game in a disastrous first inning as they did not appear to be prepared for the playing surface or RA Dickey's knuckleball, and fell behind 6-0. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 3 for 5. BA= .315. Scooter's hit parade continues!
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 5, HR(7). BA= .316. Flummoxed by the knuckler, Pablo hit a 3 run dinger off a conventional pitcher in the 9'th to make the final score a lot closer than the game actually was.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .288. Hunter Pence is not my idea of a guy who is going to do well against the knuckleball, but he did in this one.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(5), BB. BA= .244. Attaboy, Brandon! This is the kind of line we've been waiting for, the kind he used to put up in the minors on an almost daily basis. Hopefully this is the start of something really good. Belt has a 5 game hit streak in which he is 7 for 15 with 2 HR plus 2 BB.
Barry Zito- 5.2 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.40. Zito deserved a much better fate as he was not only victimized by the BABIP gods in the first inning, but his teammates made at least 4 atrocious defensive plays behind him. He should have been out of that inning with far less damage. He deserves a lot of credit for hanging in there and sparing the bullpen to fight another day.
Melky Cabrera(Blue Jays)- 4 for 5, 2B. BA= .278. Melky got his WS ring before the game, then put on a show for his ex-teammates which brought back memories of the Melkmen days.
The Giants will remain in first place by at least 1.5 games despite the Loss. The Padres topped the Orioles 3-2, but the rest of the teams in the division are still playing.
Ryan Vogelsong takes the mound facing journeyman Ramon Ortiz in the finale of the 2 game series tomorrow.
Down on the Farm: 5/13/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies edged the Memphis Redbirds 4-3:
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 2 for 3, HR(6), 2 BB. BA= .281.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.40.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.74.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(12). ERA= 1.89.
Dominguez has homered in 3 consecutive games and 4 of his last 5. His slash line over his last 10 games is .303/.378/.667. Gary Brown took an 0 for 5 with 2 K's to halt his recent momentum. Kickham has much better peripherals than his ERA would suggest: 42 K's against 17 BB in 41.2 IP, with a GO/AO= 1.90. He got his first W in this one. Hembree seems like he could come up any time. That is a very strong record for the PCL.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Harrsburg Senators 4-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .241.
Joe Panik(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .304.
Carlos Teller(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Parker is slashing .333/.381/.692 over his last 10 games. Teller seems like an organizational guy for now. Castillo was a minor league Rule 5 pickup this offseason.
High A High Desert Mavericks pounded the San Jose Giants 9-2:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(7). BA= .222.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.34.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.13.
Angel V keeps pounding the ball. His IsoP is .230 which is really good. His slash line over his last 10 games is .267/.314/.600. That is despite going 0 for 6 in his first 2 games back after missing 3 games from an injury. Escobar has his second rough start in a row. Bandilla seems to be back on track after giving up a lot of longballs.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets out hit the Rome Braves 11-8:
Eric Sim(C)- 3 for 4. BA= .233.
Rapp, Houck and Trevor Brown all had doubles.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.17.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.55.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 5.00.
Agosta has a solid outing. Gardeck now has 6 consecutive scoreless appearances with 14 K's against 5 BB in 9.1 IP. Johnson, who had been pitching better imploded in the 9'th inning and Mizenko had to come in to get out of the inning.
In other news:
D'Backs, Rockies and Dodgers all lost last night so the Giants gain a half game on most of the NL West by not playing. They now lead the D'Backs by 2.5 games and the Rockies by 3.
Nothing new here, but BA did a July 2 International Signing Day preview and reviewed the bonus pool numbers. Giants are near the bottom in bonus pool money at about $1.9 M. Many organizations have enough pool money to pay more than that for 1 player and still have more than $1.9 left over! The Giants are effectively locked out of signing any of the top international prospects. I call foul!!
They are in a similar position with the draft bonus pool, but at least in the draft they have a pick and the guy doesn't have a lot of options but to sign for the slot money.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 2 for 3, HR(6), 2 BB. BA= .281.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.40.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.74.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(12). ERA= 1.89.
