This game was not as close as it looked as Tim Hudson came 1 out short of a complete game with Yasmani Grandal's 2 out HR in the 9'th made it look close. Key Lines:
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .262. Pence seems to have toned down his swing a bit in an effort to raise the BA. Early in the month, it looked like he was trying to set a HR distance record on every swing. I don't get that feeling watching him now.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .264. Posey and Pence getting hot at the same time bodes well for the upcoming road trip.
Brandon Hicks- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .213. You wanted Dan Uggla? You got him, at a fraction of the price!
Tim Hudson- 8.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 15/5. ERA= 2.17. It was HR weather at AT&T Park tonight, so what does Tim Hudson do? He gets 21 of 26 outs by either ground ball or strikeout. That left only 5 chances for the Padres to hit it out of the park. They did it just once with 1 out to go in the game.
Sergio Romo- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(7). ERA= 2.38.
The win improved the NL West leading Giants record to 17-11. The Rockies lost to the last place D'Backs 5-4 to drop in to a 2'nd place tie with the Dodgers, 1.5 games behind the Giants. The Dodgers kept pace with a 6-4 win over the Twin in Minnesota. The D'Backs remained 9.5 games behind the leaders.
The Giants now get a day off to travel to Atlanta with Tim Lincecum facing Mike Minor who is coming off the DL.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/29/2104
AAA Fresno Grizzlies chewed up the El Paso Chihuahuas 7-3:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .271.
Nick Noonan(2B)- 2 for 5. BA= .429.
Chris Dominguez(LF)- 3 for 5, SB(5), Assist(home). BA= .264.
Edwin Villegas(SS)- 2 for 3, SB(1). BA= .214.
Joe Panik(PH)- 1 for 1. BA= .303.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.30.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.72.
Adam Reifer(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.45.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Bowie Baysox 3-1:
Myles Schroder(3B)- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .261.
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .282.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.93.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(6). ERA= 0.87.
High A Modesto Nuts outhit the San Jose Giants 12-9:
Elliott Blair(RF)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .311.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .323.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .217.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .278.
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 3 for 5. BA= .275.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.46.
Starter Joan Gregorio got torched for 6 runs in 2.2 IP. Joe Kurrasch followed by giving up 2 runs over 2.1 frames.
Low A Charleston River Dogs pounded the Augusta Greenjackets 8-4:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .267.
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 2 for 3, 3B. BA= .231.
I'm still scratching my head over Jones playing mostly SS. He made his 11'th error in this game.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .271.
Nick Noonan(2B)- 2 for 5. BA= .429.
Chris Dominguez(LF)- 3 for 5, SB(5), Assist(home). BA= .264.
Edwin Villegas(SS)- 2 for 3, SB(1). BA= .214.
Joe Panik(PH)- 1 for 1. BA= .303.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.30.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.72.
Adam Reifer(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.45.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Bowie Baysox 3-1:
Myles Schroder(3B)- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .261.
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .282.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.93.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(6). ERA= 0.87.
High A Modesto Nuts outhit the San Jose Giants 12-9:
Elliott Blair(RF)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .311.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .323.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .217.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .278.
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 3 for 5. BA= .275.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.46.
Starter Joan Gregorio got torched for 6 runs in 2.2 IP. Joe Kurrasch followed by giving up 2 runs over 2.1 frames.
Low A Charleston River Dogs pounded the Augusta Greenjackets 8-4:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .267.
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 2 for 3, 3B. BA= .231.
I'm still scratching my head over Jones playing mostly SS. He made his 11'th error in this game.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Game Wrap 4/29/2014: Giants 6 Padres 0
Matt Cain cut his right index finger in the clubhouse kitchen about an hour before game time(Yikes! Whatthe$#&* is the starting pitcher for the day doing with sharp objects in the clubhouse kitchen anyway? Howthe$#&* do you cut your dominant hand with a knife for crissakes?) At any rate, Yusmeiro Petit stood in the gap and pitched 6 innings of 3-hit shutout ball as the Giants hitters jumped in Eric Stults early and often for the easy wire-to-wire win. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA=. 340. Pagan led off the bottom of the first inning by yanking a letter high pitch down the LF line and around the foul pole. He continues his torrid April. Stay hot, Angel!
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .253. Also in the first inning, Buster hit one right about where he hit his double last night, but this one was several rows deep into the bleachers. Buster's bat is definitely coming alive again. He took the start at 1B against the LHP while The Hector did the catching.
Hector Sanchez- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .171. Sanchez had to catch a different pitcher than he thought he was going to and took it all in stride. He added a 2 out, bases-loaded knock in the third inning and a SF for a total of 3 RBI's.
Yusmeiro Petit- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO- 9/2. BA= 2.61. Petit just pounded the bottom of the strike zone on both corners of the plate and with a variety of pitches. He had a friendly strike zone to work with from Angel Hernandez who likes the low strike. Petit is showing that his performance at the end of last season was not a fluke.
Kruk and Kuip- K and K were in great form tonight. Late in the game, Everth Cabrera had his bat blown up by Santiago Casilla. He just stood there for a second looking stunned before starting for first base. Kruk: "I thought the play at first base was going to be closer than that." Kuip: Cabrera got jammed and looked like his heart wasn't really in it." Kruk: Getting jammed will do that to your heart." LOL! For some reason, the more I thought about that exchange the more I laughed. Gotta love those two!
The Win improved the Giants record to 16-11 and kept them 0.5 games ahead of the Rockies who edged the hapless D'Backs again 5-4. The 3'rd place Dodgers were rained out in Minnesota to fall 1.5 games behind. The Padres fell to 13-15, 3.5 games behind in 4'th place. The lowly D'Backs record stands at 8-22 and they are 9.5 games off the pace in last place in the NL West.
Tim Hudson tries for a series win tomorrow facing LHP Robbie Erlin.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA=. 340. Pagan led off the bottom of the first inning by yanking a letter high pitch down the LF line and around the foul pole. He continues his torrid April. Stay hot, Angel!
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .253. Also in the first inning, Buster hit one right about where he hit his double last night, but this one was several rows deep into the bleachers. Buster's bat is definitely coming alive again. He took the start at 1B against the LHP while The Hector did the catching.
Hector Sanchez- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .171. Sanchez had to catch a different pitcher than he thought he was going to and took it all in stride. He added a 2 out, bases-loaded knock in the third inning and a SF for a total of 3 RBI's.
Yusmeiro Petit- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO- 9/2. BA= 2.61. Petit just pounded the bottom of the strike zone on both corners of the plate and with a variety of pitches. He had a friendly strike zone to work with from Angel Hernandez who likes the low strike. Petit is showing that his performance at the end of last season was not a fluke.
Kruk and Kuip- K and K were in great form tonight. Late in the game, Everth Cabrera had his bat blown up by Santiago Casilla. He just stood there for a second looking stunned before starting for first base. Kruk: "I thought the play at first base was going to be closer than that." Kuip: Cabrera got jammed and looked like his heart wasn't really in it." Kruk: Getting jammed will do that to your heart." LOL! For some reason, the more I thought about that exchange the more I laughed. Gotta love those two!
The Win improved the Giants record to 16-11 and kept them 0.5 games ahead of the Rockies who edged the hapless D'Backs again 5-4. The 3'rd place Dodgers were rained out in Minnesota to fall 1.5 games behind. The Padres fell to 13-15, 3.5 games behind in 4'th place. The lowly D'Backs record stands at 8-22 and they are 9.5 games off the pace in last place in the NL West.
Tim Hudson tries for a series win tomorrow facing LHP Robbie Erlin.
Down on the Farm: 4/28/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies edged the El Paso Chihuahuas 2-1 in 13 innings:
Tyler Colvin(RF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .253
Nick Noonan(SS)- 3 for 6. BA= .438.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.45.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.27.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 0 R, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.71.
George Kontos(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(2). ERA= 4.11.
Brown and Panik, the first two hitters in the lineup went a combined 0 for 12.
AA Bowie Baysox topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-2:
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.54.
Cody Hall gave up all 3 Bowie runs in the top of the 9'th inning. Blach is not striking anybody out in the EL, but is not giving up runs, yet.
High A Modesto Nuts crushed the San Jose Giants 11-3:
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.26.
Jeff Soptic(RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.35.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets were idle.
Tyler Colvin(RF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .253
Nick Noonan(SS)- 3 for 6. BA= .438.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.45.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.27.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 0 R, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.71.
George Kontos(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(2). ERA= 4.11.
Brown and Panik, the first two hitters in the lineup went a combined 0 for 12.
AA Bowie Baysox topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-2:
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.54.
Cody Hall gave up all 3 Bowie runs in the top of the 9'th inning. Blach is not striking anybody out in the EL, but is not giving up runs, yet.
High A Modesto Nuts crushed the San Jose Giants 11-3:
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.26.
Jeff Soptic(RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.35.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets were idle.
Game Wrap 4/28/2014: Padres 6 Giants 4
Madison Bumgarner got touched for 5 RBI's by a guy I had mentally penciled in as an automatic out, and a Giants rally that could have won the game came up empty at the warning track. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan= 1 for 3, BB. BA= .333. Pagan showing no signs of cooling off.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .253. The triple was another one that sliced away from the CF splitting the gap in Triples Alley.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .250. The double looked like it was a game-tying HR off the bat, but was hit just a bit too square and never got quite enough height to carry out. It banged of the wall in left-center millimeters over the glove of Chris Denorfia. BTW, in his last AB, I noticed that Buster was choked up on the bat by about 3/4". I think that is something new. Maybe he's been talking to Pence?
Michael Morse- 3 for 4. BA= .300. Morse continues to show that he is a complete hitter with 3 hard singles. The first one drove in 2 runs.
Brandon Hicks- 1 for 4, HR(4). Hicks just missed a grand slam in the 6'th on a towering drive to the base of the LF wall. He had a similar drive in Sunday's game so he is a total of about 4 feet short of 4 HR's in 2 days.
Madison Bumgarner- 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.74. As you can see from the line, Bummy was just a bit off again. He might have won is spite of it had he not been torched by light hitting reserve catcher Rene Rivera for a double, HR and 5 RBI's. As Vin Scully would say, "go figure!"
6'th Inning- Can't let this one go without describing the 6'th inning which was one of the more frustrating to watch in recent memory. With one out, Posey hit his double which looked for all the world like a game-tying HR off the bat. Morse then hit a hard single to deep RF, but the ball got to Venable too quickly and Posey is not a fast runner forcing Posey to hold up at 3B. The Padres then brought in a LH reliever to turn Sandoval around and he struck out from the right side. Give the pitcher credit, he threw some nasty pitches. Crawford drew a walk and the Padres brought in a RHP to face Hicks. With the bases loaded, Hicks hit the skyscraper shot that did not quite carry over the wall for what would have almost certainly have been the game winner. That was really the Giants last chance of the night right there.
The Loss cut the Giants lead in the NL West to 0.5 games over the Rockies who defeated the D'Backs 8-5. The idle Dodgers gained a half game and are 1 game out in 3'rd place. The Padres gained a game and are 2.5 games out in 4'th place while the lowly D'Backs remained 8.5 games behind in the cellar.
Matt Cain takes the mound in Game 2 of the series facing soft tossing LHP Eric Stults tonight.
Angel Pagan= 1 for 3, BB. BA= .333. Pagan showing no signs of cooling off.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .253. The triple was another one that sliced away from the CF splitting the gap in Triples Alley.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .250. The double looked like it was a game-tying HR off the bat, but was hit just a bit too square and never got quite enough height to carry out. It banged of the wall in left-center millimeters over the glove of Chris Denorfia. BTW, in his last AB, I noticed that Buster was choked up on the bat by about 3/4". I think that is something new. Maybe he's been talking to Pence?
Michael Morse- 3 for 4. BA= .300. Morse continues to show that he is a complete hitter with 3 hard singles. The first one drove in 2 runs.
Brandon Hicks- 1 for 4, HR(4). Hicks just missed a grand slam in the 6'th on a towering drive to the base of the LF wall. He had a similar drive in Sunday's game so he is a total of about 4 feet short of 4 HR's in 2 days.
Madison Bumgarner- 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.74. As you can see from the line, Bummy was just a bit off again. He might have won is spite of it had he not been torched by light hitting reserve catcher Rene Rivera for a double, HR and 5 RBI's. As Vin Scully would say, "go figure!"
6'th Inning- Can't let this one go without describing the 6'th inning which was one of the more frustrating to watch in recent memory. With one out, Posey hit his double which looked for all the world like a game-tying HR off the bat. Morse then hit a hard single to deep RF, but the ball got to Venable too quickly and Posey is not a fast runner forcing Posey to hold up at 3B. The Padres then brought in a LH reliever to turn Sandoval around and he struck out from the right side. Give the pitcher credit, he threw some nasty pitches. Crawford drew a walk and the Padres brought in a RHP to face Hicks. With the bases loaded, Hicks hit the skyscraper shot that did not quite carry over the wall for what would have almost certainly have been the game winner. That was really the Giants last chance of the night right there.
The Loss cut the Giants lead in the NL West to 0.5 games over the Rockies who defeated the D'Backs 8-5. The idle Dodgers gained a half game and are 1 game out in 3'rd place. The Padres gained a game and are 2.5 games out in 4'th place while the lowly D'Backs remained 8.5 games behind in the cellar.
Matt Cain takes the mound in Game 2 of the series facing soft tossing LHP Eric Stults tonight.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/27/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-1:
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B, CS(4). BA= .281.
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .315.
Tyler Colvin(LF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .234.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 Hk 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.48.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Zach Lee(RHP, Isotopes)- 3.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.42.
I think this is Brown's third 3-hit game with a double and triple. The CS's continue to limit his effectiveness. Berken is looking like another successful reclamation project. Will he get a MLB opportunity? Lee is a former first round draft pick by the Dodgers.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the New Britain Rock Cats 7-5:
Derek Law- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 0.96.
The Squirrels did not have a batter with more than 1 hit and had just one XBH with Lisson hitting a 2 run HR.
High A Bakersfield Blaze scorched the San Jose Giants 10-2:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .308.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.04.
Another unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Asheville Tourists beat the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Nothing to see here.
There! All caught up!
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B, CS(4). BA= .281.
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .315.
Tyler Colvin(LF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .234.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 Hk 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.48.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Zach Lee(RHP, Isotopes)- 3.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.42.
I think this is Brown's third 3-hit game with a double and triple. The CS's continue to limit his effectiveness. Berken is looking like another successful reclamation project. Will he get a MLB opportunity? Lee is a former first round draft pick by the Dodgers.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the New Britain Rock Cats 7-5:
Derek Law- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 0.96.
The Squirrels did not have a batter with more than 1 hit and had just one XBH with Lisson hitting a 2 run HR.
High A Bakersfield Blaze scorched the San Jose Giants 10-2:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .308.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.04.
Another unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Asheville Tourists beat the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Nothing to see here.
There! All caught up!
Game Wrap 4/27/2014: Giants 4 Indians 1
Ryan Vogelsong was Vogelstrong for 7 shutout innings, and Brandon Hicks hit a walk-off 3 run HR in the bottom of the 9'th for the win. Key Lines:
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .238. Between the HR yesterday and 2 hits today, it looks like Buster may be coming out of his slump. The 2 hits today did not figure into the scoring.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .180. Maybe Pablo has something to build on. His 2 out double led to the first run of the game, which looked like it might stand up until Casilla gave up a HR to Yan Gomes in the 8'th.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .268. Crawford followed Pablo's double with one of his own that he pulled down the 1B line into the corner.
Brandon Hicks- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .224. The nice thing about Hicks is he runs into one every once in awhile. So far, they have tended to come at opportune times. He also started a nifty DP to help get Vogey out of one inning early in the game.
Ryan Vogelsong- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.40. Vogey allowed 2 of the first 3 batters to reach base, but pitched his way out of the first inning. He was behind on most of the hitters early on, but made some big pitches, especially with the curveball, which from Miller's and Fleming's description was quite nasty at times(I listened to the game on satellite radio on the drive from Vegas). It also sounded like Vogey got one of his standing O's just like old times as he came off the field after the top of the 7'th inning.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.45. Romo got the W instead of the Save. It was a big appearance in another way. Romo faced 3 LH batters in the top of the 9'th and was able to attack them effectively with his changeup, the pitch he worked on so hard in spring training. That work is now paying off big time with innings like this. Again, from Miller's and Fleming's call, I think he only threw the slider once the whole game, after he got Santana thinking too much about the changeup.
The Win improved the NL West leading Giants record to 15-10. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 6-1 to drop the Hated Ones into a second place tie with the Rockies, 1.5 games behind the Giants. The Padres topped the Nationals 4-2 to remain 3.5 games back in 4'th place. The D'Backs lost their second straight to the Phils 2-0 and are now 8-20, 8.5 games off the pace in last place.
The Giants now begin a home 3 game series against the Padres with Madison Bumgarner facing Tyson Ross who dominated the Giants the last time he faced them.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .238. Between the HR yesterday and 2 hits today, it looks like Buster may be coming out of his slump. The 2 hits today did not figure into the scoring.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .180. Maybe Pablo has something to build on. His 2 out double led to the first run of the game, which looked like it might stand up until Casilla gave up a HR to Yan Gomes in the 8'th.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .268. Crawford followed Pablo's double with one of his own that he pulled down the 1B line into the corner.
Brandon Hicks- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .224. The nice thing about Hicks is he runs into one every once in awhile. So far, they have tended to come at opportune times. He also started a nifty DP to help get Vogey out of one inning early in the game.
Ryan Vogelsong- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.40. Vogey allowed 2 of the first 3 batters to reach base, but pitched his way out of the first inning. He was behind on most of the hitters early on, but made some big pitches, especially with the curveball, which from Miller's and Fleming's description was quite nasty at times(I listened to the game on satellite radio on the drive from Vegas). It also sounded like Vogey got one of his standing O's just like old times as he came off the field after the top of the 7'th inning.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.45. Romo got the W instead of the Save. It was a big appearance in another way. Romo faced 3 LH batters in the top of the 9'th and was able to attack them effectively with his changeup, the pitch he worked on so hard in spring training. That work is now paying off big time with innings like this. Again, from Miller's and Fleming's call, I think he only threw the slider once the whole game, after he got Santana thinking too much about the changeup.
The Win improved the NL West leading Giants record to 15-10. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 6-1 to drop the Hated Ones into a second place tie with the Rockies, 1.5 games behind the Giants. The Padres topped the Nationals 4-2 to remain 3.5 games back in 4'th place. The D'Backs lost their second straight to the Phils 2-0 and are now 8-20, 8.5 games off the pace in last place.
The Giants now begin a home 3 game series against the Padres with Madison Bumgarner facing Tyson Ross who dominated the Giants the last time he faced them.
Down on the Farm: 4/26/2014
Catch up time. I was at conference in Vegas from Friday evening through about noon today. My Gosh! What a awful place! I was off the strip in the Embassy Suites. Got a few posts in between meetings between my iPad and the hotel business center, but its a lot easier to post on my own computer. Traffic was awful coming back. It seemed like all of SoCal must have been in Vegas for the weekend and all headed back at the same time! Enough complaining! On with the report from Saturday's minor league games:
AAA Game 1 Albuquerque Isotopes edged the Fresno Grizzlies 1-0:
Nick Noonan(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .429.
Mitch Lively(RHP)- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.95.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.40.
AAA Game 2 Albuquerque Isotopes topped the Fresno Grizzlies 2-0:
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.88.
AA Game 1 New Britain Rock Cats beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 4, HR(1). BA= .377.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.50.
AA Game 2 Richmond Flying Squirrels got past the New Britain Rock Cats 5-2:
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.84.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(4). ERA= 1.08.
Crick threw 53 pitches in the 1.2 innings, so I am surmising he went over 30 in the second inning and that is why he got pulled.
High A Bakersfield Blaze outlasted the San Jose Giants 6-3 in 11 innings:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .348.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA- 2.57.
Low A Asheville Tourists topped the Augusta Greenjackets 3-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .269.
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.19.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.12.
AAA Game 1 Albuquerque Isotopes edged the Fresno Grizzlies 1-0:
Nick Noonan(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .429.
Mitch Lively(RHP)- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.95.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.40.
AAA Game 2 Albuquerque Isotopes topped the Fresno Grizzlies 2-0:
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.88.
AA Game 1 New Britain Rock Cats beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 4, HR(1). BA= .377.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.50.
AA Game 2 Richmond Flying Squirrels got past the New Britain Rock Cats 5-2:
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.84.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(4). ERA= 1.08.
Crick threw 53 pitches in the 1.2 innings, so I am surmising he went over 30 in the second inning and that is why he got pulled.
High A Bakersfield Blaze outlasted the San Jose Giants 6-3 in 11 innings:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .348.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA- 2.57.
Low A Asheville Tourists topped the Augusta Greenjackets 3-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .269.
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.19.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.12.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Game Wrap 4/26/2014: Giants 5 Indians 3
The Giants offense came to life in the middle innings after a cold start and the bullpen threw 4.1 innings of hitless shutout ball in relief of Tim Lincecum. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .337. Pagan stays hot and continues to drive in runs from the top of the order.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4. BA= .250. Pence's lone hit drove in 2 runs to cap the 4 run rally in the 5'th that put the Giants ahead to stay.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, HR(5), HBP. BA= .224. Buster's HR was an insurance run in the 6'th. Hopefully it's a harbinger of a bigger breakout.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 1, SB(1). BA= .129. Blanco has had a rough start to the season, but has done some good things of late. He was right in the middle of the 4 run rally driving in a run and scoring the go-ahead run in a PH role.
Tim Lincecum- 4.2 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 8/1, 98 Pitches. ERA= 5.96. Timmy threw 98 pitches and fell 1 out short of being credited with the W. He did manage to keep the game from getting out of hand while McAllister was dominating through the first 4 innings.
Jean Machi- 1.2 IP, 0 H 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.84. You can say this about several players, but where would the Giants be without Machi? Another role player Sabes found on the scrap heap.
Jeremy Affeldt- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Affeldt had a terrible season last year and looked worse in Spring Training, even before he hurt his knee. Not sure what he did during his DL stint that didn't happen all offseason, but he seems to be back in top form. He is especially valuable against a team like Cleveland who can stack their lineup with LH batters.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(6). ERA= 2.70. With all the turnover in closers around baseball, Romo has become one of the more reliable ones. He is setting himself up for a nice payday this coming offseason. The question is if it will be with the Giants.
The Giants improve their record to 14-10 with the W and remain in first place in the NL West no matter what happens between the Rockies and Dodgers. One of those teams will finish the night 0.5 games out in 2'nd place and the other 1.5 games out in 3'rd. The Padres lost to the Nationals 4-0 to fall 3 games back in 4'th place. The last place D'Backs try for their 4'th win in a row.
Ryan Vogelson tries to recover from his last disastrous start to complete the sweep facing another pitcher who has had is early season struggles, Danny Salazar tomorrow afternoon.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 3, 2B, SF. BA= .337. Pagan stays hot and continues to drive in runs from the top of the order.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4. BA= .250. Pence's lone hit drove in 2 runs to cap the 4 run rally in the 5'th that put the Giants ahead to stay.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, HR(5), HBP. BA= .224. Buster's HR was an insurance run in the 6'th. Hopefully it's a harbinger of a bigger breakout.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 1, SB(1). BA= .129. Blanco has had a rough start to the season, but has done some good things of late. He was right in the middle of the 4 run rally driving in a run and scoring the go-ahead run in a PH role.
Tim Lincecum- 4.2 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 8/1, 98 Pitches. ERA= 5.96. Timmy threw 98 pitches and fell 1 out short of being credited with the W. He did manage to keep the game from getting out of hand while McAllister was dominating through the first 4 innings.
Jean Machi- 1.2 IP, 0 H 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.84. You can say this about several players, but where would the Giants be without Machi? Another role player Sabes found on the scrap heap.
Jeremy Affeldt- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Affeldt had a terrible season last year and looked worse in Spring Training, even before he hurt his knee. Not sure what he did during his DL stint that didn't happen all offseason, but he seems to be back in top form. He is especially valuable against a team like Cleveland who can stack their lineup with LH batters.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(6). ERA= 2.70. With all the turnover in closers around baseball, Romo has become one of the more reliable ones. He is setting himself up for a nice payday this coming offseason. The question is if it will be with the Giants.
The Giants improve their record to 14-10 with the W and remain in first place in the NL West no matter what happens between the Rockies and Dodgers. One of those teams will finish the night 0.5 games out in 2'nd place and the other 1.5 games out in 3'rd. The Padres lost to the Nationals 4-0 to fall 3 games back in 4'th place. The last place D'Backs try for their 4'th win in a row.
Ryan Vogelson tries to recover from his last disastrous start to complete the sweep facing another pitcher who has had is early season struggles, Danny Salazar tomorrow afternoon.
Down on the Farm: 4/25/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies vs Albuquerque Isotopes rained out in Fresno. How often does that happen?
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs New Britain Rock Cats rained out.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the Bakersfield Blaze 5-2:
Pat Young(RHP)- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.27.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 7.50.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 1.59.
No SJ hitter had more than 1 hit. Ragira doubled.
Low A Asheville Tourists edged the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Jeremy Sy(2B)- 2 for 3, BB, BA= .292.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .318.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 9/2. ERA= 2.61.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.02.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs New Britain Rock Cats rained out.
High A San Jose Giants defeated the Bakersfield Blaze 5-2:
Pat Young(RHP)- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.27.
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 7.50.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 1.59.
No SJ hitter had more than 1 hit. Ragira doubled.
Low A Asheville Tourists edged the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Jeremy Sy(2B)- 2 for 3, BB, BA= .292.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .318.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 9/2. ERA= 2.61.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.02.
Game Wrap 4/25/2014: Giants 5 Indians 1
The top of the lineup led the way on offense in support of a resolute pitching performance by Tim Hudson as the Giants cruised to the win. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .337. Pagan is banged up with a bruised patella and a partial tear of a tendon, but was back setting the table in this one, showing no signs of being slowed up. Hunter
Pence- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .250. Pence has officially broken out of his season opening slump. The triple was a looonnggg liner that started out nearly straightaway CF, but it had major tailing action that carried it at least 30 feet to the right of Michael Bourn and he never had a chance.
Michael Morse- 1 for 2, HR(6), SF. BA= .286. Maybe it's still too soon to say, but it looks like Sabes may have caught lightning in a bottle again with the Morse signing. I think Bochy deserves a big Assist on this one too as he was the one who really lobbied for Morse, or at least a big bat for LF.
Tim Hudson- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.19. Huddy finally walked, not just 1 but 2 batters which counts for struggling in Huddy's world. The first 3 innings were a bit scuffly, but he settled down and cruised through the last 4 of his start.
The Tribe stacked the lineup with LH batters, so Bochy used Affeldt and Lopez to finish up in the non-Save situation. They pitched a scoreless inning each.
With the Win, the Giants climbed into first place in the NL West by 0.5 games over the Rockies and Dodgers after the Rockies beat the Dodgers in extra innings 5-4. Both teams are at 13-11. The 4'th place Padres were crushed by the Nationals 11-1 to fall 2.5 games off the pace. The last place D'Backs won their 3'rd in a row topping the Phillies 5-4. The D'Backs are now 6.5 games out.
Tim Lincecum faces RHP Zach McAllister in Game 2 of the inter league series this afternoon.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .337. Pagan is banged up with a bruised patella and a partial tear of a tendon, but was back setting the table in this one, showing no signs of being slowed up. Hunter
Pence- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .250. Pence has officially broken out of his season opening slump. The triple was a looonnggg liner that started out nearly straightaway CF, but it had major tailing action that carried it at least 30 feet to the right of Michael Bourn and he never had a chance.
Michael Morse- 1 for 2, HR(6), SF. BA= .286. Maybe it's still too soon to say, but it looks like Sabes may have caught lightning in a bottle again with the Morse signing. I think Bochy deserves a big Assist on this one too as he was the one who really lobbied for Morse, or at least a big bat for LF.
Tim Hudson- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.19. Huddy finally walked, not just 1 but 2 batters which counts for struggling in Huddy's world. The first 3 innings were a bit scuffly, but he settled down and cruised through the last 4 of his start.
The Tribe stacked the lineup with LH batters, so Bochy used Affeldt and Lopez to finish up in the non-Save situation. They pitched a scoreless inning each.
With the Win, the Giants climbed into first place in the NL West by 0.5 games over the Rockies and Dodgers after the Rockies beat the Dodgers in extra innings 5-4. Both teams are at 13-11. The 4'th place Padres were crushed by the Nationals 11-1 to fall 2.5 games off the pace. The last place D'Backs won their 3'rd in a row topping the Phillies 5-4. The D'Backs are now 6.5 games out.
Tim Lincecum faces RHP Zach McAllister in Game 2 of the inter league series this afternoon.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/24/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies whitewashed the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-0:
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 5, HR(1). BA= .317.
Tyler Colvin(rF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .232.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Panik shows a bit of power. Kickham makes a nice recovery from his last wild start.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
High A San Jose Giants outslugged the Visalia Rawhide 10-9:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .361.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .259.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 5 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .312.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 4 for 5. BA= .321.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, SB(1). BA= .322.
Nice game for padding the stat lines. Galindo seems to have found his inner slugger with 2 dingers in 2 days. Mac breaks through the .300 barrier without slowing down. Mitch Delfino can hit!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Asheville Tourists 6-5:
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .306.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4. BA= .306.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 4 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.05.
Steven Messner(LHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.70
Jake Smith(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Mella got into a huge jam in the 4'th inning. He gave up 3 runs in the inning, but it could have been much worse. He managed to pitch his way out of it and complete the inning.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 5, HR(1). BA= .317.
Tyler Colvin(rF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .232.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Panik shows a bit of power. Kickham makes a nice recovery from his last wild start.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
High A San Jose Giants outslugged the Visalia Rawhide 10-9:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .361.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .259.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 5 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .312.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 4 for 5. BA= .321.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, SB(1). BA= .322.
Nice game for padding the stat lines. Galindo seems to have found his inner slugger with 2 dingers in 2 days. Mac breaks through the .300 barrier without slowing down. Mitch Delfino can hit!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Asheville Tourists 6-5:
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .306.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4. BA= .306.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 4 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.05.
Steven Messner(LHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.70
Jake Smith(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Mella got into a huge jam in the 4'th inning. He gave up 3 runs in the inning, but it could have been much worse. He managed to pitch his way out of it and complete the inning.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/23/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies were idle.
AA Reading Fightin' Phils topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 1-0:
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, 91 pitches. ERA= 1.80.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.61.
Jesse Biddle(LHP, Phils)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 2.86.
High A Visalia Rawhide whipped the San Jose Giants 12-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(1), BB, SB(7). BA= .359.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .264.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Low A Hagerstown Suns outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 5-3 in 13 innings:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 5, Sac, SB(1). BA= .254.
Jeremy Sy(DH)- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .278.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.61.
AA Reading Fightin' Phils topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 1-0:
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, 91 pitches. ERA= 1.80.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.61.
Jesse Biddle(LHP, Phils)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 2.86.
High A Visalia Rawhide whipped the San Jose Giants 12-4:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(1), BB, SB(7). BA= .359.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .264.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Low A Hagerstown Suns outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 5-3 in 13 innings:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 5, Sac, SB(1). BA= .254.
Jeremy Sy(DH)- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .278.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.61.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Game Wrap 4/23/2014: Giants 12 Rockies 10
The Giants went to an opposite extreme in this game getting into a slugging contest with the Rockies, which usually turns out badly for them in Coors Field. Instead, it was the Giants who outslugged the Rockies hitting 6 out of the 9 HR's in the game. Key Lines:
Hunter Pence- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .238. Just what the doctor ordered for the Rev's slumping bat. He got on base in his last 5 PA's.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 5, HR(7), BB. BA= .299. First Giants player since Barry Bonds to hit 7 HR's in his first 21 games.
Michael Morse- 2 for 4, 2 HR(5). BA= .279. This is what the Giants got Morse to do. Now, just stay healthy all year, please?
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 6, 2 HR(2). BA= .161. The second one was a grand slam that put the Giants up by 4. It turned out Romo gave back 2 of those, so it's a good thing it was for 4 runs.
Brandon Hicks- 3 for 6, 2B, HR(2). BA= .250. Hicks has been the best hitter of the second basemen so far, by far.
Matt Cain- 6 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 4 K. ERA= 4.35. Cain gave up 5 runs in the first 2 innings, but battled it out for 6 full. He also got 2 hits and scored a run.
Jeremy Affeldt- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Affeldt has been a different pitcher since coming off the DL, and that is a good thing. This is the guy who helped the Giants win 2 WS titles.
With the Win, the Giants upped their record to 12-10, 0.5 games behind the Dodgers pending the outcome of their game with the Phillies which the Dodgers are leading 4-2 in the 8'th inning. The Rockies slipped back behind the Giants by 0.5 games with an 11-10 record while the Padres lost to the Brewers 5-2 and stand in 4'th place at 10-12. The D'Backs topped the Cubs 7-5 to improve their last place record to 6-18.