Dominguez has homered in 3 consecutive games and 4 of his last 5. His slash line over his last 10 games is .303/.378/.667. Gary Brown took an 0 for 5 with 2 K's to halt his recent momentum. Kickham has much better peripherals than his ERA would suggest: 42 K's against 17 BB in 41.2 IP, with a GO/AO= 1.90. He got his first W in this one. Hembree seems like he could come up any time. That is a very strong record for the PCL.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Harrsburg Senators 4-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .241.
Joe Panik(SS)- 2 for 5. BA= .304.
Carlos Teller(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Fabio Castillo(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Parker is slashing .333/.381/.692 over his last 10 games. Teller seems like an organizational guy for now. Castillo was a minor league Rule 5 pickup this offseason.
High A High Desert Mavericks pounded the San Jose Giants 9-2:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(7). BA= .222.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.34.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.13.
Angel V keeps pounding the ball. His IsoP is .230 which is really good. His slash line over his last 10 games is .267/.314/.600. That is despite going 0 for 6 in his first 2 games back after missing 3 games from an injury. Escobar has his second rough start in a row. Bandilla seems to be back on track after giving up a lot of longballs.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets out hit the Rome Braves 11-8:
Eric Sim(C)- 3 for 4. BA= .233.
Rapp, Houck and Trevor Brown all had doubles.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.17.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.55.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 5.00.
Agosta has a solid outing. Gardeck now has 6 consecutive scoreless appearances with 14 K's against 5 BB in 9.1 IP. Johnson, who had been pitching better imploded in the 9'th inning and Mizenko had to come in to get out of the inning.
In other news:
D'Backs, Rockies and Dodgers all lost last night so the Giants gain a half game on most of the NL West by not playing. They now lead the D'Backs by 2.5 games and the Rockies by 3.
Nothing new here, but BA did a July 2 International Signing Day preview and reviewed the bonus pool numbers. Giants are near the bottom in bonus pool money at about $1.9 M. Many organizations have enough pool money to pay more than that for 1 player and still have more than $1.9 left over! The Giants are effectively locked out of signing any of the top international prospects. I call foul!!
They are in a similar position with the draft bonus pool, but at least in the draft they have a pick and the guy doesn't have a lot of options but to sign for the slot money.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/12/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies beat the Memphis Redbirds 7-4 in 11 innings:
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .220.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .269.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .247.
Jean Machi(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(11). ERA= 2.00.
Brownie is hitting .326 over his last 10 games. Is Chris Dominguez rehabilitating his status as a prospect? Machi is saying he's ready any time he is needed as is Hembree.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Joe Panik(2B)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(3). BA= .301.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .231.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.22.
Jameson Taillon(RHP, Curve)- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.82.
Panik once again has more walks than K's. Jameson Taillon is a former #2 overall pick by the Pirates and is one of the elite pitching prospects in baseball.
High A High Desert Mavericks blanked the San Jose Giants 6-0:
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.65.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.30.
Blackburn had an uncharacteristic number of walks and it showed in the runs allowed column. Don't know if he got squeezed by the ump or if he just didn't have command.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets outslugged the Greenville Drive 10-6:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 4 SB(23). BA= .287.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 2, 2B, 3 BB. BA= .299.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 3 for 4, 2 2B, SF. BA= .400.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .197.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .175.
Eric Sim(C)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .207.
Brandon Farley(RHP)- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.83.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.96.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Galindo is on fire! Matt Duffy is another guy with a reversed K/BB. Joey Rapp makes his second appearance of the year after suffering an injury in game 1. Watch this guy. He's a major sleeper!
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .220.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(5). BA= .269.
Johnny Monell(1B)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .247.
Jean Machi(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(11). ERA= 2.00.
Brownie is hitting .326 over his last 10 games. Is Chris Dominguez rehabilitating his status as a prospect? Machi is saying he's ready any time he is needed as is Hembree.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Joe Panik(2B)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(3). BA= .301.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .231.
Chris Gloor(LHP)- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.22.
Jameson Taillon(RHP, Curve)- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.82.
Panik once again has more walks than K's. Jameson Taillon is a former #2 overall pick by the Pirates and is one of the elite pitching prospects in baseball.
High A High Desert Mavericks blanked the San Jose Giants 6-0:
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.65.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Bryce Bandilla(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.30.
Blackburn had an uncharacteristic number of walks and it showed in the runs allowed column. Don't know if he got squeezed by the ump or if he just didn't have command.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets outslugged the Greenville Drive 10-6:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 4 SB(23). BA= .287.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 2, 2B, 3 BB. BA= .299.
Joseph Rapp(1B)- 3 for 4, 2 2B, SF. BA= .400.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .197.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .175.
Eric Sim(C)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .207.
Brandon Farley(RHP)- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.83.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.96.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Galindo is on fire! Matt Duffy is another guy with a reversed K/BB. Joey Rapp makes his second appearance of the year after suffering an injury in game 1. Watch this guy. He's a major sleeper!
Game Wrap 5/12/2013: Giants 5 Braves 1
The Giants got 7 shutout innings from Timmy and broke out the longball to win their 3'rd straight against the first place team in the NL East. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .305. OK, I've always liked Scutaro and thought his contract was a good deal for the Giants, well, except for the 3'rd year part, but even I did not expect him to get hot like he did last year. Well, he's as hot right now as he was at any time last season. Only question is how long he can keep it going. Didn't see it, but apparently the Dawg interfered with the 2B or it would have been a second dinger.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .320. Second dinger in 2 games for Pablo. Guess his power slump is behind him.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .233.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .289. Blanco follows up his huge game yesterday with a ground rule double in Triples Alley that would have been a HR in any other park and might have been an inside-the-park round tripper had it not bounced over the wall.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .279. Crawford has 2 more hits in this one. The 6,7 and 8 hitters went a collective 4 for 9 with 2 2B, HR and 3 BB in this one.
Tim Lincecum- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 4.07. I thought Timmy looked better in his last start. His results caught up today. Hopefully this will instill some confidence to keep it going which would be a huge boost to the Giants hopes of repeating their championship run.
The Win left the Giants 2 games up in first place in the NL West. The second place D'Backs went to the 9'th inning leading 2-0 only to have Heath Bell cough it up then go on to lose 4-2 in the 10'th inning. The D'Backs suddenly are in a world of hurt with their bullpen. The Rockies pounded the Cards 8-2 to remain 2.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The 4'th place Padres lost to the Rays 4-2 to fall 6.5 games behind while the Dodgers beat the lowly Marlins 5-3 to remain 7 games behind in last place. Ha!
The Giants now get a day to travel to Toronto for a 2 game set. Barry Zito will face RA Dickey in the opener and Bruce Bochy will give Melky Cabrera his Ring.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .305. OK, I've always liked Scutaro and thought his contract was a good deal for the Giants, well, except for the 3'rd year part, but even I did not expect him to get hot like he did last year. Well, he's as hot right now as he was at any time last season. Only question is how long he can keep it going. Didn't see it, but apparently the Dawg interfered with the 2B or it would have been a second dinger.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .320. Second dinger in 2 games for Pablo. Guess his power slump is behind him.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .233.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .289. Blanco follows up his huge game yesterday with a ground rule double in Triples Alley that would have been a HR in any other park and might have been an inside-the-park round tripper had it not bounced over the wall.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .279. Crawford has 2 more hits in this one. The 6,7 and 8 hitters went a collective 4 for 9 with 2 2B, HR and 3 BB in this one.
Tim Lincecum- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 4.07. I thought Timmy looked better in his last start. His results caught up today. Hopefully this will instill some confidence to keep it going which would be a huge boost to the Giants hopes of repeating their championship run.
The Win left the Giants 2 games up in first place in the NL West. The second place D'Backs went to the 9'th inning leading 2-0 only to have Heath Bell cough it up then go on to lose 4-2 in the 10'th inning. The D'Backs suddenly are in a world of hurt with their bullpen. The Rockies pounded the Cards 8-2 to remain 2.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The 4'th place Padres lost to the Rays 4-2 to fall 6.5 games behind while the Dodgers beat the lowly Marlins 5-3 to remain 7 games behind in last place. Ha!