The Giants get tomorrow off and come home to a weekend interleague series against the Cleveland Indians with Tim Hudson drawing the Friday night start against Carlos Carrasco.
Hunter Pence- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .238. Just what the doctor ordered for the Rev's slumping bat. He got on base in his last 5 PA's.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 5, HR(7), BB. BA= .299. First Giants player since Barry Bonds to hit 7 HR's in his first 21 games.
Michael Morse- 2 for 4, 2 HR(5). BA= .279. This is what the Giants got Morse to do. Now, just stay healthy all year, please?
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 6, 2 HR(2). BA= .161. The second one was a grand slam that put the Giants up by 4. It turned out Romo gave back 2 of those, so it's a good thing it was for 4 runs.
Brandon Hicks- 3 for 6, 2B, HR(2). BA= .250. Hicks has been the best hitter of the second basemen so far, by far.
Matt Cain- 6 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 4 K. ERA= 4.35. Cain gave up 5 runs in the first 2 innings, but battled it out for 6 full. He also got 2 hits and scored a run.
Jeremy Affeldt- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Affeldt has been a different pitcher since coming off the DL, and that is a good thing. This is the guy who helped the Giants win 2 WS titles.
With the Win, the Giants upped their record to 12-10, 0.5 games behind the Dodgers pending the outcome of their game with the Phillies which the Dodgers are leading 4-2 in the 8'th inning. The Rockies slipped back behind the Giants by 0.5 games with an 11-10 record while the Padres lost to the Brewers 5-2 and stand in 4'th place at 10-12. The D'Backs topped the Cubs 7-5 to improve their last place record to 6-18.
The Giants get tomorrow off and come home to a weekend interleague series against the Cleveland Indians with Tim Hudson drawing the Friday night start against Carlos Carrasco.
Down on the Farm: 4/22/2014
AAA Reno Aces topped the Fresno Grizzlies 4-3:
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .304.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.37.
Panik breaks the .300 barrier for the first time this year. It might be the first time since Salem-Keizer. I don't think he ever hit .300 last year, and he just barely fell short after a big August the year before with San Jose. He is hitting .368 over his last 10 games including 0 for 6 in the first 2 games of that stretch.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Reading Fightin' Phils 11-5:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 6, 2B, SB(3). BA= .266.
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 4 for 6, 3 2B, 3B. BA= .299.
Brett Krill(RF)- 1 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .269.
Parker has a huge day. SP Ty Blach pitched just 1 inning due to a rain delay. It was a bullpen game after that. BTW, what is a Phil or Phillie?
High A Visalia Rawhide defeated the San Jose Giants 4-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 4 for 4, SB(6). BA= .351.
Trevor Brown(Catcher)- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .154.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.03.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.15.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.15.
Galindo stays hot but did not account for any runs. Unimpressive start for Flores.
Low A Hagerstown Suns edged the Augusta Greenjackets 4-3:
Christian Arroyo(2B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .231.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. ERA= 2.08.
Lucas Giolito(RHP, Suns)- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.65.
Arroyo has a 4 game hit streak and is 6 for 15 in that stretch. Giolito is considered to be an elite pitching prospect, but is coming back from TJ surgery.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .304.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.37.
Panik breaks the .300 barrier for the first time this year. It might be the first time since Salem-Keizer. I don't think he ever hit .300 last year, and he just barely fell short after a big August the year before with San Jose. He is hitting .368 over his last 10 games including 0 for 6 in the first 2 games of that stretch.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Reading Fightin' Phils 11-5:
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 6, 2B, SB(3). BA= .266.
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 4 for 6, 3 2B, 3B. BA= .299.
Brett Krill(RF)- 1 for 4, 3B, BB. BA= .269.
Parker has a huge day. SP Ty Blach pitched just 1 inning due to a rain delay. It was a bullpen game after that. BTW, what is a Phil or Phillie?
High A Visalia Rawhide defeated the San Jose Giants 4-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 4 for 4, SB(6). BA= .351.
Trevor Brown(Catcher)- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .154.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.03.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.15.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.15.
Galindo stays hot but did not account for any runs. Unimpressive start for Flores.
Low A Hagerstown Suns edged the Augusta Greenjackets 4-3:
Christian Arroyo(2B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .231.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. ERA= 2.08.
Lucas Giolito(RHP, Suns)- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.65.
Arroyo has a 4 game hit streak and is 6 for 15 in that stretch. Giolito is considered to be an elite pitching prospect, but is coming back from TJ surgery.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Game Wrap 4/22/2014: Rockies 2 Giants 1
The Giants wasted another strong pitching effort as they failed to get the timely hits. Key Lines:
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .213. Hopefully this is a starting point to Pence to break out of his early season slump. It wasn't enough in this one.
Madison Bumgarner- 8 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.14. That's about as good as you can pitch in Coors Field. You hold the Rockies to 2 solo HR's and you should win.
The Loss dropped the Giants into 3'rd place behind the Rockies pending the outcome of the Phils-Dodgers game which the Phils are leading 2-1 in the 5'th at this writing.
Matt Cain tries to salvage a win in the series tomorrow afternoon facing Tyler Chatwood.
Around the League: Albert Pujols hit career HR's #499 and 500 tonight.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .213. Hopefully this is a starting point to Pence to break out of his early season slump. It wasn't enough in this one.
Madison Bumgarner- 8 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.14. That's about as good as you can pitch in Coors Field. You hold the Rockies to 2 solo HR's and you should win.
The Loss dropped the Giants into 3'rd place behind the Rockies pending the outcome of the Phils-Dodgers game which the Phils are leading 2-1 in the 5'th at this writing.
Matt Cain tries to salvage a win in the series tomorrow afternoon facing Tyler Chatwood.
Around the League: Albert Pujols hit career HR's #499 and 500 tonight.
Down on the Farm: 4/21/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the Reno Aces 6-4:
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 5. BA= .289.
Tyler Colvin(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .194.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 0.00.
Archie Bradley(RHP, Aces)- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.98.
Panik's BA has been steadily climbing. Hembree has been lights out so far and goes more than 1 inning here. The Grizzlies handled the highly touted pitching prospect Bradley.
AA Reading Fightin' Phils beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(11). ERA= .351.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, BA= .310.
Ricky Oropesa(3B)- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA .222.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.23.
High A Visalia Rawhide outlasted the San Jose Giants 5-4 in 13 innings:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 1 for 4, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .266.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 6, HR(5). BA= .297.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(2), 2 BB. BA= .236.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 6. BA= .232.
Blake Miller(SS)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .222.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 4 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.95.
Soptic, McVay, Mizenko- 2 IP, 0 R each.
Mac's BA has been steadily rising. He has more SB's than HR's. Mitch Delfino can hit! Another unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets downed the Hagerstown Suns 4-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .258.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .294.
Brandon Bednar(.329), Christian Arroyo(.213)- 2 hits each.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.50.
Jones pitching line for his last 2 starts is 11 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 13 K's.
2 former Giants farmhands, Joe Martinez(Angels) and Steve Edlefsen(Dodgers) announced their retirements. Best wishes for their respective futures.
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 5. BA= .289.
Tyler Colvin(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .194.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 0.00.
Archie Bradley(RHP, Aces)- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.98.
Panik's BA has been steadily climbing. Hembree has been lights out so far and goes more than 1 inning here. The Grizzlies handled the highly touted pitching prospect Bradley.
AA Reading Fightin' Phils beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(11). ERA= .351.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4, BA= .310.
Ricky Oropesa(3B)- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA .222.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.23.
High A Visalia Rawhide outlasted the San Jose Giants 5-4 in 13 innings:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 1 for 4, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .266.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 6, HR(5). BA= .297.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(2), 2 BB. BA= .236.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 6. BA= .232.
Blake Miller(SS)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .222.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 4 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.95.
Soptic, McVay, Mizenko- 2 IP, 0 R each.
Mac's BA has been steadily rising. He has more SB's than HR's. Mitch Delfino can hit! Another unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets downed the Hagerstown Suns 4-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .258.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .294.
Brandon Bednar(.329), Christian Arroyo(.213)- 2 hits each.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.50.
Jones pitching line for his last 2 starts is 11 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 13 K's.
2 former Giants farmhands, Joe Martinez(Angels) and Steve Edlefsen(Dodgers) announced their retirements. Best wishes for their respective futures.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Game Wrap 4/21/2014: Rockies 8 Giants 2
Those of us who had an idea that maybe Ryan Vogelsong had turned a corner in his last start were abruptly and thoroughly disabused of that notion by a dreadful start in which he failed to get out of the 2'nd inning. With that, this one was pretty much over before the fans had found their seats. Key Lines:
Ryan Vogelsong- 1.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 0 K. ERA= 7.71. I tuned into the game late because of a meeting I had to attend(just as well), but I heard Charlie Blackmon's interview on the Rockies' network. He said the HR he hit off Vogelsong "might have been a cutter, but it didn't move much." Just a guess, but I'm thinking most of his other pitches didn't move much either. A disastrous start for Vogey!
David Huff- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.86. Huff entered the game with runners on first and second with 1 out in the second inning. He got a DP grounder to get out of the inning pronto. He then legged out his first MLB hit in the top of the 3'rd by legging out a grounder to SS, but strained his quad in the process. He stayed on the basepaths and scored on a Buster Posey GIDP, but did not come back out for the bottom of the 3'rd inning. After the game, Bochy said Huff would be going on the DL. Baggs seems to think the Giants may bring up a hitter to replace him, but Perez apparently cannot be called back this soon, although that may not be the case in an injury situation.
Yusmeiro Petit- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.68. Petit got off to a rocky start to his appearance, but settled down and pitched a nice 4 innings with terrific peripherals.
Tommy Kahnle(RHP, Rockies)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.56 Kahnle was a Rule 5 draftee, I believe from the Yankees organization. He has pitched well out of the Rockies' bullpen and was throwing 97 MPH BB's tonight. Looks like a nice job of scouting by the Rockies on this one.
The Dodgers are being dominated by Cliff Lee and the Phillies so it looks like the Giants will remain 1 game behind the NL West leaders with an 11-9 record.
Madison Bumgarner tries to even the series tomorrow night facing another LHP in Franklin Morales.
Ryan Vogelsong- 1.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 0 K. ERA= 7.71. I tuned into the game late because of a meeting I had to attend(just as well), but I heard Charlie Blackmon's interview on the Rockies' network. He said the HR he hit off Vogelsong "might have been a cutter, but it didn't move much." Just a guess, but I'm thinking most of his other pitches didn't move much either. A disastrous start for Vogey!
David Huff- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.86. Huff entered the game with runners on first and second with 1 out in the second inning. He got a DP grounder to get out of the inning pronto. He then legged out his first MLB hit in the top of the 3'rd by legging out a grounder to SS, but strained his quad in the process. He stayed on the basepaths and scored on a Buster Posey GIDP, but did not come back out for the bottom of the 3'rd inning. After the game, Bochy said Huff would be going on the DL. Baggs seems to think the Giants may bring up a hitter to replace him, but Perez apparently cannot be called back this soon, although that may not be the case in an injury situation.
Yusmeiro Petit- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.68. Petit got off to a rocky start to his appearance, but settled down and pitched a nice 4 innings with terrific peripherals.
Tommy Kahnle(RHP, Rockies)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.56 Kahnle was a Rule 5 draftee, I believe from the Yankees organization. He has pitched well out of the Rockies' bullpen and was throwing 97 MPH BB's tonight. Looks like a nice job of scouting by the Rockies on this one.
The Dodgers are being dominated by Cliff Lee and the Phillies so it looks like the Giants will remain 1 game behind the NL West leaders with an 11-9 record.
Madison Bumgarner tries to even the series tomorrow night facing another LHP in Franklin Morales.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/20/2014
Just one minor league game on Easter Sunday.
AAA Reno Aces edged the Fresno Grizzlies 2-1:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 3, BB, CS(2). BA= .301
Juan Perez(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .467.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.49. '
OK, THAT is what we've been hoping to see from Escobar this year! He reportedly tweaked his delivery and it obviously paid off. Brown continues to do what he needs to do at the top of a batting order, well, except for the CS.
AAA Reno Aces edged the Fresno Grizzlies 2-1:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 3, BB, CS(2). BA= .301
Juan Perez(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .467.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.49. '
OK, THAT is what we've been hoping to see from Escobar this year! He reportedly tweaked his delivery and it obviously paid off. Brown continues to do what he needs to do at the top of a batting order, well, except for the CS.
Game Wrap 4/20/2014: Giants 4 Padres 3
The Giants, who haven been known to leave a lot of men on base, parlayed just 3 hits into 4 runs, all scored in the first two innings, then held on for the win with the help of an overturned call at the plate. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4. BA= .356. It wasn't much of a hit, but Pagan's blooper in the second inning with the bases loaded drove in 2 runs and was the difference in the game.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .238. Robbie Erlin seems like the type of pitcher you have to get early in the game and early in the count. Buster did just that after Hunter Pence had drawn a walk in the first inning, driving the ball out to left-center which is a prodigious blast in Petco Park.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .283. Crawford continues to be productive out of the bottom third of the lineup and against LHP's. He batted 8'th today.
Tim Lincecum- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.43. A QS for Timmy. The ump was squeezing both pitchers, so the 3 BB's is a bit deceiving. Erlin probably actually paid the higher price for the ump's strike zone in this one.
Umpires- The home plate ump had a rough day. His strike zone was probably not regulation, but at least he called it evenly. The key play of the game came in the bottom of the 3'rd inning. With the bases loaded and two out, Chase Headley drove one into the RF corner easily scoring the two lead runners. The Padres sent Xavier Nady to try to score the 3'rd run and the ump initially called him safe bringing the Padres within a run at 4-3 and leaving Headley in scoring position. Bochy challenged the call and the replays clearly showed Posey tagging Nady out before his hand touched the plate. The Safe call was overturned and the Giants were out of the inning with a 2 run lead.
The Win improves the Giants record to 11-8, 1 game behind the NL West leading Dodgers who topped the reeling D'Backs 4-1. The Rockies lost to the Phillies 10-9 and are 2.5 games behind the leaders at 10-10. The Padres are in 4'th place at 9-10, 3 games behind while the hapless D'Backs bring up the rear at 5-16, 8 games behind.
The Giants now proceed to Coors Field in Colorado for a set against the Rockies with Ryan Vogelsong facing Jorge De La Rosa in game 1 tomorrow evening.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4. BA= .356. It wasn't much of a hit, but Pagan's blooper in the second inning with the bases loaded drove in 2 runs and was the difference in the game.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .238. Robbie Erlin seems like the type of pitcher you have to get early in the game and early in the count. Buster did just that after Hunter Pence had drawn a walk in the first inning, driving the ball out to left-center which is a prodigious blast in Petco Park.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .283. Crawford continues to be productive out of the bottom third of the lineup and against LHP's. He batted 8'th today.
Tim Lincecum- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.43. A QS for Timmy. The ump was squeezing both pitchers, so the 3 BB's is a bit deceiving. Erlin probably actually paid the higher price for the ump's strike zone in this one.
Umpires- The home plate ump had a rough day. His strike zone was probably not regulation, but at least he called it evenly. The key play of the game came in the bottom of the 3'rd inning. With the bases loaded and two out, Chase Headley drove one into the RF corner easily scoring the two lead runners. The Padres sent Xavier Nady to try to score the 3'rd run and the ump initially called him safe bringing the Padres within a run at 4-3 and leaving Headley in scoring position. Bochy challenged the call and the replays clearly showed Posey tagging Nady out before his hand touched the plate. The Safe call was overturned and the Giants were out of the inning with a 2 run lead.
The Win improves the Giants record to 11-8, 1 game behind the NL West leading Dodgers who topped the reeling D'Backs 4-1. The Rockies lost to the Phillies 10-9 and are 2.5 games behind the leaders at 10-10. The Padres are in 4'th place at 9-10, 3 games behind while the hapless D'Backs bring up the rear at 5-16, 8 games behind.
The Giants now proceed to Coors Field in Colorado for a set against the Rockies with Ryan Vogelsong facing Jorge De La Rosa in game 1 tomorrow evening.
Down on the Farm: 4/19/2014
AAA Reno Aces pounded the Fresno Grizzlies 9-2:
Gary Brown(CF, .286), Joe Panik(2B, .284)- 2 for 5.
Grizzlies got a total of 10 hits and 5 walks and only managed to score 2 runs. Sound familiar? Roger K had 2 dingers for the Aces.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 7-3:
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .302.
Angel Villalona(1B) 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .296.