The Giants now get a day to travel to Toronto for a 2 game set. Barry Zito will face RA Dickey in the opener and Bruce Bochy will give Melky Cabrera his Ring.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/11/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies topped the Memphis Redbirds 6-5:
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .341.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .299.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .261.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 2 HBP, GO/AO= 7/1. ERA= 6.18.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.93.
Dunning continues to pitch remarkably well for this league, or any league. Heston's peripherals looked good in this one as they do for the season so far. He has 42 K against just 15 BB in 43.2 IP with a GO/AO= 1.96.
AA Game 1 Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Altoona Curve 5-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(4). BA= .245.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 1 for 3, 1 HR(2). BA= .237.
Craig Wescott(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.74.
Parker's OPS of .771 looks much better than his BA. He is actually putting up very similar numbers in AA as he did in the Cal League, which may not be great, but they haven't cratered as many predicted.
AA Game 2 Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-3:
Joe Panik(2B)- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .305.
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .241.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 2 for 2, 2B, Sac. BA= .236.
High A San Jose Giants tamed the High Desert Mavericks 5-2:
Shawn Payne(DH)- 2 for 4, SB(13). BA= .265.
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .275.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.81.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(6). ERA= 1.13.
A Jose Casilla sighting!!
Low A Greenville Drive edged the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 3 for 5, 2 HR(3). BA= .296.
Shane Houck(1B)- 0 for 1, 3 BB. BA= .342.
Duffy flexes his muscles. Houck seems to have a very good sense of the strike zone. He has 15 BB and 15 K's in 91 PA's, with an OBP of .457.
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .341.
Cole Gillespie(LF)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .299.
Chris Dominguez(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .261.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 2 HBP, GO/AO= 7/1. ERA= 6.18.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.93.
Dunning continues to pitch remarkably well for this league, or any league. Heston's peripherals looked good in this one as they do for the season so far. He has 42 K against just 15 BB in 43.2 IP with a GO/AO= 1.96.
AA Game 1 Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Altoona Curve 5-0:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(4). BA= .245.
Ryan Lollis(CF)- 1 for 3, 1 HR(2). BA= .237.
Craig Wescott(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.74.
Parker's OPS of .771 looks much better than his BA. He is actually putting up very similar numbers in AA as he did in the Cal League, which may not be great, but they haven't cratered as many predicted.
AA Game 2 Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-3:
Joe Panik(2B)- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .305.
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .241.
Ehire Adrianza(SS)- 2 for 2, 2B, Sac. BA= .236.
High A San Jose Giants tamed the High Desert Mavericks 5-2:
Shawn Payne(DH)- 2 for 4, SB(13). BA= .265.
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .275.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.81.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(6). ERA= 1.13.
A Jose Casilla sighting!!
Low A Greenville Drive edged the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 3 for 5, 2 HR(3). BA= .296.
Shane Houck(1B)- 0 for 1, 3 BB. BA= .342.
Duffy flexes his muscles. Houck seems to have a very good sense of the strike zone. He has 15 BB and 15 K's in 91 PA's, with an OBP of .457.
Game Wrap 5/11/2013: Giants 10 Braves 1
The Giants unleashed a ferocious offensive attack to support the pitching of Madison Bumgarner for the runaway victory. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .301. Scutaro showed last year that he can keep this going for a long time. Hitting .462 over his last 10 games, .472 over 9 games in the month of May, .488 in 11 games since his BA hit a nadir of .215 on 4/28.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(5), HBP. BA= .315. Sandoval had been in a bit of a power slump but busted out of it today with the dinger. Everybody got a scare when he was HBP on the wrist, but is reportedly OK.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .296. Buster played 1B today against the LHP Maholm. He continues to be a rock in the middle of the Giants lineup.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .291. Pence is having more success this year not trying to jerk everything out of the park.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 2, 2B, 3B. BA= .287. Blanco hit a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the 5'th inning pinch-hitting for Pegs when the Braves brought in a RHP to relieve Maholm. That broke this one open giving Bumgarner a 6-1 lead. The White Shark is hitting .323 with an OBP of .382 over his last 10 games.
Guillermo Quiroz- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .250. Quiroz has been solid as a backup C for Posey.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .270. Crawford's hits came against LHP Maholm. He now has a 5 game hit streak in which he is 8 for 19.
Madison Bumgarner- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 2.18. Dominant pitching from Bummy today. He didn't need 10 runs of support but this game showed what this team is capable of when hitting on all 8 or 12 cylinders.
The Win enabled the Giants to maintain at least a tie for first place in the NL West pending the outcome of the D'Backs/Phillies contest. The Rockies got shut out by the Cards for the second game in a row, 3-0, to fall 2.5 games off the pace in 3'rd place. The Padres lost their game to the Rays 8-7 to fall 5.5 games back. The Dodgers are leading the Marlins 3-0 midgame as they try to hang onto a 7 game deficit in last place.
Tim Lincecum tries to extend the Giants win streak to 3 games tomorrow afternoon facing Kris Medlin who burst on the scene last year but has struggled so far this season albeit with a pretty good 3.25 ERA.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .301. Scutaro showed last year that he can keep this going for a long time. Hitting .462 over his last 10 games, .472 over 9 games in the month of May, .488 in 11 games since his BA hit a nadir of .215 on 4/28.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(5), HBP. BA= .315. Sandoval had been in a bit of a power slump but busted out of it today with the dinger. Everybody got a scare when he was HBP on the wrist, but is reportedly OK.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .296. Buster played 1B today against the LHP Maholm. He continues to be a rock in the middle of the Giants lineup.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .291. Pence is having more success this year not trying to jerk everything out of the park.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 2, 2B, 3B. BA= .287. Blanco hit a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the 5'th inning pinch-hitting for Pegs when the Braves brought in a RHP to relieve Maholm. That broke this one open giving Bumgarner a 6-1 lead. The White Shark is hitting .323 with an OBP of .382 over his last 10 games.
Guillermo Quiroz- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .250. Quiroz has been solid as a backup C for Posey.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .270. Crawford's hits came against LHP Maholm. He now has a 5 game hit streak in which he is 8 for 19.
Madison Bumgarner- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 2.18. Dominant pitching from Bummy today. He didn't need 10 runs of support but this game showed what this team is capable of when hitting on all 8 or 12 cylinders.
The Win enabled the Giants to maintain at least a tie for first place in the NL West pending the outcome of the D'Backs/Phillies contest. The Rockies got shut out by the Cards for the second game in a row, 3-0, to fall 2.5 games off the pace in 3'rd place. The Padres lost their game to the Rays 8-7 to fall 5.5 games back. The Dodgers are leading the Marlins 3-0 midgame as they try to hang onto a 7 game deficit in last place.
Tim Lincecum tries to extend the Giants win streak to 3 games tomorrow afternoon facing Kris Medlin who burst on the scene last year but has struggled so far this season albeit with a pretty good 3.25 ERA.
Down on the Farm: 5/10/2013
AAA Fresno Grizzlies outlasted the Nashville Sounds 5-4 in 12 innings:
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 2 for 4, 2 BB, SB(9). BA= .352.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, HBP. BA= .208.
Hector Sanchez(C)- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .235.
Johnny Monell(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(4). BA= .235.
Justin Fitzgerald(RHP)- 5 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Jean Machi(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(10). ERA= 2.12.
Brownie is hitting .273 in his last 10 games. Fitz gets the promo and holds his own. Machi is just waiting for another opportunity at the MLB level. Rosario looks like he could contribute if needed too. Hembree may need a bit more seasoning.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Altoona Curve rained out.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the High Desert Mavericks 5-3:
Shawn Payne(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .258.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4. BA= .274.
Elliott Blair(1B)- 1 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP. BA= .223.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.77.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.20.
Low A Greenville Drive outslugged the Augusta Greenjackets 10-6:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, HR1), BB, SB(19). BA= .280.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(9). BA= .283.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .190.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 2.65.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.87.
Galindo is on fire! RafRod! Flores had good K and BB numbers but got bit by the longball. Gardeck seems to be gaining some semblance of command with improving results.
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 2 for 4, 2 BB, SB(9). BA= .352.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, HBP. BA= .208.
Hector Sanchez(C)- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .235.