Kelby Tomlinson(2B) 2 for 5, SB(6). BA= .170.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .278.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 6 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.79.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25.
Would have loved to see Angel V leg out a triple. A wild start for Kyle Crick. Interesting that Tomlinson played 2B with Duffy at SS. Maybe Tomlinson has been at 2B all along and I didn't notice. I knew Duffy had been playing a lot of SS.
High A Bakersfield Blaze edged the San Jose Giants 7-6:
Jesus Galindo- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .328.
Nick Noonan(2B)- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .400.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .267.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .220.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 10/2. ERA= 2.93.
Noonan starts a rehab assignment. Mac's BA is rising. Biagini showing some consistency.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Lexington Legends 5-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .241.
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .319.
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 9/1. ERA= 1.45.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.03.
Gary Brown(CF, .286), Joe Panik(2B, .284)- 2 for 5.
Grizzlies got a total of 10 hits and 5 walks and only managed to score 2 runs. Sound familiar? Roger K had 2 dingers for the Aces.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 7-3:
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .302.
Angel Villalona(1B) 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .296.
Kelby Tomlinson(2B) 2 for 5, SB(6). BA= .170.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .278.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 6 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.79.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25.
Would have loved to see Angel V leg out a triple. A wild start for Kyle Crick. Interesting that Tomlinson played 2B with Duffy at SS. Maybe Tomlinson has been at 2B all along and I didn't notice. I knew Duffy had been playing a lot of SS.
High A Bakersfield Blaze edged the San Jose Giants 7-6:
Jesus Galindo- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .328.
Nick Noonan(2B)- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .400.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .267.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .220.
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 10/2. ERA= 2.93.
Noonan starts a rehab assignment. Mac's BA is rising. Biagini showing some consistency.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Lexington Legends 5-2:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .241.
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .319.
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 9/1. ERA= 1.45.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.03.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Game Wrap 4/19/2014: Padres 3 Giants 1
The Giants flushed another strong starting pitching performance down the drain as the offense again failed to produce. Key Lines:
Michael Morse- 1 for 3, HR(3). BA= .302
Tim Hudson- 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K. ERA= 2.40. Huddy pitches at least 7 more innings without issuing a walk for his 4'th consecutive start. I think ties somebody for a record. Alas, it was in a losing cause!
The top 3 hitters in the lineup, Pagan, Pence and Posey went combined 0 for 12. Can't win with that!
The loss dropped the Giants record to 10-8. The Dodgers outlasted the D'Backs 8-6 to go 1 game up in the NL West at 11-7.
Tim Lincecum tries to be the stopper of a 3 game losing streak facing lefty Robbie Erlin tomorrow afternoon.
Michael Morse- 1 for 3, HR(3). BA= .302
Tim Hudson- 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K. ERA= 2.40. Huddy pitches at least 7 more innings without issuing a walk for his 4'th consecutive start. I think ties somebody for a record. Alas, it was in a losing cause!
The top 3 hitters in the lineup, Pagan, Pence and Posey went combined 0 for 12. Can't win with that!
The loss dropped the Giants record to 10-8. The Dodgers outlasted the D'Backs 8-6 to go 1 game up in the NL West at 11-7.
Tim Lincecum tries to be the stopper of a 3 game losing streak facing lefty Robbie Erlin tomorrow afternoon.
Down on the Farm: 4/18/2014
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 4-2:
Gary Brown(CF, .277), Joe Panik(2B, .274)- 1 for 3, BB.
Perez, Duvall, Abreu- 2 hits each.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.26.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.00.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
A wild start for Kickham.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 0 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB(10). BA= .333.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.75.
Solid start for Mejia.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Bakersfield Blaze 5-4:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 4, HR(4). BA= .296.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .255.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .225.
Pat Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 3.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(3). ERA= 1.08.
Delfino showing surprising power early. Okert has been lights out in the closer role.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets swarmed the Lexington Legends 11-3:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 3 for 4, 2 BB. BA= .222.
Devin Harris(DH)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .276.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 7/2. ERA= 2.51.
Taylor Rogers(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50.
The good: Augusta is a young team. The bad: They are going to have a few big games and a lot of bad games.
Gary Brown(CF, .277), Joe Panik(2B, .274)- 1 for 3, BB.
Perez, Duvall, Abreu- 2 hits each.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.26.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.00.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
A wild start for Kickham.
AA Altoona Curve edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 0 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB(10). BA= .333.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.75.
Solid start for Mejia.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Bakersfield Blaze 5-4:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 4, HR(4). BA= .296.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .255.
Blake Miller(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .225.
Pat Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 3.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(3). ERA= 1.08.
Delfino showing surprising power early. Okert has been lights out in the closer role.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets swarmed the Lexington Legends 11-3:
Ryder Jones(SS)- 3 for 4, 2 BB. BA= .222.
Devin Harris(DH)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .276.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 7/2. ERA= 2.51.
Taylor Rogers(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50.
The good: Augusta is a young team. The bad: They are going to have a few big games and a lot of bad games.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Game Wrap 4/18/2014: Padres 2 Giants 1
Matt Cain's problems with lack of run support reached the point of absurdity as he allowed just one unearned run in 7 innings of stellar pitching only to leave the game trailing 1-0. The Giants went on to lose 2-1 in their, what, 8'th game decided by 1 run in a row? Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(4). BA= .385. Pagan's efforts went unrewarded in terms of run production.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(6). BA= .309. Belt continues to hit at a breakout pace. Unfortunately the HR was too little, too late in the top of the 9'th inning.
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.88. Another classic Caining, and yes, Cain has every right to trash a locker or two in the clubhouse!
Bruce Bochy- OK, here's what I would have done differently in this one, aside from fielding perhaps the weakest offensive lineup of the season: Top of the 7'th, trailing 1-0. Sandoval singles to open the inning and Pence follows with a walk, bringing Hector Sanchez up with runners on first and second and no outs. I say you have to bunt those runners over there! If you don't have faith in Sanchez' ability to get it done, you pinch hit with someone who can. You have to get at least 1 run to tie it up and give your team a chance to win a bullpen game of attrition. Instead, Hector was swinging away and grounded into a DP, ending the threat for all practical purposes. Crawford followed with a line out to SS.
The Loss drops the Giants record to 10-7. The Dodgers and D'Backs are tied 2-2 in extra innings with the odds favoring the home team Dodgers in that one.
Tim Hudson tries to square the series tomorrow night facing LHP Eric Stults.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(4). BA= .385. Pagan's efforts went unrewarded in terms of run production.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(6). BA= .309. Belt continues to hit at a breakout pace. Unfortunately the HR was too little, too late in the top of the 9'th inning.
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.88. Another classic Caining, and yes, Cain has every right to trash a locker or two in the clubhouse!
Bruce Bochy- OK, here's what I would have done differently in this one, aside from fielding perhaps the weakest offensive lineup of the season: Top of the 7'th, trailing 1-0. Sandoval singles to open the inning and Pence follows with a walk, bringing Hector Sanchez up with runners on first and second and no outs. I say you have to bunt those runners over there! If you don't have faith in Sanchez' ability to get it done, you pinch hit with someone who can. You have to get at least 1 run to tie it up and give your team a chance to win a bullpen game of attrition. Instead, Hector was swinging away and grounded into a DP, ending the threat for all practical purposes. Crawford followed with a line out to SS.
The Loss drops the Giants record to 10-7. The Dodgers and D'Backs are tied 2-2 in extra innings with the odds favoring the home team Dodgers in that one.
Tim Hudson tries to square the series tomorrow night facing LHP Eric Stults.
Down on the Farm: 4/17/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento River Cats 7-3:
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(4). BA= .274.
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 4, 2B, SF. BA= .271.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(2), HBP. BA= .333.
Juan Perez, Tony Abreu- 2 hits each.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.60.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.13.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.97.
If Brown averaged a hit, a walk and a SB for every 5 PA's, he'd a darn good leadoff batter! Panik is heating up a bit. Abreu played 3B in this one.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged the Altoona Curve 2-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 2, BB, SF. BA= .311.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 10/3. BA= 1.76.
In a very SSS, Angel Villalona seems to be starting to get the hang of situational hitting and a little plate discipline. A nice Huddy type start for Blackburn.
High A San Jose Giants crushed the Bakersfield Blaze 9-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .321.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 5, 2 HR(3). BA= .357.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .235.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .262.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .205.
Blake Miller(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .194.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.93.
Jeff Soptic(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.79.
Nice game for the batters to pad their stat lines. Agosta came out early due to pitch count considerations(32 in 1 inning).
Low A Lexington Legends edged the Augusta Greenjackets 5-4:
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .250.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .302.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Horan and Harris are two hitters who might be able to help SJ if needed. Why is Harris back in Augusta anyway?
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, BB, SB(4). BA= .274.
Joe Panik(2B)- 3 for 4, 2B, SF. BA= .271.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(2), HBP. BA= .333.
Juan Perez, Tony Abreu- 2 hits each.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.60.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.13.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.97.
If Brown averaged a hit, a walk and a SB for every 5 PA's, he'd a darn good leadoff batter! Panik is heating up a bit. Abreu played 3B in this one.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged the Altoona Curve 2-1:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 2, BB, SF. BA= .311.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 10/3. BA= 1.76.
In a very SSS, Angel Villalona seems to be starting to get the hang of situational hitting and a little plate discipline. A nice Huddy type start for Blackburn.
High A San Jose Giants crushed the Bakersfield Blaze 9-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .321.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 5, 2 HR(3). BA= .357.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .235.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .262.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .205.
Blake Miller(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .194.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.93.
Jeff Soptic(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.79.
Nice game for the batters to pad their stat lines. Agosta came out early due to pitch count considerations(32 in 1 inning).
Low A Lexington Legends edged the Augusta Greenjackets 5-4:
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .250.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .302.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Horan and Harris are two hitters who might be able to help SJ if needed. Why is Harris back in Augusta anyway?
Game Wrap 4/17/2014: Dodgers 2 Giants 1
Madison Bumgarner couldn't buy a strike and Hyun-Jin Ryu was back to keeping hitters off balance in a game that was not as close as the score would indicate. Key Lines:
Hunter Pence- 2 for 3, BB, SB(3). BA= .206. Pence did not figure in any scoring, but hopefully this is a game to build on for him.
Ehire Adrianza- 3 for 3, 2B. BA= .200. Adrianza had half the Giants hits and their only XBH. With Hicks struggling on D and due for a regression at the plate, maybe we see more of Adrianza in coming games?
Madison Bumgarner- 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K, 99 pitches. ERA= 3.48. I did not see the game, but from the Extra Giants description of things, Bumgarner was squeezed by the ump the whole game with seemingly every close pitch called a ball. Beyond that, I think it is safe to say Bummy has not quite hit his stride yet this season.
The Loss drops the Giants into a first place tie in the NL West with the Dodgers at 10-6. The Rockies topped the Padres 3-1 and are in 3'rd place, 2.5 games back with the Padres in 4'th, 3 games back. The D'Backs had a day off to regroup and are 7 games off the pace at 4-14.
The Giants now start a weekend series in San Diego with Matt Cain facing Tyson Ross in Game 1. The Dodgers play the D'Backs this weekend in Los Angeles.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 3, BB, SB(3). BA= .206. Pence did not figure in any scoring, but hopefully this is a game to build on for him.
Ehire Adrianza- 3 for 3, 2B. BA= .200. Adrianza had half the Giants hits and their only XBH. With Hicks struggling on D and due for a regression at the plate, maybe we see more of Adrianza in coming games?
Madison Bumgarner- 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K, 99 pitches. ERA= 3.48. I did not see the game, but from the Extra Giants description of things, Bumgarner was squeezed by the ump the whole game with seemingly every close pitch called a ball. Beyond that, I think it is safe to say Bummy has not quite hit his stride yet this season.
The Loss drops the Giants into a first place tie in the NL West with the Dodgers at 10-6. The Rockies topped the Padres 3-1 and are in 3'rd place, 2.5 games back with the Padres in 4'th, 3 games back. The D'Backs had a day off to regroup and are 7 games off the pace at 4-14.
The Giants now start a weekend series in San Diego with Matt Cain facing Tyson Ross in Game 1. The Dodgers play the D'Backs this weekend in Los Angeles.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Game Wrap 4/16/2014: Giants 2 Dodgers 1
Ryan Vogelsong picked a great time to get his game together pitching 6 strong innings. The Giants scratched out 2 runs in support and the bullpen shut it down the rest of the way. Key Lines:
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4. BA= .186. The Dodgers walked Hunter Pence with 2 outs and a runner on 2B in the bottom of the 7'th so the LHP Howell could face the switch-hitting Sandoval from the right side. Sandoval worked all offseason on his RH hitting and made them pay with the game-winning RBI single.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .280. Buster drove in the first Giants run of the game with a single up the middle.
Ryan Vogelsong- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 5.40. I thought Vogey might have turned a corner in the 3'rd inning of his last start against the Padres. He continued the tougher pitching this game and came away deadlocked 1-1 with Paul Maholm after 6 IP.
Jean Machi- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.29. The Giants bullpen outpitched the Dodgers pen once again and Machi was a huge part of it tonight getting through the 7'th with the tie game intact.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, Save(4). ERA= 1.29. Romo struck out the LH hitting Adrian Gonzalez then Matt Kemp for the last 2 outs. He had to be pumped!
Hanley Ramirez was struck on the hand by a Ryan Vogelsong 90 MPH fastball and came out of the game. X-rays were reportedly negative.
Vogey picked Matt Kemp off 1B in the 2'nd inning. Mattingly appealed and the call on the field was upheld. From the replays I saw, it looked like Kemp might have been safe, but they were definitely inconclusive so upholding the call on the field was the right call for the replay ump.
The Win improves the Giants record to 10-5 and gives them sole possession of first place in the NL West, 1 game ahead of the Dodgers who fall to 9-6. The Padres defeated the Rockies 4-2 to take over 3'rd place, but remain 3 games behind the leaders. The Rockies fall to 3.5 games behind in 4'th place. The D'Backs lost again, this time to the Mets, 5-2. Their record now stands at 4-14 and they are 7.5 games behind the Giants in last place.
Madison Bumgarner goes for the series sweep tomorrow facing Hyun-Jin Ryu. The Giants are already guaranteed a series win and can come out of the series no worse than tied for first place. I liken these first two games to trench warfare or "hugging the belt", both wartime metaphors for a strategy that neutralizes a seemingly superior opponent. Love it!
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4. BA= .186. The Dodgers walked Hunter Pence with 2 outs and a runner on 2B in the bottom of the 7'th so the LHP Howell could face the switch-hitting Sandoval from the right side. Sandoval worked all offseason on his RH hitting and made them pay with the game-winning RBI single.
Buster Posey- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .280. Buster drove in the first Giants run of the game with a single up the middle.
Ryan Vogelsong- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 5.40. I thought Vogey might have turned a corner in the 3'rd inning of his last start against the Padres. He continued the tougher pitching this game and came away deadlocked 1-1 with Paul Maholm after 6 IP.
Jean Machi- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.29. The Giants bullpen outpitched the Dodgers pen once again and Machi was a huge part of it tonight getting through the 7'th with the tie game intact.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, Save(4). ERA= 1.29. Romo struck out the LH hitting Adrian Gonzalez then Matt Kemp for the last 2 outs. He had to be pumped!
Hanley Ramirez was struck on the hand by a Ryan Vogelsong 90 MPH fastball and came out of the game. X-rays were reportedly negative.
Vogey picked Matt Kemp off 1B in the 2'nd inning. Mattingly appealed and the call on the field was upheld. From the replays I saw, it looked like Kemp might have been safe, but they were definitely inconclusive so upholding the call on the field was the right call for the replay ump.
The Win improves the Giants record to 10-5 and gives them sole possession of first place in the NL West, 1 game ahead of the Dodgers who fall to 9-6. The Padres defeated the Rockies 4-2 to take over 3'rd place, but remain 3 games behind the leaders. The Rockies fall to 3.5 games behind in 4'th place. The D'Backs lost again, this time to the Mets, 5-2. Their record now stands at 4-14 and they are 7.5 games behind the Giants in last place.
Madison Bumgarner goes for the series sweep tomorrow facing Hyun-Jin Ryu. The Giants are already guaranteed a series win and can come out of the series no worse than tied for first place. I liken these first two games to trench warfare or "hugging the belt", both wartime metaphors for a strategy that neutralizes a seemingly superior opponent. Love it!