Johnny Monell(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(4). BA= .235.
Justin Fitzgerald(RHP)- 5 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Jean Machi(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandy Rosario(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(10). ERA= 2.12.
Brownie is hitting .273 in his last 10 games. Fitz gets the promo and holds his own. Machi is just waiting for another opportunity at the MLB level. Rosario looks like he could contribute if needed too. Hembree may need a bit more seasoning.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Altoona Curve rained out.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the High Desert Mavericks 5-3:
Shawn Payne(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .258.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4. BA= .274.
Elliott Blair(1B)- 1 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP. BA= .223.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.77.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Hunter Strickland(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.20.
Low A Greenville Drive outslugged the Augusta Greenjackets 10-6:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, HR1), BB, SB(19). BA= .280.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(9). BA= .283.
Rafael Rodriguez(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .190.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 2.65.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.87.
Galindo is on fire! RafRod! Flores had good K and BB numbers but got bit by the longball. Gardeck seems to be gaining some semblance of command with improving results.
Game Wrap 5/10/2013: Giants 8 Braves 2
It was Tim Hudson's turn to get BABIP'd and not be able to stop the bleeding as the Giants scored 6 runs in the 4'th inning which was more than enough for Matt Cain who turned in his second straight strong start. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .262. In addition to the 2 insurance runs scored on the dinger, Pagan had an 8 pitch AB to lead off the first inning which hinted at trouble ahead for Hudson.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4. BA= .295. Scooter's hit machine is in high gear. He started the 6 run rally with a leadoff single and ended it with a 2 run single.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .295. Buster drove in the first run of the game with a long double up the left-centerfield alley.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .262. Crawford has a 4 game hit streak to rebound from a nadir of a .243 BA on 5/6.
Matt Cain- 1 for 1, 2 Sac. BA= .083. Cainer helped himself with the bat. The Sacrifice earlier in the game set up the bases-loaded RBI single through a drawn-in Braves infield during the rally because the Braves were expecting a bases-loaded squeeze play.
Matt Cain- 8 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.04. Cainer gave up a 2 run dinger to McCann after the long bottom of the 4'th by the Giants including him running the bases. Other than that hiccup, he was dominant. 2 strong games in a row by Cain so hopefully he's on his way to another excellent season.
Tim Hudson(Braves)- 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.70. Huddy has had more than his share of BABIP luck against the Giants over the years, so it's hard to feel too sorry for him in this one. A dribbler that Pence beat out, a bounder by Belt over the head of the first baseman for a double, the groundball single by Cain were all purely the luck of the bounce and extended an inning that he was never able to get out of. We've seen several of those from Giants pitchers this season, so it's nice to know it can happen to anybody. Well, maybe not Clayton Kershaw, but most anybody!
With the Win, the Giants remained tied with the D'backs for first place in the NL West as the D'Backs edged the Phillies 3-2. Shelby Miller gave up a leadoff single to the Rockies then retired the next 27 batters in a 3-0 win for the Cardinals dropping the Rocks 1.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres lost to Tampa Bay 6-3 to fall 4.5 games behind and the Dodgers lost their 8'th straight game to the lowly Marlins 5-4 to drop 7 games behind the leaders in last place.
Madison Bumgarner tries to keep it going against Paul Maholm tomorrow afternoon.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .262. In addition to the 2 insurance runs scored on the dinger, Pagan had an 8 pitch AB to lead off the first inning which hinted at trouble ahead for Hudson.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4. BA= .295. Scooter's hit machine is in high gear. He started the 6 run rally with a leadoff single and ended it with a 2 run single.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .295. Buster drove in the first run of the game with a long double up the left-centerfield alley.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .262. Crawford has a 4 game hit streak to rebound from a nadir of a .243 BA on 5/6.
Matt Cain- 1 for 1, 2 Sac. BA= .083. Cainer helped himself with the bat. The Sacrifice earlier in the game set up the bases-loaded RBI single through a drawn-in Braves infield during the rally because the Braves were expecting a bases-loaded squeeze play.