Down on the Farm: 4/16/2014
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 4-2:
Tony Abreu(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .313.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Chris Dominguez(RF)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .364.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.38.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Cordier keeping his walks down.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Reading Fightin' Phils 4-1:
Brett Krill(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .314.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 3, BB, SB(1). BA= .286.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 0 for 1, 2 BB, SF. BA= .302.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 2.30
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.76.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Either opposing pitchers are working around Villalona or he is discovering plate discipline. Derek Law continues be lights out.
High A San Jose Giants edged the Inland Empire 66'ers 4-3:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .207.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .216.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 1.88.
Jorge Bucardo(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 2.25.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K, Save(2). ERA= 1.29.
Gregorio piles up the K's!
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats beat the Augusta Greenjackets 4-1:
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .190.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 7.00.
Carlos Alvarado(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ysla has not gotten traction on his season yet.
Tony Abreu(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .313.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Chris Dominguez(RF)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .364.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.38.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Cordier keeping his walks down.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Reading Fightin' Phils 4-1:
Brett Krill(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .314.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 3, BB, SB(1). BA= .286.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 0 for 1, 2 BB, SF. BA= .302.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 2.30
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.76.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Either opposing pitchers are working around Villalona or he is discovering plate discipline. Derek Law continues be lights out.
High A San Jose Giants edged the Inland Empire 66'ers 4-3:
Chris Lofton(CF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .207.
Brian Ragira(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .216.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 1.88.
Jorge Bucardo(RHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 2.25.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K, Save(2). ERA= 1.29.
Gregorio piles up the K's!
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats beat the Augusta Greenjackets 4-1:
Devin Harris(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .190.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 7.00.
Carlos Alvarado(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ysla has not gotten traction on his season yet.
Down on the Farm: 4/15/2014
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 7-4:
Gary Brown(CF)- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .296.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4. BA= .235.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP. BA= .308.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 8.53.
The top 2 batters in the lineup, Brown and Panik get on base 5 times and score just twice as Duval and Abreu go 0 for 8 in the 3-4 slots. I guess you can say Escobar has nice peripherals but he's getting knocked around.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Fightin' Phils rained out.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Inland Empire 66'ers 4-2:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 3, 2 SB(4). BA= .227.
Ben Turner(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .333.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Strong bounceback start for Flores. Okert gets the Save Opp with Mizenko pitching setup.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats beat the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1 in the completion of the suspended game from 4/14. This is the game in which Christian Jones pitched 5 innings of no-hit ball. Nothing else to see here.
Augusta Greenjackets edged the Savannah Sand Gnats 2-1 in the regularly scheduled game(8 innings):
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 3. BA= .365.
Tyson Ross(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .226.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Luis Castillo(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.35.
Strong start for Johnson and a very nice 2 inning relief job for the W by Castillo.
Gary Brown(CF)- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .296.
Joe Panik(2B)- 2 for 4. BA= .235.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP. BA= .308.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 8.53.
The top 2 batters in the lineup, Brown and Panik get on base 5 times and score just twice as Duval and Abreu go 0 for 8 in the 3-4 slots. I guess you can say Escobar has nice peripherals but he's getting knocked around.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Fightin' Phils rained out.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Inland Empire 66'ers 4-2:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 3, 2 SB(4). BA= .227.
Ben Turner(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .333.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Strong bounceback start for Flores. Okert gets the Save Opp with Mizenko pitching setup.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats beat the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1 in the completion of the suspended game from 4/14. This is the game in which Christian Jones pitched 5 innings of no-hit ball. Nothing else to see here.
Augusta Greenjackets edged the Savannah Sand Gnats 2-1 in the regularly scheduled game(8 innings):
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 3. BA= .365.
Tyson Ross(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .226.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Luis Castillo(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.35.
Strong start for Johnson and a very nice 2 inning relief job for the W by Castillo.
Game Wrap 4/15/2014: Giants 3 Dodgers 2
I went to bed last night fully expecting to wake up and write a post about a Giants loss. They were trailing 2-1 and had already squandered a total of 3 AB's with the bases loaded. Turns out they'd do it 2 more times, but in the 10'th inning of a game they eventually won on a walk-off single by Hector Sanchez in the bottom of the 12'th. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt- 3 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .298. Belt was the hero before The Hector was the hero. Pagan singled with one out in the bottom of the 9'th against Kenley Jansen. Belt then went down the 3B line for an RBI double with Pagan scoring all the way from first to send it into extra innings.
Hunter Pence- 3 for 6, SB(2). BA= .193. Pence scored the first run after a single in the bottom of the 6'th. He took second on a throwing error by Hanley Ramirez on a potential force play. He then went to 3'rd on a wild pitch by Chris Withrow and score and Crawford's SF. Hey! Whatever gets the run home!
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 5, SF. BA= .318. Crawford drove in the first run, scored the winning run and continues to produce out of the 7-hole in the lineup.
Hector Sanchez- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .176. The Hector entered the game in the 9'th inning to preserve Buster Posey's legs, a move I am sure would have received widespread criticism had the Giants gone on to lose. Crawford singled with 1 out in the 12'th, took 2B on a groundout, took third and a WP by Brandon League. Hector then ended it with a deflected single up the middle. The Hector! This guy is what, 23 years old? He is married, has a daughter old enough to be in school and drives her there every morning. He already has 4 walk-off hits in his career. You have to RESPECT a guy like that!
Tim Lincecum- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 7.20. Timmy threw 93 pitches in those 5 innings, but hung tough including striking out the side in the 3'rd inning, then striking out 2 more to escape a 1-out, bases-loaded jam in the 4'th. At this point, it is probably significant that he has a 17/1 K/BB on the season. Baby steps! He was just good enough in this one.
Juan Gutierrez- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.00. Where would the Giants be without this guy? No way he gets cut for Affeldt! I think last night's marathon pretty much guarantees Perez gets sent down and the Giants keep 13 pitchers when Affeldt comes off the DL today.
Huff, Romo, Casilla, Petit- 1 IP, 0 R each. Giants bullpen has a 0.58 ERA in 39.2 IP over their last 12 games and outpitched a terrific Dodgers bullpen in over 7 innings in this one.
The Win brings the Giants record to 9-5, tied with the Dodgers for the lead in the NL West. The Rockies edged the Padres 3-2 to remain 2.5 games behind, moving into 3'rd place, 0.5 games ahead of the Friars. The wheels have come off down in Arizona as the D'Backs were shellacked by the Mets 9-0 dropping them 6.5 games behind in last place with a record of 4-13.
Ryan Vogelsong faces Paul Maholm in Game 2 tonight at AT&T Park.
Once again, I did not get to see the game because of the Dodgers ridiculous TV situation. I live in SoCal and I have not detected any groundswell of support for Time-Warner Cable and getting the Dodgers on other TV outlets. Gotta think this one could come back to bite both TWC and the Dodgers big time. Shankbone can maybe fill us in on where this all stands, but just remember this about SoCal, they have not had an NFL team for close to 2 decades now, and NOBODY CARES!
Around the League:
Speaking of the D'Backs, the wheels are definitely off down in Arizona. There are already whisperings about Gibby's job being in jeopardy. Kevin Towers was quoted yesterday saying they would not bring up Archie Bradley to play in the current environment, which says a lot. I'll say that if Gibby goes, Towers needs to also. Yeah, the Corbin injury hurt a lot, but that is not a good roster even with Corbin. It's a bit hard to tell whether Gibby or Towers has been the bigger driving force in their roster construction over the last 2 years, but that organization has hemorrhaged talent. Some of Towers' public comments, especially regarding pitchers retaliating for HBP's, make you wonder if he doesn't have a screw loose upstairs. Might be time to clean house down in Arizonaland.
Brandon Belt- 3 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .298. Belt was the hero before The Hector was the hero. Pagan singled with one out in the bottom of the 9'th against Kenley Jansen. Belt then went down the 3B line for an RBI double with Pagan scoring all the way from first to send it into extra innings.
Hunter Pence- 3 for 6, SB(2). BA= .193. Pence scored the first run after a single in the bottom of the 6'th. He took second on a throwing error by Hanley Ramirez on a potential force play. He then went to 3'rd on a wild pitch by Chris Withrow and score and Crawford's SF. Hey! Whatever gets the run home!
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 5, SF. BA= .318. Crawford drove in the first run, scored the winning run and continues to produce out of the 7-hole in the lineup.
Hector Sanchez- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .176. The Hector entered the game in the 9'th inning to preserve Buster Posey's legs, a move I am sure would have received widespread criticism had the Giants gone on to lose. Crawford singled with 1 out in the 12'th, took 2B on a groundout, took third and a WP by Brandon League. Hector then ended it with a deflected single up the middle. The Hector! This guy is what, 23 years old? He is married, has a daughter old enough to be in school and drives her there every morning. He already has 4 walk-off hits in his career. You have to RESPECT a guy like that!
Tim Lincecum- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 7.20. Timmy threw 93 pitches in those 5 innings, but hung tough including striking out the side in the 3'rd inning, then striking out 2 more to escape a 1-out, bases-loaded jam in the 4'th. At this point, it is probably significant that he has a 17/1 K/BB on the season. Baby steps! He was just good enough in this one.
Juan Gutierrez- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.00. Where would the Giants be without this guy? No way he gets cut for Affeldt! I think last night's marathon pretty much guarantees Perez gets sent down and the Giants keep 13 pitchers when Affeldt comes off the DL today.
Huff, Romo, Casilla, Petit- 1 IP, 0 R each. Giants bullpen has a 0.58 ERA in 39.2 IP over their last 12 games and outpitched a terrific Dodgers bullpen in over 7 innings in this one.
The Win brings the Giants record to 9-5, tied with the Dodgers for the lead in the NL West. The Rockies edged the Padres 3-2 to remain 2.5 games behind, moving into 3'rd place, 0.5 games ahead of the Friars. The wheels have come off down in Arizona as the D'Backs were shellacked by the Mets 9-0 dropping them 6.5 games behind in last place with a record of 4-13.
Ryan Vogelsong faces Paul Maholm in Game 2 tonight at AT&T Park.
Once again, I did not get to see the game because of the Dodgers ridiculous TV situation. I live in SoCal and I have not detected any groundswell of support for Time-Warner Cable and getting the Dodgers on other TV outlets. Gotta think this one could come back to bite both TWC and the Dodgers big time. Shankbone can maybe fill us in on where this all stands, but just remember this about SoCal, they have not had an NFL team for close to 2 decades now, and NOBODY CARES!
Around the League:
Speaking of the D'Backs, the wheels are definitely off down in Arizona. There are already whisperings about Gibby's job being in jeopardy. Kevin Towers was quoted yesterday saying they would not bring up Archie Bradley to play in the current environment, which says a lot. I'll say that if Gibby goes, Towers needs to also. Yeah, the Corbin injury hurt a lot, but that is not a good roster even with Corbin. It's a bit hard to tell whether Gibby or Towers has been the bigger driving force in their roster construction over the last 2 years, but that organization has hemorrhaged talent. Some of Towers' public comments, especially regarding pitchers retaliating for HBP's, make you wonder if he doesn't have a screw loose upstairs. Might be time to clean house down in Arizonaland.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/14/2014
AAA Las Vegas 51's defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 5-2:
Adam Duvall(3B)- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .313.
George Kontos(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 4.82.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.35.
Duvall has now hit something like 4 HR's in 3 games. Runzler continues to keep his walks down.
AA Reading Fightin Phils beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-4:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .310.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .273.
Brett Krill(RF)- 2 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP. BA= .290.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.13.
Villalona continues his impressive start to the season. I kind of gave up on Krill last year, but maybe too soon? Schroder continues to build a utility resume.
High A Inland Empire 66'ers blanked the San Jose Giants 6-0:
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.94.
A better start for Stratton than his last. He took a shutout into the 6'th inning in this one.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats suspended after the top of the 5'th inning with the score tied 0-0:
Christian Jones(LHP)- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. ERA= 3.00.
Coming out party for Jones? My understanding is he was a pretty hot pitching prospect for Oregon before TJ surgery in 2012. Pitched in relief last year for Oregon and for Arizona and Salem-Keizer after being drafted by the Giants. He was working on a no-hitter here with dominant peripheral stats in the process. Definitely someone to watch going forward!
Adam Duvall(3B)- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .313.
George Kontos(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 4.82.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.35.
Duvall has now hit something like 4 HR's in 3 games. Runzler continues to keep his walks down.
AA Reading Fightin Phils beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-4:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .310.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .273.
Brett Krill(RF)- 2 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP. BA= .290.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. ERA= 1.13.
Villalona continues his impressive start to the season. I kind of gave up on Krill last year, but maybe too soon? Schroder continues to build a utility resume.
High A Inland Empire 66'ers blanked the San Jose Giants 6-0:
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.94.
A better start for Stratton than his last. He took a shutout into the 6'th inning in this one.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats suspended after the top of the 5'th inning with the score tied 0-0:
Christian Jones(LHP)- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. ERA= 3.00.
Coming out party for Jones? My understanding is he was a pretty hot pitching prospect for Oregon before TJ surgery in 2012. Pitched in relief last year for Oregon and for Arizona and Salem-Keizer after being drafted by the Giants. He was working on a no-hitter here with dominant peripheral stats in the process. Definitely someone to watch going forward!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Fantasy Focus: Update on Savvy Vets
My Savvy Vets fantasy baseball team has now completed 2 weeks of head-to-head competition. I'm currently sitting in second place in my division with a record of 11-9. I went 8-2 in Week 1, but dropped a 3-7 decision this last week. The opposing team had a huge offensive week with Jose Abreu having two 2- HR games and Brian McCann another, which ended up trumping my 3 dinger game from Ryan Braun. I would have won any other matchup in the league except one, and would have been 4-5 in that one.
So far, Savvy Vets has been spared the injury carnage that has decimated many fantasy teams, but yesterday, RHP Alex Cobb went on the DL after pitching a tremendous game on Saturday, which led to my first pickup decision of the season. While there were no obvious aces available, there were quite a few interesting starters on the FA list to choose from. I decided I wanted to pick up a SP who is scheduled for two starts this week which narrowed the field down to these choices:
Robbie Ross(LHP, Rangers)
Taijuan Walker(RHP, Mariners)
Wei-Yin Chen(LHP, Orioles)
Robbie Erlin(LHP, Padres)
Juan Nicasio(RHP, Rockies)
Bronson Arroyo(RHP, D'Backs)
Eric Stultz(LHP, Padres)
I quickly narrowed it down to the two Robbies, Ross and Erlin. I like Ross a bit more as a current pitcher and I like the run support he gets with the Rangers. I like Erlin's long term value and the park he pitches in, but I'm not as sure about his current performance and he may be run-support challenged. I went for the immediate value and took Ross.
Ross has 2 years of MLB experience as a middle reliever, a role he has performed very well in for Texas. He was a starter all the way in the minors putting up consistent K/9's of 8-9 and BB/9's of 2-3, very nice ratios. Last year, his K/9= 8.37 and his BB/9= 2.74 which are right in line with his minor league record. So far this year, Ross has two starts with an ERA of 1.79. His peripherals don't look as good with 11 K's and 8 BB's in 10.1 IP, but he inexplicably walked 6 batters in his first start, so I expect his walk rate to come way down and setting into the 2-3 range. His last start was better with a line of 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. Normalize his BABIP and you have a very nice SP going forward.
I may decide to drop him after one week and stream in another 2-start pitcher, but I am confident enough in him that I would not have a problem just keeping him either. The other nice thing about him is he has RP eligibility which gives me the option of using him in an RP slot, which is an important consideration for my strategy of punting Saves to maximize W's and K's to work.
Robbie Ross is rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues right now. He's my sleeper pick of the week!
So far, Savvy Vets has been spared the injury carnage that has decimated many fantasy teams, but yesterday, RHP Alex Cobb went on the DL after pitching a tremendous game on Saturday, which led to my first pickup decision of the season. While there were no obvious aces available, there were quite a few interesting starters on the FA list to choose from. I decided I wanted to pick up a SP who is scheduled for two starts this week which narrowed the field down to these choices:
Robbie Ross(LHP, Rangers)
Taijuan Walker(RHP, Mariners)
Wei-Yin Chen(LHP, Orioles)
Robbie Erlin(LHP, Padres)
Juan Nicasio(RHP, Rockies)
Bronson Arroyo(RHP, D'Backs)
Eric Stultz(LHP, Padres)
I quickly narrowed it down to the two Robbies, Ross and Erlin. I like Ross a bit more as a current pitcher and I like the run support he gets with the Rangers. I like Erlin's long term value and the park he pitches in, but I'm not as sure about his current performance and he may be run-support challenged. I went for the immediate value and took Ross.