Matt Cain- 8 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.04. Cainer gave up a 2 run dinger to McCann after the long bottom of the 4'th by the Giants including him running the bases. Other than that hiccup, he was dominant. 2 strong games in a row by Cain so hopefully he's on his way to another excellent season.
Tim Hudson(Braves)- 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.70. Huddy has had more than his share of BABIP luck against the Giants over the years, so it's hard to feel too sorry for him in this one. A dribbler that Pence beat out, a bounder by Belt over the head of the first baseman for a double, the groundball single by Cain were all purely the luck of the bounce and extended an inning that he was never able to get out of. We've seen several of those from Giants pitchers this season, so it's nice to know it can happen to anybody. Well, maybe not Clayton Kershaw, but most anybody!
With the Win, the Giants remained tied with the D'backs for first place in the NL West as the D'Backs edged the Phillies 3-2. Shelby Miller gave up a leadoff single to the Rockies then retired the next 27 batters in a 3-0 win for the Cardinals dropping the Rocks 1.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres lost to Tampa Bay 6-3 to fall 4.5 games behind and the Dodgers lost their 8'th straight game to the lowly Marlins 5-4 to drop 7 games behind the leaders in last place.
Madison Bumgarner tries to keep it going against Paul Maholm tomorrow afternoon.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Down on the Farm: 5/9/2013
AAA Nashville Sounds downed the Fresno Grizzlies 11-7:
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SB(8). BA= .347.
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 4, 2 HR(9), BB. BA= .345.
Chris Dominguez(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(3). BA= .275.
Gotta think if Belt continues to struggle, the Giants are going to have to notice that Pill is destroying the PCL, although we all know that is a dubious distinction.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 9-8:
Javier Herrera(LF)- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(9). BA- .292.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 3 for 3, 2B, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .301.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .307.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .209.
Tom Vessella(LHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.16.
Ryan Bradley(LHP)- 4 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.03.
Squirrels finally get a game in and the hitters unleashed their frustrations. Alas, it was not quite enough as errors contributed to the loss.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Bakersfield Blaze 6-2:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 5, SB(7). BA= .268.
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SF. BA= .269.
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .267.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .268.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .237.
Chris Marlowe(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.69.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.06.
Chris Marlowe allowed 10 walks in his first two starts, but only 4 in his last 4. Osich is starting to dominate. He has 6 consecutive scoreless appearances. He has 7 K's against 0 BB's in his last 3 1-inning stints. Mac is hitting .368 over his last 10 games.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Greenville Drive 6-3:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, BB, 2 SB(18). BA= .272.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 1 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .357.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.03.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(9). ERA= 0.00.
Galindo is running wild! Solid start for Stratton, though not as dominant as we might like to see from a college first rounder at this level. Tough expectations! Is Mizenko ever going to give up a run?
Kensuke Tanaka(2B)- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SB(8). BA= .347.
Brett Pill(1B)- 2 for 4, 2 HR(9), BB. BA= .345.
Chris Dominguez(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(3). BA= .275.
Gotta think if Belt continues to struggle, the Giants are going to have to notice that Pill is destroying the PCL, although we all know that is a dubious distinction.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 9-8:
Javier Herrera(LF)- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(9). BA- .292.
Mark Minicozzi(3B)- 3 for 3, 2B, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .301.
Andrew Susac(C)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .307.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .209.
Tom Vessella(LHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.16.
Ryan Bradley(LHP)- 4 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.03.
Squirrels finally get a game in and the hitters unleashed their frustrations. Alas, it was not quite enough as errors contributed to the loss.
High A San Jose Giants beat the Bakersfield Blaze 6-2:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 5, SB(7). BA= .268.
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SF. BA= .269.
Mac Williamson(RF)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .267.
Jeff Arnold(C)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB. BA= .268.
Bobby Haney(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .237.
Chris Marlowe(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.69.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.06.
Chris Marlowe allowed 10 walks in his first two starts, but only 4 in his last 4. Osich is starting to dominate. He has 6 consecutive scoreless appearances. He has 7 K's against 0 BB's in his last 3 1-inning stints. Mac is hitting .368 over his last 10 games.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Greenville Drive 6-3:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, BB, 2 SB(18). BA= .272.