Ross has 2 years of MLB experience as a middle reliever, a role he has performed very well in for Texas. He was a starter all the way in the minors putting up consistent K/9's of 8-9 and BB/9's of 2-3, very nice ratios. Last year, his K/9= 8.37 and his BB/9= 2.74 which are right in line with his minor league record. So far this year, Ross has two starts with an ERA of 1.79. His peripherals don't look as good with 11 K's and 8 BB's in 10.1 IP, but he inexplicably walked 6 batters in his first start, so I expect his walk rate to come way down and setting into the 2-3 range. His last start was better with a line of 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. Normalize his BABIP and you have a very nice SP going forward.
I may decide to drop him after one week and stream in another 2-start pitcher, but I am confident enough in him that I would not have a problem just keeping him either. The other nice thing about him is he has RP eligibility which gives me the option of using him in an RP slot, which is an important consideration for my strategy of punting Saves to maximize W's and K's to work.
Robbie Ross is rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues right now. He's my sleeper pick of the week!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/13/2014
AAA Las Vegas 51's pounded the Fresno Grizzlies 10-4:
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(5), BB. BA= .311.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.52.
Duvall is red hot at the plate! Unimpressive start for Kickham.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 7-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .308.
Brett Krill(RF)- 3 for 3, BB, SB(1). BA= .241.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.23.
Angel V is swinging a hot bat. Give him time! Marte is quietly climbing the organization ladder. I think his stuff is underrated. Can get up to 92-93 on the FB and has a nice change and breaking ball to back it up.
High A Bakersfield Blaze scorched the San Jose Giants 10-4:
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .387.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Not a lot to say about this one. Blair seems to be a late bloomer who the Giants must like or they would not have kept him around all this time.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged the Charleston River Dogs 3-2:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .378.
Christian Arroyo(2B)- BA= .200
Tyler Horan(RF)- 4 for 4, 2B. BA= .344.
Matthew Lujan(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.38.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Bednar stays hot. Horan and Bednar might deserve to be in San Jose. Lujan is older and needs to do this at a higher level to be a serious prospect. Nice appearance by Slania.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(5), BB. BA= .311.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.52.
Duvall is red hot at the plate! Unimpressive start for Kickham.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 7-3:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .308.
Brett Krill(RF)- 3 for 3, BB, SB(1). BA= .241.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.23.
Angel V is swinging a hot bat. Give him time! Marte is quietly climbing the organization ladder. I think his stuff is underrated. Can get up to 92-93 on the FB and has a nice change and breaking ball to back it up.
High A Bakersfield Blaze scorched the San Jose Giants 10-4:
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .387.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Not a lot to say about this one. Blair seems to be a late bloomer who the Giants must like or they would not have kept him around all this time.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged the Charleston River Dogs 3-2:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .378.
Christian Arroyo(2B)- BA= .200
Tyler Horan(RF)- 4 for 4, 2B. BA= .344.
Matthew Lujan(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.38.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Bednar stays hot. Horan and Bednar might deserve to be in San Jose. Lujan is older and needs to do this at a higher level to be a serious prospect. Nice appearance by Slania.
Game Wrap 4/13/2014: Giants 5 Rockies 4
Brandon Crawford broke a 4-4 tie with a walk-off, splash-hit home run in the bottom of the 10'th inning to send the AT&T Park crowd home in a delirious frenzy of joy. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .412. Pagan continues to be the heart and soul of this team making things happen at the top of the lineup. He's good for setting the table for the power guys or for driving in runners when the bottom of the order gets something going. Today it was keeping a bottom-of-the-order rally going with a 2-run single.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .180. Pablo has had a rough first two weeks of the season, but has been hitting the ball hard, right at people. The dinger today would have been a splash hit had it not caromed off a flagpole in the RF arcade. Hopefully this is one to build on. Giants need Pablo to get hot!
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 1, 3B. BA= .091. Blanco got thrown out in the bottom of the 9'th trying to stretch a triple into an inside-the-parker. I don't have a problem with Flannery sending him in that situation. There's two outs so not a great chance that he scores if he stops at 3B. At worst, you come out of the inning still tied. It took a perfect relay throw and a perfect tag by the catcher to get him. He was definitely out, but his hand was just 1-2 inches short when the tag was applied to a sensitive area, leaving Gregor in some pain.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 3, HR(1), SF. BA= .308. Crawford's game winner came off a pretty tough LHP to boot. He's making a statement that he is more than a platoon hitter.
Brandon Hicks- 2 for 2, BB. BA= .368. Hicks is playing himself into more and more playing time, at least until Scutaro gets back which does not seem to be imminent.
Tim Hudson- 7.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 5 K, GO/AO= 12/3. ERA= 2.35. Huddy pitched much better than the final line would indicate as he went into the 8'th having allowed just 3 hits and 2 solo HR's. Then he got BABIP'd in the 8'th with Rutledge's double down the RF line definitely a random hit as was the single off Lopez by Stubbs that drove in the tying run. In fairness, he may have been tiring a bit and getting some elevation on those pitches, but at least 2 of the hits in the inning were random BABIP jobbies.
Santiago Casilla- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 2.35. No K's, but Casilla looked strong with a 94 MPH FB that he was getting in good locations. The leadoff walk caused a bit of anxiety, but Casilla easily got out of it.
The Win improved the Giants record to 8-5 which left them 1 game behind the NL West leading Dodgers who completed a sweep of the hapless D'Backs and are 9-4. The Rockies fell below .500 to 6-7, 3 games off the pace in 3'rd place while the Padres remained 3.5 games back at 5-7 after defeating Max Scherzer and the Tigers in Petco. The aforementioned hapless D'Backs fell a full 6 games back in last place at 4-11.
The Giants have Monday off, then start a 3 game midweek series against the Dodgers with Tim Lincecum facing Josh Beckett on Tuesday night.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .412. Pagan continues to be the heart and soul of this team making things happen at the top of the lineup. He's good for setting the table for the power guys or for driving in runners when the bottom of the order gets something going. Today it was keeping a bottom-of-the-order rally going with a 2-run single.
Pablo Sandoval- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .180. Pablo has had a rough first two weeks of the season, but has been hitting the ball hard, right at people. The dinger today would have been a splash hit had it not caromed off a flagpole in the RF arcade. Hopefully this is one to build on. Giants need Pablo to get hot!
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 1, 3B. BA= .091. Blanco got thrown out in the bottom of the 9'th trying to stretch a triple into an inside-the-parker. I don't have a problem with Flannery sending him in that situation. There's two outs so not a great chance that he scores if he stops at 3B. At worst, you come out of the inning still tied. It took a perfect relay throw and a perfect tag by the catcher to get him. He was definitely out, but his hand was just 1-2 inches short when the tag was applied to a sensitive area, leaving Gregor in some pain.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 3, HR(1), SF. BA= .308. Crawford's game winner came off a pretty tough LHP to boot. He's making a statement that he is more than a platoon hitter.
Brandon Hicks- 2 for 2, BB. BA= .368. Hicks is playing himself into more and more playing time, at least until Scutaro gets back which does not seem to be imminent.
Tim Hudson- 7.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 5 K, GO/AO= 12/3. ERA= 2.35. Huddy pitched much better than the final line would indicate as he went into the 8'th having allowed just 3 hits and 2 solo HR's. Then he got BABIP'd in the 8'th with Rutledge's double down the RF line definitely a random hit as was the single off Lopez by Stubbs that drove in the tying run. In fairness, he may have been tiring a bit and getting some elevation on those pitches, but at least 2 of the hits in the inning were random BABIP jobbies.
Santiago Casilla- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 2.35. No K's, but Casilla looked strong with a 94 MPH FB that he was getting in good locations. The leadoff walk caused a bit of anxiety, but Casilla easily got out of it.
The Win improved the Giants record to 8-5 which left them 1 game behind the NL West leading Dodgers who completed a sweep of the hapless D'Backs and are 9-4. The Rockies fell below .500 to 6-7, 3 games off the pace in 3'rd place while the Padres remained 3.5 games back at 5-7 after defeating Max Scherzer and the Tigers in Petco. The aforementioned hapless D'Backs fell a full 6 games back in last place at 4-11.
The Giants have Monday off, then start a 3 game midweek series against the Dodgers with Tim Lincecum facing Josh Beckett on Tuesday night.
Down on the Farm: 4/12/2014
AAA Las Vegas 51's edged the Fresno Grizzlies 1-0 in 10 innings:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4. BA= .333.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/1. ERA= 4.50.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 10.13.
Not much to say here except I hate 1-0 losses probably more than anything else in baseball. Extra innings is even more demoralizing. It's not every day you can hold a team scoreless for 9 innings. When you do that, you better win!
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Altoona Curve 4-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 1 for 1, BB, 2 SB(8). BA= .394.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .333.
Jarrett Parker(RF-CF)- 1 for 3, BB, Assist(home). BA= .351.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.35.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 2.25.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Graham came out early. Injury? Matt Duffy! Crick was a bit wild again. I assume he came out due to pitch counts. Law continues to be lights out. Probably needs to be pitching for Fresno.
High A Bakersfield Blaze and San Jose Giants scored 10 runs in the 10'th inning with the Blaze scoring 7 of them for the 11-7 win:
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, BB, Assist(home). BA= .370.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .185.
Patt Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Jeremy Affeldt(LHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Gotta think Affeldt is getting close to returning to the MLB roster. Who will be the odd man out?
Low A Augusta Greenjackets pounded the Charleston River Dogs 8-2:
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 3 for 5, SB(6). BA= .320.
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 5, SB(2). BA= .366.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.89.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K. ERA= 0.00.
Paulino moves into the leadoff spot in the lineup. I've long thought he seemed like a very dynamic player if he could just hit a little.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 4. BA= .333.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/1. ERA= 4.50.
George Kontos(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 10.13.
Not much to say here except I hate 1-0 losses probably more than anything else in baseball. Extra innings is even more demoralizing. It's not every day you can hold a team scoreless for 9 innings. When you do that, you better win!
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Altoona Curve 4-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 1 for 1, BB, 2 SB(8). BA= .394.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 1 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .333.
Jarrett Parker(RF-CF)- 1 for 3, BB, Assist(home). BA= .351.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.35.
Jose Casilla(RHP)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 2.25.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Graham came out early. Injury? Matt Duffy! Crick was a bit wild again. I assume he came out due to pitch counts. Law continues to be lights out. Probably needs to be pitching for Fresno.
High A Bakersfield Blaze and San Jose Giants scored 10 runs in the 10'th inning with the Blaze scoring 7 of them for the 11-7 win:
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4, BB, Assist(home). BA= .370.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .185.
Patt Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.70.
Jeremy Affeldt(LHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Gotta think Affeldt is getting close to returning to the MLB roster. Who will be the odd man out?
Low A Augusta Greenjackets pounded the Charleston River Dogs 8-2:
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 3 for 5, SB(6). BA= .320.
Brandon Bednar(1B)- 2 for 5, SB(2). BA= .366.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.89.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K. ERA= 0.00.
Paulino moves into the leadoff spot in the lineup. I've long thought he seemed like a very dynamic player if he could just hit a little.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Game Wrap 4/12/2014: Rockies 1 Giants 0
This one was a classic Caining as the offense failed to support Matt Cain as has happened so many times in the past. In other years, you could attribute these games to an expected failure of a weak offense. This year, Cain should be able to expect better support than this. Some serious bad mojo for Cain on the run support thing going on! Key Lines:
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Read it and weep! That's the story right there in one line. 1 run in 7 IP and it wasn't enough.
Remaining games in the NL West are under the lights. The Giants are 0.5 games behind pending the outcome of the Dodgers game. The Rockies are 1 game behind the Giants.
Tim Hudson tries for a series win tomorrow afternoon facing Tyler Chatwood.
Matt Cain- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Read it and weep! That's the story right there in one line. 1 run in 7 IP and it wasn't enough.
Remaining games in the NL West are under the lights. The Giants are 0.5 games behind pending the outcome of the Dodgers game. The Rockies are 1 game behind the Giants.
Tim Hudson tries for a series win tomorrow afternoon facing Tyler Chatwood.
Down on the Farm: 4/11/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlied defeated the Las Vegas 51's 5-1:
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .317.
Tyler Colvin(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .194.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.93.
Brown made the most of his one hit driving in 3 runs. Berken may be a viable backup plan for SP/long relief. Runzler could become a factor if a need arises in the bullpen.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged the Altoona Curve 5-4:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .375.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .324.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.00.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.12.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.38.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Mejia got winged by a comebacker in the first inning. He did not come out immediately, but I assume that has something to do with his early departure. Derek Law continues to be lights out and gets the W. Matt Duffy!!
High A Bakersfield Blaze topped the San Jose Giants 5-2:
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Nothing else to see here. Good to see Agosta apparently healthy and pitching.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 8-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .361.
Ryder Jones(SS)- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .207.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.69.
A few more walks from Mella than we are used to seeing, but he was not very hittable and the K rate was solid. Jones back at SS and Arroyo at 2B.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .317.
Tyler Colvin(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .194.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.93.
Brown made the most of his one hit driving in 3 runs. Berken may be a viable backup plan for SP/long relief. Runzler could become a factor if a need arises in the bullpen.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged the Altoona Curve 5-4:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .375.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .324.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.00.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 3.12.
Josh Osich(LHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.38.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Mejia got winged by a comebacker in the first inning. He did not come out immediately, but I assume that has something to do with his early departure. Derek Law continues to be lights out and gets the W. Matt Duffy!!
High A Bakersfield Blaze topped the San Jose Giants 5-2:
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Nothing else to see here. Good to see Agosta apparently healthy and pitching.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 8-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .361.
Ryder Jones(SS)- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .207.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.69.
A few more walks from Mella than we are used to seeing, but he was not very hittable and the K rate was solid. Jones back at SS and Arroyo at 2B.
Game Wrap 4/11/2014: Giants 6 Rockies 5
Madison Bumgarner has had better pitching starts, but oh my! What a night he had at the plate: Grand slam HR and a sacrifice fly that came within inches of clearing the fence. The Giants then hung on to hold off the Rockies. Key Lines:
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, 3B, BB. BA= .303. Crawford stays hot and is indispensable in this win.
Madison Bumgarner- 1 for 1, HR(1), SF. BA= .667. Bummy got absolutely all of his grand slam shot with full extension on the follow-through. The ball landed half way up the left-CF bleachers. He knew it was gone and did a nice slugger's bat toss and admired it for just a brief moment. The SF was hit almost as good and was caught up against the wall.
Madison Bumgarner- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 7 K. ERA= 3.31. Not quite a QS but Bummy picked himself up at the plate and oh, how he did that!
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(3). ERA= 2.25. Tulo was infuriated by his called third strike, but it was definitely a strike.
Pablo Sandoval cost the Giants an unearned run in the 8'th with another throwing error. This has to be a growing concern.
The Win improved the Giants early season record to 7-4 and kept them tied for first place with the Dodgers as the D'Backs returned to their losing ways against dem Bums 6-0. The Rockies fell to 2 games off the pace. Andrew Cashner pitched a complete game shutout against the Tigers in San Diego to keep the Padres 2.5 games behind in 4'th place while the hapless D'Backs fell to 4-9, 4 games behind the leaders.
Matt Cain is the starting pitcher for game 2 of the series facing Brett Anderson.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, 3B, BB. BA= .303. Crawford stays hot and is indispensable in this win.
Madison Bumgarner- 1 for 1, HR(1), SF. BA= .667. Bummy got absolutely all of his grand slam shot with full extension on the follow-through. The ball landed half way up the left-CF bleachers. He knew it was gone and did a nice slugger's bat toss and admired it for just a brief moment. The SF was hit almost as good and was caught up against the wall.
Madison Bumgarner- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 7 K. ERA= 3.31. Not quite a QS but Bummy picked himself up at the plate and oh, how he did that!
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(3). ERA= 2.25. Tulo was infuriated by his called third strike, but it was definitely a strike.
Pablo Sandoval cost the Giants an unearned run in the 8'th with another throwing error. This has to be a growing concern.
The Win improved the Giants early season record to 7-4 and kept them tied for first place with the Dodgers as the D'Backs returned to their losing ways against dem Bums 6-0. The Rockies fell to 2 games off the pace. Andrew Cashner pitched a complete game shutout against the Tigers in San Diego to keep the Padres 2.5 games behind in 4'th place while the hapless D'Backs fell to 4-9, 4 games behind the leaders.
Matt Cain is the starting pitcher for game 2 of the series facing Brett Anderson.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/10/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies pounded the Salt Lake City Bees 11-4:
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .316.
Joe Panik(SS)- 1 for 4, 2 BB. BA= .294.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(3), BB. BA= .286.
Javier Herrera(DH)- 4 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .333.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 7.27.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 9.00.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.29.
Duvall can airmail throws to 1B next year for a lot less money than Pablo. I think Duvall's bat plays in the majors. Mixed results for Escobar with lots of K's but some hits and walks too. Cordier's K/BB got a lot better with this game. Could we see Melonhead Jr. in the majors this year?
AA Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 4, 2 SB(6). BA= .370.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Blackburn had nice peripherals but was maybe a bit too hittable. We've seen that from him in the past at times.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Bakersfield Blaze 5-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .357.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .192.
Ben Turner(C)- 2 for 4. BA= .391.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.00.
Galindo is off to a hot start. Gregorio had the the best pitching line of the organization for the day.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 5-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .355.
Matthew Chavez(DH)- 4 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .333.
Cristian Paulino(RF) 2 for 3, BB, 3 SB(5). BA= .250.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.26.
Carlos Alvarado(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. ERA= 0.00
Dan Slania(RHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.29.
Paulino seems like potentially a dynamic player. Bat needs to develop.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 4, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .316.
Joe Panik(SS)- 1 for 4, 2 BB. BA= .294.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(3), BB. BA= .286.
Javier Herrera(DH)- 4 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .333.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 7.27.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. ERA= 9.00.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.29.
Duvall can airmail throws to 1B next year for a lot less money than Pablo. I think Duvall's bat plays in the majors. Mixed results for Escobar with lots of K's but some hits and walks too. Cordier's K/BB got a lot better with this game. Could we see Melonhead Jr. in the majors this year?
AA Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 4, 2 SB(6). BA= .370.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Blackburn had nice peripherals but was maybe a bit too hittable. We've seen that from him in the past at times.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Bakersfield Blaze 5-2:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .357.
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .192.
Ben Turner(C)- 2 for 4. BA= .391.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.00.
Galindo is off to a hot start. Gregorio had the the best pitching line of the organization for the day.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 5-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .355.
Matthew Chavez(DH)- 4 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .333.
Cristian Paulino(RF) 2 for 3, BB, 3 SB(5). BA= .250.
Luis Ysla(LHP)- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K. ERA= 4.26.
Carlos Alvarado(RHP)- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. ERA= 0.00
Dan Slania(RHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.29.
Paulino seems like potentially a dynamic player. Bat needs to develop.
Game Wrap 4/10/2014: D'Backs 6 Giants 5
This was a game the Giants should have won but let get mostly due to a big error by Pablo Sandoval that allowed the D'Backs to tie the game and win in extra innings after an earlier Giants comeback. Key Lines:
Michael Morse- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .400. Morse had 2 key doubles in this one and is quicky establishing himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .300. Crawford also played a key role in this one and is looking like he may make Brian Sabean's prediction of a breakout come true. Long season, though. Gotta stay healthy.
Buster Posey and Hunter Pence added 2 hits each with Pence contributing a double.
Ryan Vogelsong- 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 8.00. I'll say this for Vogey: He looked like he was on the ropes in the 3'rd inning, but pulled himself together and made it through 5 and made some very good pitches in the process. Hopefully this is something to build on for future starts.
The loss leaves the Giants tied with the Dodgers atop the NL West with a 6-4 record. The Rockies are 1 game back at 5-5 with the D'Backs and Padres bringing up the rear at 8-4 and 6-3 respectively.
The Rockies come to AT&T Park for the weekend with Madison Bumgarner taking the mound tonight facing lefty Jorge De La Rosa.
Around the League:
Josh Hamilton slid into first base headfirst and tore a ligament in hit thumb. He's undergoing surgery and will likely miss half the season.
Looks like Jose Abreu is the real deal with 2 consecutive 2 HR games. Giants has a look-see at him but go outbid but the ChiSox. Of course, had they signed Abreu, Brandon Belt would have had to move to LF and they would not have signed Morse, so no reason to complain.
Michael Morse- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .400. Morse had 2 key doubles in this one and is quicky establishing himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .300. Crawford also played a key role in this one and is looking like he may make Brian Sabean's prediction of a breakout come true. Long season, though. Gotta stay healthy.
Buster Posey and Hunter Pence added 2 hits each with Pence contributing a double.
Ryan Vogelsong- 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 8.00. I'll say this for Vogey: He looked like he was on the ropes in the 3'rd inning, but pulled himself together and made it through 5 and made some very good pitches in the process. Hopefully this is something to build on for future starts.
The loss leaves the Giants tied with the Dodgers atop the NL West with a 6-4 record. The Rockies are 1 game back at 5-5 with the D'Backs and Padres bringing up the rear at 8-4 and 6-3 respectively.
The Rockies come to AT&T Park for the weekend with Madison Bumgarner taking the mound tonight facing lefty Jorge De La Rosa.
Around the League:
Josh Hamilton slid into first base headfirst and tore a ligament in hit thumb. He's undergoing surgery and will likely miss half the season.
Looks like Jose Abreu is the real deal with 2 consecutive 2 HR games. Giants has a look-see at him but go outbid but the ChiSox. Of course, had they signed Abreu, Brandon Belt would have had to move to LF and they would not have signed Morse, so no reason to complain.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/9/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies outslugged the Salt Lake City Bees 10-7:
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .324.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .267.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .385
Darren Ford(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .375.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Second double-triple game in 3 for Gary Brown. Good stuff! Duvall showing power early. How soon before Abreu gets another crack at the MLB 2B job? Hembree seems to be the official closer for Fresno.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Bowie Baysox 5-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 1 for 4, BB, 2 SB(4). BA= .348.
Ricky Oropesa(DH)- 1 for 2, 2B, BB. BA= .357.
Kelby Tomlinson(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(1). BA= .174.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 10/5. ERA= 2.45.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ricky replaced Jarret Parker at DH after 1 AB for Parker. Kind of a different line for Blach, but effective for this game. Law looks like he's picking up where he left off last year.
High A Lancaster Jethhawks bombed the San Jose Giants 9-4:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4. BA= .130.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 HR(3). BA= .345.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.50
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Huge game for Mitch Delfino! Unimpressive start for Flores, but 2 of the runs came in the 6'th after he allowed the first two runners to reach base and Mason McVay gave them up on a grand slam HR. Johnson was characteristically wild but got out of the inning.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Savannah Sand Gnats 8-3:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .185.
Leonardo Rojas(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .364.
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .176.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Nice to see Arroyo back at SS and hitting. So-so start for Johnson.
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .324.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .267.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .385
Darren Ford(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .375.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Second double-triple game in 3 for Gary Brown. Good stuff! Duvall showing power early. How soon before Abreu gets another crack at the MLB 2B job? Hembree seems to be the official closer for Fresno.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Bowie Baysox 5-1:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 1 for 4, BB, 2 SB(4). BA= .348.
Ricky Oropesa(DH)- 1 for 2, 2B, BB. BA= .357.
Kelby Tomlinson(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(1). BA= .174.
Ty Blach(LHP)- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 10/5. ERA= 2.45.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ricky replaced Jarret Parker at DH after 1 AB for Parker. Kind of a different line for Blach, but effective for this game. Law looks like he's picking up where he left off last year.
High A Lancaster Jethhawks bombed the San Jose Giants 9-4:
Mac Williamson(DH)- 2 for 4. BA= .130.
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 HR(3). BA= .345.
Kendry Flores(RHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.50
Stephen Johnson(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Huge game for Mitch Delfino! Unimpressive start for Flores, but 2 of the runs came in the 6'th after he allowed the first two runners to reach base and Mason McVay gave them up on a grand slam HR. Johnson was characteristically wild but got out of the inning.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Savannah Sand Gnats 8-3:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .185.
Leonardo Rojas(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .364.
Cristian Paulino(CF)- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .176.
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Nice to see Arroyo back at SS and hitting. So-so start for Johnson.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Game Wrap 4/9/2014: D'Backs 7 Giants 3
I took the dog for a quick walk before the game. While on the walk, I mused to myself about how Timmy needed to make sure Paul Goldschmidt did not beat him. I got back at 7:20, just in time to see the replay of Paul Goldschmidt's 3 run shot into the RF arcade. There you have it! Timmy does the one thing he could not do and the game was practically over before many of the fans were in their seats! Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 3 for 5, SB(2). BA= .462. Once again, Pagan set the table, but the Giants failed to bring him around to score.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .344. Buster looks like he is already on his way to a terrific season.
Michael Morse- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .385. Morse has been a huge shot in the arm for the offense in the early going with minimal downside on defense.
Tim Lincecum- 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 9.90. There is no way Timmy's contract can be as bad as Barry Zito's because it is only for 2 seasons, but year for year, it could end up worse. This was certainly a very Zitoesque performance. He was still able to fool some hitters with the dirt balls, but the FB had nothing on it and he had no clue where it was going. I don't know when I've seen him more lost on the mound than he was tonight. I'm not so sure there is a fix. If you don't have a fastball in this league, you are pretty much done. The highest velocity I saw on the TV gun was 89.
The Loss dropped the Giants record to 6-3. The Dodgers are losing to the Tigers, but mounting a comeback against Joe Nathan in the bottom of the 9'th. The Giants will either remain in first place in the NL West by 0.5 games or fall 0.5 games into 2'nd place depending on the outcome.
Ryan Vogelsong tries to right his ship tomorrow evening facing Randal Delgado.
Angel Pagan- 3 for 5, SB(2). BA= .462. Once again, Pagan set the table, but the Giants failed to bring him around to score.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .344. Buster looks like he is already on his way to a terrific season.
Michael Morse- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .385. Morse has been a huge shot in the arm for the offense in the early going with minimal downside on defense.
Tim Lincecum- 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 9.90. There is no way Timmy's contract can be as bad as Barry Zito's because it is only for 2 seasons, but year for year, it could end up worse. This was certainly a very Zitoesque performance. He was still able to fool some hitters with the dirt balls, but the FB had nothing on it and he had no clue where it was going. I don't know when I've seen him more lost on the mound than he was tonight. I'm not so sure there is a fix. If you don't have a fastball in this league, you are pretty much done. The highest velocity I saw on the TV gun was 89.
The Loss dropped the Giants record to 6-3. The Dodgers are losing to the Tigers, but mounting a comeback against Joe Nathan in the bottom of the 9'th. The Giants will either remain in first place in the NL West by 0.5 games or fall 0.5 games into 2'nd place depending on the outcome.
Ryan Vogelsong tries to right his ship tomorrow evening facing Randal Delgado.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/8/2014
AAA Salt Lake City Bees scored a walk-off run in the bottom of the 12'th inning for the win over the Fresno Grizzlies 6-5:
Tony Abreu(2B)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .333.
Joe Panik(SS, .346), Susac(C, .476), Ford(LF, .333)- 2 hits each.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 6, SB(2). BA= .276.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/4. ERA= 2.53.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 2.45.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Abreu homers in his second consecutive game. He stays in the game this time! The pitching wasn't terrific or terrible. SLC is a tough place to pitch with elevation and dry air.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Bowie Baysox 5-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .368.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .333.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 6.23.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Meh start for Marte. Hall gets the Save Opp. Matt Duffy!
AA Bowie Baysox scored a walk-off run in the bottom of the 8'th to win game 2, 2-1:
Angel Villalona(DH)- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .304.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
High A Lancaster Jethawks beat the San Jose Giants 4-2:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 5. BA= .280.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50
Jeff Soptic(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats edged the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .500.
Nick Vander Tuig(RHP)- 4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 9.00.
Unimpressive start for NVT.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Nothing to see here.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .333.
Joe Panik(SS, .346), Susac(C, .476), Ford(LF, .333)- 2 hits each.
Gary Brown(CF)- 1 for 6, SB(2). BA= .276.
Mike Kickham(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/4. ERA= 2.53.
Dan Runzler(LHP)- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 2.45.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Abreu homers in his second consecutive game. He stays in the game this time! The pitching wasn't terrific or terrible. SLC is a tough place to pitch with elevation and dry air.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Bowie Baysox 5-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .368.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .333.
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K. ERA= 6.23.
Cody Hall(RHP)- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Meh start for Marte. Hall gets the Save Opp. Matt Duffy!
AA Bowie Baysox scored a walk-off run in the bottom of the 8'th to win game 2, 2-1:
Angel Villalona(DH)- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .304.
Jack Snodgrass(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
High A Lancaster Jethawks beat the San Jose Giants 4-2:
Mitch Delfino(3B)- 2 for 5. BA= .280.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50
Jeff Soptic(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Unimpressive start for Stratton.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats edged the Augusta Greenjackets 6-5:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .500.
Nick Vander Tuig(RHP)- 4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 9.00.
Unimpressive start for NVT.
Low A Savannah Sand Gnats defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 3-1:
Nothing to see here.
Game Wrap 4/8/2014: Giants 7 D'Backs 3
The Giants offense struck early and often in support of Tim Hudson's stalwart pitching for an easy wire-to-wire win. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .441. Pagan was once again the tablesetter getting on base and scoring 2 runs in the first 3 innings. Kruk showed a nice graphic demonstrating Pagan's intense early season pitch selection and control of the strike zone.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .343. Belt continued his early season power display with a first inning dinger in AT&T Park. He's tied with Mark Trumbo for the MLB lead.
Michael Morse- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .391. Morse is so much more than a HR hitter. It is obvious he is extending this lineup and a terrific all-around hitter. The only question regarding his contribution to the team is health.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4. BA= .261. Crawford is quietly having an excellent season at the plate so far with an OBP over .400.
Tim Hudson- 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 10/5. ERA= 1.15. A very workmanlike start for Huddy. The Giants need him to get deep into games. He did that an more today. One thing I've noticed about Huddy so far: He is not just a groundball pitcher. He can get you out on pitches up in the zone and can get a K when he needs it.
The Win ups the Giants record to 6-2 on the season and pushes the D'Backs further into the cellar at 2-8, 5 games off the pace. The rest of the division is playing tonight.
Tim Lincecum takes the hill facing Bronson Arroyo tomorrow evening in Game 2 of the series.
Around the League:
LHP Matt Moore, TB Rays, another very hard thrower, came out of last night's game with elbow pain after visibly wincing on his last pitch.
Remember Ryan Braun and not being able to feel his thumb? He musta been feelin' it today! 3 dingers! At this point, I'm not sure you can believe anything this guy says, but since he's on my fantasy team, I'll hope he stays healthy all season and has some more games like this.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .441. Pagan was once again the tablesetter getting on base and scoring 2 runs in the first 3 innings. Kruk showed a nice graphic demonstrating Pagan's intense early season pitch selection and control of the strike zone.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .343. Belt continued his early season power display with a first inning dinger in AT&T Park. He's tied with Mark Trumbo for the MLB lead.
Michael Morse- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .391. Morse is so much more than a HR hitter. It is obvious he is extending this lineup and a terrific all-around hitter. The only question regarding his contribution to the team is health.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4. BA= .261. Crawford is quietly having an excellent season at the plate so far with an OBP over .400.
Tim Hudson- 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 10/5. ERA= 1.15. A very workmanlike start for Huddy. The Giants need him to get deep into games. He did that an more today. One thing I've noticed about Huddy so far: He is not just a groundball pitcher. He can get you out on pitches up in the zone and can get a K when he needs it.
The Win ups the Giants record to 6-2 on the season and pushes the D'Backs further into the cellar at 2-8, 5 games off the pace. The rest of the division is playing tonight.
Tim Lincecum takes the hill facing Bronson Arroyo tomorrow evening in Game 2 of the series.
Around the League:
LHP Matt Moore, TB Rays, another very hard thrower, came out of last night's game with elbow pain after visibly wincing on his last pitch.
Remember Ryan Braun and not being able to feel his thumb? He musta been feelin' it today! 3 dingers! At this point, I'm not sure you can believe anything this guy says, but since he's on my fantasy team, I'll hope he stays healthy all season and has some more games like this.
Down on the Farm: 4/7/2014
AAA Salt Lake City Bees stung the Fresno Grizzlies 5-4:
Joe Panik(SS)- 2 for 4, 3B, HBP. BA= .350.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .500.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 1 for 1, HR(1). BA= .313.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 4 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 11.25.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 13.50.
Second game in a row at SS for Panik. I noticed he seemed to hit better on days he played SS last year too. Abreu came out after the dinger and was replaced by Ciriaco. Gotta think he's hurting. Giants think Dunning can go long in relief. Looks like they are prepping him for that role. At this point, Heston is just filling out the rotation.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Bowie Baysox rained out.
High A Lancaster Jethawks scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 9'th to top the San Jose Giants 2-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 10.13.