Shayne Houck(DH)- 1 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .357.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.03.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(9). ERA= 0.00.
Galindo is running wild! Solid start for Stratton, though not as dominant as we might like to see from a college first rounder at this level. Tough expectations! Is Mizenko ever going to give up a run?
Game Wrap 5/9/2013: Braves 6 Giants 3
Ryan Vogelsong's inconsistent pitching put the Giants in a hole and the offense could not muster a comeback in game 1 of a 4 game series against the Braves. Key Lines:
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .289. 2 more hits for Scooter, but an error and another miscue that was not counted as an error contributed to this defeat.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .296. The HR was a classic Buster AB where he just kept fouling off pitches while digging himself out of a 1-2 hole, got back to 3-2. When he finally got a hanging breaking ball, he crushed it. That made the score 3-2 Giants and you had to be feeling good about the game at that point. Alas, Vogie couldn't hold it and that was the last run the Giants offense would produce.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .222. The double was a bit flukey as it was a chopper down the 1B line that caught an edge of chalk. He added a soft single to left-center later. Hey, it's a start! Belt had been just 1 for his previous 13. With Brett Pill tearing it up in Fresno, you have to wonder how much more rope the Giants will give Belt. I think the myth that the Giants hate Belt and are impatient with him can be put to rest for good now.
Ryan Vogelsong- 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 7.78. Vogie came out breathing fire and struck out the side in the first inning. He made a location mistake to McCann in the second, but recovered nicely. Then, once again, he suddenly lost velocity in the 5'th. I thought something was funny when Kruk called 3 consecutive up-in-the-zone pitches to one of the Uptons changeups, and referred to another pitch as a changeup with a 2-seam grip. Then I realized Vogie had just simply run out of gas! Now that it has happened two games in a row, gotta be concerned going forward.
George Kontos- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.26. Terrific job by Kontos, but in a losing cause.
Chad Gaudin- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.33. Another terrific performance by Gaudin, also in a losing cause.
The Loss dropped the Giants into a tie for first place in the NL West with the D'Backs to took one from the Phillies 2-1. The Rockies lost to the Yankees to drop 0.5 games behind in 4'th place. The idle Padres are 3.5 back and the Dodgers bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
It does not get any easier tonight as Matt Cain faces longtime Giants nemesis Tim Hudson.
Marco Scutaro- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .289. 2 more hits for Scooter, but an error and another miscue that was not counted as an error contributed to this defeat.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .296. The HR was a classic Buster AB where he just kept fouling off pitches while digging himself out of a 1-2 hole, got back to 3-2. When he finally got a hanging breaking ball, he crushed it. That made the score 3-2 Giants and you had to be feeling good about the game at that point. Alas, Vogie couldn't hold it and that was the last run the Giants offense would produce.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .222. The double was a bit flukey as it was a chopper down the 1B line that caught an edge of chalk. He added a soft single to left-center later. Hey, it's a start! Belt had been just 1 for his previous 13. With Brett Pill tearing it up in Fresno, you have to wonder how much more rope the Giants will give Belt. I think the myth that the Giants hate Belt and are impatient with him can be put to rest for good now.
Ryan Vogelsong- 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 7.78. Vogie came out breathing fire and struck out the side in the first inning. He made a location mistake to McCann in the second, but recovered nicely. Then, once again, he suddenly lost velocity in the 5'th. I thought something was funny when Kruk called 3 consecutive up-in-the-zone pitches to one of the Uptons changeups, and referred to another pitch as a changeup with a 2-seam grip. Then I realized Vogie had just simply run out of gas! Now that it has happened two games in a row, gotta be concerned going forward.
George Kontos- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.26. Terrific job by Kontos, but in a losing cause.
Chad Gaudin- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.33. Another terrific performance by Gaudin, also in a losing cause.
The Loss dropped the Giants into a tie for first place in the NL West with the D'Backs to took one from the Phillies 2-1. The Rockies lost to the Yankees to drop 0.5 games behind in 4'th place. The idle Padres are 3.5 back and the Dodgers bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
It does not get any easier tonight as Matt Cain faces longtime Giants nemesis Tim Hudson.
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