There is some reason why the Giants are being extraordinarily patient with Biagini. Let's see if he can keep this up. Okert has been lights out so far. This is the second time in 3 games that Mizenko has given up the only runs of the game by a Giants pitcher in the bottom of the 9'th for a walk-off loss. He could be in the hot seat in the closer role.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats postponed by rain.
Joe Panik(SS)- 2 for 4, 3B, HBP. BA= .350.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .500.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 1 for 1, HR(1). BA= .313.
Chris Heston(RHP)- 4 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 11.25.
Jake Dunning(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Erik Cordier(RHP)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 13.50.
Second game in a row at SS for Panik. I noticed he seemed to hit better on days he played SS last year too. Abreu came out after the dinger and was replaced by Ciriaco. Gotta think he's hurting. Giants think Dunning can go long in relief. Looks like they are prepping him for that role. At this point, Heston is just filling out the rotation.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Bowie Baysox rained out.
High A Lancaster Jethawks scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 9'th to top the San Jose Giants 2-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 10.13.
There is some reason why the Giants are being extraordinarily patient with Biagini. Let's see if he can keep this up. Okert has been lights out so far. This is the second time in 3 games that Mizenko has given up the only runs of the game by a Giants pitcher in the bottom of the 9'th for a walk-off loss. He could be in the hot seat in the closer role.
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats postponed by rain.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Down on the Farm: 4/6/2014
AAA Las Vegas 51's edged the Fresno Grizzlies 6-5:
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B, SB(1). BA= .368.
Joe Panik(SS)- 3 for 5. BA= .313.
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 1 for 3, 2 SF, SB(3). BA= .294.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5. BA= .278.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .267.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.75.
Jeremy Affeldt(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 27.00.
This is the kind of line we used to see from Gary Brown with some regularity in college and San Jose. BA, Gap power, speed. That's his ticket. He just needs to be himself, IMO, but he needs to have one of these lines 2-3 times per week. Interesting that Panik played SS and had a nice game at the plate. Is Dominguez turning into more of a base-stealer than slugger? Much better line from Affeldt.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels trounced the New Britain Rock Cats 8-2:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .556.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 3, HBP. BA= .313.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .300.
Brett Krill(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .308.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6/1. ERA= 1.80.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Parker stays hot. Solid first AA game for Cricky.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3-1:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 5. BA= .333.
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 3 for 4. BA= .500.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .444.
Pat Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ryan Bradley(LHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(2). ERA= 4.50.
Chad Billingsley(RHP, Quakes)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.75.
IMO, Pat Young and his nasty stuff is a major sleeper in the system to watch.
Low A Charleston River Dogs defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 4-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .467.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .357.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Nice peripherals from Diaz.
Around the League: The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that top pitching prospect, Jameson Taillon, will undergo Tommy John Surgery in the near future. This adds yet another pitcher with triple digit radar gun readings to the TJ ranks in what is fast becoming an epidemic. Hitting triple digits appears to be a definite risk factor.
Gary Brown(CF)- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B, SB(1). BA= .368.
Joe Panik(SS)- 3 for 5. BA= .313.
Chris Dominguez(1B)- 1 for 3, 2 SF, SB(3). BA= .294.
Adam Duvall(3B)- 2 for 5. BA= .278.
Tony Abreu(2B)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .267.
Jason Berken(RHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.75.
Jeremy Affeldt(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 27.00.
This is the kind of line we used to see from Gary Brown with some regularity in college and San Jose. BA, Gap power, speed. That's his ticket. He just needs to be himself, IMO, but he needs to have one of these lines 2-3 times per week. Interesting that Panik played SS and had a nice game at the plate. Is Dominguez turning into more of a base-stealer than slugger? Much better line from Affeldt.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels trounced the New Britain Rock Cats 8-2:
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .556.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 3, HBP. BA= .313.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .300.
Brett Krill(LF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .308.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6/1. ERA= 1.80.
Austin Fleet(RHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.75.
Parker stays hot. Solid first AA game for Cricky.
High A San Jose Giants topped the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3-1:
Jesus Galindo(CF)- 2 for 5. BA= .333.
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 3 for 4. BA= .500.
Elliott Blair(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .444.
Pat Young(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ryan Bradley(LHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Steven Okert(LHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Mizenko(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(2). ERA= 4.50.
Chad Billingsley(RHP, Quakes)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 6.75.
IMO, Pat Young and his nasty stuff is a major sleeper in the system to watch.
Low A Charleston River Dogs defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 4-1:
Brandon Bednar(3B)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .467.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .357.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Nice peripherals from Diaz.
Around the League: The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that top pitching prospect, Jameson Taillon, will undergo Tommy John Surgery in the near future. This adds yet another pitcher with triple digit radar gun readings to the TJ ranks in what is fast becoming an epidemic. Hitting triple digits appears to be a definite risk factor.
Game Wrap 4/6/2014: Dodgers 6 Giants 2
There as a strong offshore flow in SoCal today and balls were flying out of Dodger Stadium. Unfortunately, more of them flew out for the Dodgers than the Giants in this one. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(4). BA= .323. Belt appears to be on track for his widely expected breakout season. John Kruk(yeah, THAT Kruk!) did a great job of explaining "wrapping" and how Belt's change in grip has improved his hitting. That was, by far, Kruk's best contribution to the ESPN broadcast.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .138. Pence seems to be heating up after a very quiet opening series in Arizona.
Matt Cain- 6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 3 HR. ERA= 5.73. OK, I knew there were going to be some dingers tonight when I woke up this morning and the wind was blowing in from the northeast. Dry as a bone and the balls go flying! On the other hand, the pitch he threw to Kemp for the first HR just had nothing on it at all. You can't make those mistakes against the Dodgers on any day and certainly not on an offshore flow day. The other early warning sign I had was that Cain was obviously trying to pitch to contact and keep his pitch count down. He was getting outs, but all on batted balls. THAT will eventually catch up to you, especially if you are a flyball pitcher.
Zach Greinke(Dodgers)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 8 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 3.27. I don't think balls and strikes were an issue for Matt Cain, but the ump gave Greinke and the Dodgers relievers a ridiculously huge strike zone all night. Greinke is a tough customer with a regulation zone. Greinke was also acting mighty strange in the 6'th inning frequently squatting behind the mound as if he was trying to stretch something out and generally acting like that was the last place in the world he wanted to be. Yet, he' showed excellent movement on a comebacker and then shook Mattingly off when the Dodger's skipper went out to ask if he needed to come out. After the game, Greinke tweeted that he had "no idea" why Mattingly was out there. Weird stuff!!
With the Loss, the Giants record falls to 5-2 but they maintain a 0.5 game lead over the 5-3 Dodgers in the NL West. The Rockies lost to the D'Backs to stay 2 games behind at 3-4 while the Padres topped the Marlins and are 2.5 games out at 2-4. The D'Backs improved to 2-7 and stayed 4 games off the pace in last place.
The Giants have tomorrow off followed by their Home Opener on Tuesday against the D'Backs with Tim Hudson facing Trevor Cahill.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 4, HR(4). BA= .323. Belt appears to be on track for his widely expected breakout season. John Kruk(yeah, THAT Kruk!) did a great job of explaining "wrapping" and how Belt's change in grip has improved his hitting. That was, by far, Kruk's best contribution to the ESPN broadcast.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .138. Pence seems to be heating up after a very quiet opening series in Arizona.
Matt Cain- 6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 3 HR. ERA= 5.73. OK, I knew there were going to be some dingers tonight when I woke up this morning and the wind was blowing in from the northeast. Dry as a bone and the balls go flying! On the other hand, the pitch he threw to Kemp for the first HR just had nothing on it at all. You can't make those mistakes against the Dodgers on any day and certainly not on an offshore flow day. The other early warning sign I had was that Cain was obviously trying to pitch to contact and keep his pitch count down. He was getting outs, but all on batted balls. THAT will eventually catch up to you, especially if you are a flyball pitcher.
Zach Greinke(Dodgers)- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 8 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 3.27. I don't think balls and strikes were an issue for Matt Cain, but the ump gave Greinke and the Dodgers relievers a ridiculously huge strike zone all night. Greinke is a tough customer with a regulation zone. Greinke was also acting mighty strange in the 6'th inning frequently squatting behind the mound as if he was trying to stretch something out and generally acting like that was the last place in the world he wanted to be. Yet, he' showed excellent movement on a comebacker and then shook Mattingly off when the Dodger's skipper went out to ask if he needed to come out. After the game, Greinke tweeted that he had "no idea" why Mattingly was out there. Weird stuff!!
With the Loss, the Giants record falls to 5-2 but they maintain a 0.5 game lead over the 5-3 Dodgers in the NL West. The Rockies lost to the D'Backs to stay 2 games behind at 3-4 while the Padres topped the Marlins and are 2.5 games out at 2-4. The D'Backs improved to 2-7 and stayed 4 games off the pace in last place.
The Giants have tomorrow off followed by their Home Opener on Tuesday against the D'Backs with Tim Hudson facing Trevor Cahill.
Down on the Farm: 4/5/2014
AAA Fresno Grizzlies scored 7 runs in the top of the 9'th inning for a comeback win over the Las Vegas 51's 8-6:
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, Assist(home). BA= .286.
Chris Dominguez(LF-1B)- 2 for 5. BA= .286.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .583.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 7.71.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 4.50.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Rough start for Escobar, but it's his first of the season and Vegas is a rough place to pitch.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the New Britain Rock Cats 13-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .400.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .308.
Jarrett Parker(DH)- 4 for 5, HR(1). BA= .615.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .308.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .231.
Skyler Stromsmoe(3B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .667.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.40.
Law, Osich, Hall, McCormick- 1 IP, 0 R each.
So-so start for Mejia on a good day for the hitters. Parker may win both the MVP of hair and the MVP of the EL!
High A Rancho Cucamonga scored a run in the bottom of the 9'th off reliever Stephen Johnson to win a pitcher's duel 1-0:
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .300.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. ERA= 0.00.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Brian Wilson(RHP, Quakes)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Strong effort by Gregorio. He faced one batter who singled in the 5'th inning. I assume it was due to pitch count considerations. Tweet from Conor Penfold picked up by CoveChatter had him sitting 92-94 with an easy delivery. McVay stretches out in long relief. LOL Brian Wilson!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Charleston River Dogs 6-3:
Randy Ortiz(CF)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .250.
Ryan Tuntland(1B)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .200.
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .250.
Matthew Chavez(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .500.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .300.
Christian Paulino(LF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(1). BA= .000.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/1. ERA= 1.59.
Strong first start for the young future ace, Mella. Links on Covechatter to come great articles by David Lee in the Augusta Chronicle about Mella. FB was 92-94 with lots of 94's with heavy sink. Curveball and changeup look promising.
Starters for today are Jason Berken, Kyle Crick, Pat Young and Carlos Diaz.
Gary Brown(CF)- 2 for 5, Assist(home). BA= .286.
Chris Dominguez(LF-1B)- 2 for 5. BA= .286.
Andrew Susac(Catcher)- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .583.
Edwin Escobar(LHP)- 4.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 7.71.
Brett Bochy(RHP)- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
Mason Tobin(RHP)- 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K. ERA= 4.50.
Heath Hembree(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
Rough start for Escobar, but it's his first of the season and Vegas is a rough place to pitch.
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the New Britain Rock Cats 13-3:
Tyler Graham(CF)- 3 for 6, 2B. BA= .400.
Matt Duffy(SS)- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .308.
Jarrett Parker(DH)- 4 for 5, HR(1). BA= .615.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .308.
Myles Schroder(Catcher)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .231.
Skyler Stromsmoe(3B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .667.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.40.
Law, Osich, Hall, McCormick- 1 IP, 0 R each.
So-so start for Mejia on a good day for the hitters. Parker may win both the MVP of hair and the MVP of the EL!
High A Rancho Cucamonga scored a run in the bottom of the 9'th off reliever Stephen Johnson to win a pitcher's duel 1-0:
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .300.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. ERA= 0.00.
Mason McVay(LHP)- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Brian Wilson(RHP, Quakes)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Strong effort by Gregorio. He faced one batter who singled in the 5'th inning. I assume it was due to pitch count considerations. Tweet from Conor Penfold picked up by CoveChatter had him sitting 92-94 with an easy delivery. McVay stretches out in long relief. LOL Brian Wilson!
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Charleston River Dogs 6-3:
Randy Ortiz(CF)- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .250.
Ryan Tuntland(1B)- 1 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .200.
Ryder Jones(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .250.
Matthew Chavez(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .500.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .300.
Christian Paulino(LF)- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(1). BA= .000.
Keury Mella(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/1. ERA= 1.59.
Strong first start for the young future ace, Mella. Links on Covechatter to come great articles by David Lee in the Augusta Chronicle about Mella. FB was 92-94 with lots of 94's with heavy sink. Curveball and changeup look promising.
Starters for today are Jason Berken, Kyle Crick, Pat Young and Carlos Diaz.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Game Wrap 4/5/2014: Giants 7 Dodgers 2
Earl Weaver once said that the keys to winning baseball games were great pitching and 3-run home runs. Today, Pablo Sandoval supplied the 3-run home run and Madison Bumgarner supplied the pitching to power the Giants to the Win. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .407 Pagan continues to be a catalyst at the top of the order.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 5, 2 2B, Assist(home). BA= .120. Pence did not figure in the scoring, but the 2 doubles are hopefully the breakout from his season opening slump. He also threw out the trailing runner at the plate on a play the Dodgers appealed to Instant Replay. The play was upheld in the Giants favor. That's 3 big runners Pence has gunned down already this year.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .174. I haven't been too worried about Pablo as it seems like he's hit the ball hard several times, but right at people. This one went over everybody's head and out of the park to break open a 2-1 ballgame up to that point.
Buster Posey- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .381. Posey's dinger was a back-to-back with Pablo in the 5'th inning to stretch the score to 6-1.
Michael Morse- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB. BA= .313. So far, Morse has been a great addition to the lineup and has not been a significant liability in the field after getting the kinks worked out in the Bay Bridge Series.
Brandon Crawford- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .267, OBP= .450. Crawford seems to be seeing the ball well.
Madison Bumgarner- 1 for 2, Sac. BA= .500. Giants pitchers have had some big hits already this year.
Madison Bumgarner- 7.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 1.74. You knew Bummy would bounceback in this one and he did not disappoint. He was in mid-season form against a very potent Dodgers lineup. Ha! This from Alex Pavlovic: Some LA reporter asked Madison Bumgarner what he was doing different against Puig. "Nothing," Bummy replied, "I was pretty good last year too!" LOL!
The Win puts the Giants record at 5-1, 1.5 games ahead of the 4-3 Dodgers. The rest of the NL West plays tonight.
Around the League:
Remember Billy Hamilton? Well, he's started the season 0 for 12 with 6 K's and sat out today's game with a sprained finger suffered while sliding into 1B. Nope, you can't steal first base, Billy!
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .407 Pagan continues to be a catalyst at the top of the order.
Hunter Pence- 2 for 5, 2 2B, Assist(home). BA= .120. Pence did not figure in the scoring, but the 2 doubles are hopefully the breakout from his season opening slump. He also threw out the trailing runner at the plate on a play the Dodgers appealed to Instant Replay. The play was upheld in the Giants favor. That's 3 big runners Pence has gunned down already this year.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .174. I haven't been too worried about Pablo as it seems like he's hit the ball hard several times, but right at people. This one went over everybody's head and out of the park to break open a 2-1 ballgame up to that point.
Buster Posey- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .381. Posey's dinger was a back-to-back with Pablo in the 5'th inning to stretch the score to 6-1.
Michael Morse- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB. BA= .313. So far, Morse has been a great addition to the lineup and has not been a significant liability in the field after getting the kinks worked out in the Bay Bridge Series.
Brandon Crawford- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .267, OBP= .450. Crawford seems to be seeing the ball well.
Madison Bumgarner- 1 for 2, Sac. BA= .500. Giants pitchers have had some big hits already this year.
Madison Bumgarner- 7.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 1.74. You knew Bummy would bounceback in this one and he did not disappoint. He was in mid-season form against a very potent Dodgers lineup. Ha! This from Alex Pavlovic: Some LA reporter asked Madison Bumgarner what he was doing different against Puig. "Nothing," Bummy replied, "I was pretty good last year too!" LOL!
The Win puts the Giants record at 5-1, 1.5 games ahead of the 4-3 Dodgers. The rest of the NL West plays tonight.
Around the League:
Remember Billy Hamilton? Well, he's started the season 0 for 12 with 6 K's and sat out today's game with a sprained finger suffered while sliding into 1B. Nope, you can't steal first base, Billy!
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